“Bling bling
Everytime I come around yo city
Bling bling
Pinky ring worth about fifty
Bling bling
Everytime I buy a new ride
Bling bling
Lorinsers on Yokahama tires
Bling bling”

Lil’ Wayne delivered the above lyrics on B.G.’s 1999 hit “Bling Bling”.
When he did, he created something that lasted long after the song disappeared from the radio.

Just like the hush puppies in Malcolm Gladwell’s book Tipping Point, the term bling caught on, and caught on big. When it did, bling became bigger than Lil’ Wayne or Cash Money Millionares. It became a cultural phenomanon unto itself.

When your idea tips, it ceases to be yours. If you are lucky, it makes you famous. Not famous for being clever or talented, but for your relationship to the idea.

Now when my mother in law gives my daughter her bracelet to play with and says “Do you like my bling?”, I can’t help but wonder what Lil’ Wayne would think. I guess it dosen’t really matter.
Bling bling!

About The Author - My name is Stirling McLaughlin. I am married. I am an Art Director, Designer and Illustrator. I work at Atmosphere BBDO. I have lots of ideas. I have a baby girl named Nika Bean. I live in New York City. When I was in college, they put me on TV because I wore a mask and yelled at people. I have a reality show that I wil be starting… any day now. - See My Portfolio