‘My jewels are my superhero suit’: Slick Rick on hip-hop bling
The London-born New York rapper Slick Rick talks us through the history of rappers’ accessories, and shows off his collection, from gold teeth to diamond eye patch
April 2017
On my radar
On my radar: Jonzi D’s cultural highlights
The choreographer on fantasy horror, rocking out to Slick Rick in his faux fur coat, and rasta pasta to die for
November 2016
Slick Rick: ‘You learn from prison time – what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’
His morality tales of ghetto life made the Anglo-American rapper famous – and chillingly predicted his imprisonment for attempted murder. Now, 13 years since he was last released, he reflects on his legacy
September 2011
Def Jam – In pictures
From humble beginnings in student digs, the record label Def Jam is credited with bringing street culture to the masses – and helping to elect a president. As a new book celebrates the label's first 25 years, Gareth Grundy examines its legacy
August 2009
Mos Def: The Ecstatic
Given the quality of the production, it matters little that Mos has not really moved on, writes Paul MacInnes
May 2009
Not rapper's delight: credit crunch takes its toll on bling
Even hip-hop is not recession-proof. As artists cash in their real for fake, let's take a 24-carat walk down bling lane
September 2008
Hip-hop's crown jewels for sale
Some of the most spectacular pieces of hip-hop blingery are set to go under the hammer at Phillips de Pury auction house. But can you guess the value of these flash accessories?
April 2004
Jailed rapper signs up for $3m release
According to industry sources, Shyne has signed a $3m record deal despite not being due for release from jail until 2009.
