The story

Gold teeth, luxury cars and diamond chains heavy enough to slump a bodybuilder's shoulders have been ubiquitous symbols in hip-hop music for years, if not decades.

But -- as you may have noticed at the Grammys on Sunday -- there are signs that the genre's high-dollar bling may not survive the economic recession.

Many rappers came to the annual music awards show wearing sleek suits; their famous jewels were conspicuously absent. Artist Lil Wayne, who accepted two of rap's biggest awards -- Grammys for best solo rap performance and best rap album -- performed wearing a T-shirt. Only a modest necklace dangled from his neck. Read full article »

All About Hip-Hop Culture • Music • Grammy Awards