Vikki Tobak – författare

Whether it's diamond-encrusted grills, oversized “truck” style chains, bust-down Rolex and Patek Philippe watches or a Tiffany necklace, jewelry is a cornerstone of hip-hop culture. Glittering, blinged-out jewels are the shining statement of a collective identity: unapologetic, charismatic, and street savvy. Spanning the history of hip-hop jewelry, from the 1980s to today, Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History is a stunning compilation of storytelling and visuals. Hundreds of extraordinary images of every major hip-hop artist on record celebrate how “Ice” has become a proclamation of identity and self-expression. Starting with Run-DMC’s gold Adidas pendants and Eric B. & Rakim’s ostentatious dookie rope chains and Mercedes medallions, the jewelry then transforms from street style into a booming design culture. The hip-hop tradition of “show up and show out” reaches new heights with artists like Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, Gucci Mane, and Cardi B, whose over-the-top pieces integrate unique pop culture references, unconventional materials, and enduring collaborations with artists like Takashi Murakami. Author Vikki Tobak reveals – in great detail – the work of pioneering jewelers such as Tito Caicedo of Manny’s, Eddie Plein, and Jacob the Jeweler as well as newer artisans such as Avianne & Co., Ben Baller/IF & Co., Greg Yuna, Johnny Dang, Eliantte, and many more. Ice Cold is a treasure trove of dazzling, inspirational style, featuring the work of leading photographers, including Wolfgang Tillmans, Janette Beckman, Jamel Shabazz, Timothy White, Gillian Laub, David LaChapelle, Danny Clinch, Chris Buck, Mike Miller, Phil Knott, Raven B. Varona, Al Pereira, Albert Watson and many more. A foreword by hip-hop superstar Slick Rick and essays by A$AP Ferg, LL COOL J, Kevin “Coach K’ Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas of Quality Control Music take us on personal journeys into their jewelry universe. Ice Cold goes beyond the ostentatious bling to reveal a transformative story that is loud and proud.

A collection of photographic essays of hip-hop legends, as told through the contact sheets from their most iconic photoshoots   In a genre of music where identity, swagger, skills, and status are everything, it only takes one pose or one photograph to tell the world who you are or where you came from. Contact High highlights the work of some of the most legendary hip-hop photographers in the business, providing a rare glimpse into the symbiotic relationship between music and photography, and revealing how the style of an artist in one medium can influence and define the persona of another.   Told through the contact sheets of over 100 photoshoots, Contact High is a visual history of the pinnacle years of hip-hop. From Barron Claiborne''s "King of New York" shoot in 1997 with Biggie Smalls; to Kanye West''s The College Dropout album cover, shot by Danny Clinch; to Gordon Parks'',"A Great Day in Hip-Hop" covershoot for XXL Magazine, this gorgeous coffee table book tells the stories behind the iconic photographs that became the album covers, t-shirts and posters coveted by rap and hip-hop fans today.

A celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop’s vibrant history, and its transformative influence not just on American music and culture, but across the world.This vivid chronicle of the rhythm, rhyme, and reason of Hip Hop is told through intimate narratives, over 150 iconic images, and the voices of Hip Hop's founding artists. Co-authored by the legendary LL COOL J, celebrated journalist Vikki Tobak, and Rock The Bells’ editorial director Alec Banks, this unparalleled collection is a must-have for music fans.•Personal Stories from Hip Hop Luminaries: Firsthand accounts from the likes of DJ Kool Herc, Salt-N-Pepa, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg and many more.•Insights from Hip Hop Royalty: Written contributions from an A-list roster including Rakim, MC Lyte, Jay-Z, and many more.•Iconic Shots from Photographic Legends: Contributions from Joe Conzo Jr., Ernie Paniccioli, Jonathan Mannion, and others who chronicled Hip Hop's rise.•Rare Images & Cultural Artifacts: Capturing the essence of Hip Hop, from street scenes to iconic performances. Delve into a collection of album covers, handwritten lyrics, and original graffiti art.•Essential for an Aficionado’s Collection: With art direction by Hip Hop photography icon Ernie Paniccioli and photo editing by the renowned Jonathan Mannion.This treasure-filled testament to a cultural revolution charts Hip Hop's birth, meteoric rise, and enduring influence on the American music scene for fans everywhere.