Bling Bling: Hip Hop's Crown Jewels

Rap musicians' obsession with outlandish jewelry, the ""bling"" of the title, is celebrated by pop culture reporter Oh in her first book. Rapper Big Daddy Kane tells her, ""It's all about getting people to look at you,"" and the photos in this slick, urban volume prove his point. From huge ""dookie"" chains to jewel-encrusted Jesus heads, from platinum and gold teeth to the $40,000 bracelet Method Man bought for his three-year-old daughter, the artists of hip hop make it clear in numerous interviews that the acquisition of costly jewelry is a major part of becoming a star. Oh interviews many of rap's bling-obsessed heavyweights, including 50 Cent, Lil Jon, Chuck D and RZA, but bypasses artists, such as Eminem, who maintain a lower-key appearance. Most of the interviews are laced with profanities and reveal little except that the artist digs bling bling. When more serious topics are raised, such as the exploitation of Africans in the mining of diamonds, or what kind of message the rap world's materialistic vision sends to its audience, Oh doesn't probe. For example, when ordained minister Run, of Run-D.M.C. proclaims his affection for bling by saying, ""God wants you to have everything you want to have,"" Oh declines to question him further. Slickly designed and full of unique content, this book will find a welcome home next to any hip-hop CD collection. Photos.