The Real Jesus Piece Chain: A Symbol of Luxury and Controversy

Kanye West is known for his bold and extravagant statements, but few have sparked as much controversy as his infamous 'Jesus Piece' chain. First introduced in 2007 as part of the cover artwork for his album Graduation, the Jesus piece was created by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami and features a stained glass Jesus wearing a large diamond-encrusted pendant.

Estimated to cost around $200,000, the original Jesus piece is an opulent display of luxury and excess. West has since worn multiple iterations of the piece on stage and in public appearances, often incorporating different colors and designs into his outfits.

But the Jesus Piece is more than just a flashy accessory - it's also a symbol of controversy and social commentary. West has been open about how he uses his platform to make statements about society and culture, and the Jesus piece is no exception. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he explained that he created the piece as a way to poke fun at the idea of using religious symbols for personal gain.

'I'll say it's the one (Jesus) off my grandmother's wall! It's Grandma's Jesus!' West joked about his decision to use the image. 'Because I have socially conscious lyrics and I'm-a get flak.'

The Jesus piece has also been used as a way for West to express his personal style and creativity. He has worn different versions of the piece on stage, often incorporating different colors and designs into his outfits.

In 2009, West partnered with jeweler Jacob Arabo to create a personal Jesus piece that was valued at $25,000. The custom-made piece featured clear diamonds for Jesus' crown of thorns, yellow and light-brown diamonds as Jesus' blond hair, aquamarines for blue eyes, and small rubies for the tears of blood on his face.

The real Jesus Piece chain is a symbol of luxury, creativity, and controversy - a reflection of Kanye West's bold and unapologetic style. Whether you see it as a statement piece or just a flashy accessory, the Jesus Piece is an iconic part of hip-hop culture that continues to inspire and provoke debate.

Real jesus piece chain