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Strapped Rappers Don Bogus Bling

They still talk the talk, but their stones are now cubic zirconia clones

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 26, 2009 1:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – Tough times in the hip-hop industry have taken the ka-ching out of bling, the Wall Street Journal reports. Record sales and concert attendance are falling, and jewelers say that more and more of the flashy pendants and chains favored by rappers trying to keep up appearances now contain lower-quality stones, cheaper alloys, or even cubic zirconia fakes.

Some rappers, including 50 Cent, are reveling in the chance to accuse rivals of wearing fakes. "It is every rapper's fear to be exposed as a fraud," said rap interviewer Doggie Diamonds. "If you admit you wear fake jewelry, it is over for you. It's like bragging you drive a Lamborghini when you really drive a Toyota."

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50 Cent recently taunted rival rapper Rick Ross over his allegedly fake jewelry. (AP Photo/Hector Mata,File)

Rapper Busta Rhymes performs at the Boost Mobile RockCorps Concert at Radio City Music Hall. (AP Photo/Gary He)

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A lot of these rappers simply don't have the money for real stuff anymore. It's to the point where they are wearing imitation jewelry, and that's ridiculous. - Jason Arasheben, a Beverly Hills jeweller

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Strapped Rappers Don Bogus Bling