Interview

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Back in the '80s when hip-hop started getting hot, the must-have jewelry included phat rope chains, bamboo earrings (at least two pairs, according to LL Cool J), and 14-karat-gold medallions. When hip-hop moved out of the park and into the boardroom in the ghetto fabulous '90s, the aesthetic received a red-carpet upgrade. We saw the emergence of diamonds everywhere: on necklaces, pinky rings, 10-carat stud earrings-and that was just for the men! Real hip-hop fans stopped saying bling when Katie Couric started using it, but Liberace had nothing on Diddy.

Hip-hop stars are 21st-century royalty, and their jewels from the '80s to the present will take center stage at one of the world's most acclaimed auction houses, Phillips de Pury & Company, in New York City. In keeping with its reputation as the young collectors' auction house, Phillips de Pury will present "Hip-Hop's Crown Jewels." The auction is the brainchild of the house's chairman, Simon de Pury, or as he's known in some circles, MC de Pury. Don't let the Swiss accent fool you-de Pury is a true hip-hop fan.

With de Pury's goal of making sure hip-hop is seen as an authentic art form, 50 to 60 iconic pieces are set to be auctioned off. The proceeds from the sale of five pieces will directly benefit the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History's Hip-Hop Won't Stop initiative to build a permanent hip-hop collection. Additional proceeds will benefit Rush Community Affairs, Russell Simmons's umbrella of nonprofit organizations. Buyers will also have the opportunity to donate their purchases to the museum for inclusion in its hip-hop archives. (Although who could resist at least wearing a piece around the block a few times first?). One thing's certain: Hip-hop has always got heart.

BEVY SMITH: What's your favorite hip-hop song and why?

SIMON DE PURY: There are quite a few, in fact. It's difficult to point out just one. But if I look at early rap, there's a song called "Genius Rap" by Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde which I absolutely love because of the hook line. It's completely timeless. I also love "White Lines" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. In terms of more recent hip-hop music, I love Kanye West. If I had to single out one song of his, it would be "Slow Jamz," which he sings together with Twista and Jamie Foxx. The minute you hear it, you feel in a very special mood. And then there's Jay-Z-I like most of what he does. There's one song that I also love by Slim Thug called "This Is My Life."

BS: You are so buggish gangsta right now with a Slim Thug choice-that is so insane. Houston rap is not really on the national forefront like that. Obviously, you really do love hip-hop. Who would you say is your favorite artist?

SD: Snoop Dogg. I love him both musically and as a personality. What I also admire about Snoop Dogg is his longevity. I mean, he's been around for a long time and I think he's as good as he's ever been.