I’ve taken to watching Rap videos. Not because I like the music any, but because they fascinate some sick, sad part of my soul. I think it’s the same diseased part of me that enjoys watching Old Navy commercials, “Fox’s Scarriest Train Derailments” and praying mantis’ eating one another on PBS. Remember when you first saw that “VH1-Behind the Music” of MC Hammer and how he blew through something like 30 million? I’m watching these videos like they are the prequel.
Anyway, some things I must know:[ul]
[li]What’s that fancy liquer you see in all the Rap videos? The one with the clear bottle with elegant gold highlights and black script?[/li][li]What does “FUUB” stand for? I’ve seen it emblazened on a few of the fancier rappers jackets.[/li][li]Are those teeth really gold!? Or are they just some prostetic things that can be removed?[/li][li]Are those chains they wear real? Can rappers just lease a huge piece of jewlery for a video shoot (maybe from Mr.T)?[/li][li]Bling Bling?[/li][li]H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A. Okay…“HOVE”. Ugh, yeah?[/ul][/li]
Keep the recipt to that gold plated hummer, folks.
“Bling bling” refers to jewelry or ornamentation generally; it comes from the sound gold bracelets and chains make against each other when worn.
Some of the teeth are real, but many are removable tooth-coverings. I saw a 20/20-type expose on these a few years ago. Frequently wearing gold teeth make it impossible to talk, eat, or breathe properly. Also, many schools, et al, have banned them because the keep getting stolen.
The chains are probably real. After all, you’ve got to spend money to make money.
–Cliffy
P.S. Interesting side note. DC alleged crime boss Tommy Edelin (his trial is currently big news here in the nation’s capitol) made a rap video which, according to our local newsweekly, used real guns. The video didn’t even get local airplay because the TV stations were freaked out.
The bottle you’re talking about is most likely Cristal champagne,(gold cellophane wrapping?) which has blown up big in the last few years. I saw an article in the Financial Times about the process that Cristal uses for its product placement. Supposedly, Cristal can only be shown if it " implies a gracious or upscale lifestyle", like a luxury kitchen or limo. Pfft. Yeah, whatever. Give me Iron Horse or Moet any day. Better quality and no associations.
Point the second- I think you’re referring to “FUBU”, which is a line of clothing started by I want to say Russell Simmons, but that’s probably not right. Stands for For Us, By Us.
Gold tooth caps, some can snap on, others need a dentist. Usually real gold.
While people can lease jewelery (like it’s lent out on Oscar Night), I’m going to assume that at least some of it is owned.
Bling-bling is the gold or platinum jewelery-refers to the light sparking off it. Not to be confused with “ice”, which is diamonds or other stones.
HOVA. Jay-Z’s new adopted moniker. I actually don’t mind the song, but it is damn repetitive.
Any other questions on the hip-hop lifestyle you want answered by a a painfully un-jiggy mostly white guy? I’ll be happy to oblige/