The harsh realities behind the booming diamond industry, promoted vigorously by America's hip-hop culture, is brought to life in the DVD documentary Bling. Influential rappers Raekwon, Paul Wall, and reggaeton artist Tego Calderon visit the war-stricken Sierra Leone in West Africa to witness firsthand those affected by the consumption of conflict diamonds. With actual accounts of the violent conditions from miners, amputees, and former child soldiers - as well as interviews from Big Daddy Kane, Juelz Santana, Kanye West and Jadakiss - this film shows the ultimate cost of an accessory that many of those in the African American community have blindly taken for granted. - jason thompson


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