What do you give a hip-hop fan who has everything? Rap collectibles! Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, anniversary, or any other celebratory occasion, rare toys and collectibles are the perfect gift for the hip-hop nerd in your life.
The Complex Shop is currently filled with interesting collectibles, from OutKast and J Dilla action figures, to A Tribe Called Quest trading cards, to rare vinyl. Here are our picks for 15 rap collectible gift ideas for the hip-hop fan in your life.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard is, of course, a beloved member of the other group with a very legit claim to G.R.G.O.A.T. This collectible action figure features ODB sporting the always iconic jorts-and-Timbs combo. It also might get a few of your other action figures pregnant, so keep it on a separate shelf from the Barbies.
Jay-Z is famed for not actually writing down his lyrics—so, naturally, he’s the subject of this gargantuan tome, where his life and career are documented in great detail. Inspired by the legendary Brooklyn Museum exhibit chronicling Jay’s life, The Book of Hov is a must have for any Jay-Z fan.
This limited edition lithograph was originally released in a run of 200 prints during Denzel Curry’s 2022 tour. It commemorates both the tour and the “Zatoichi” single from his acclaimed album, Melt My Eyez See Your Future.
OK, this is just really, really cool. The late, great J Dilla is immortalized in this action figure, dressed as Dilla appeared on his classic Donuts album, and featuring a miniature MPC 3000. If you’re going to dork out on rap collectibles, dork out like this.
If “Ayy bitch wait ‘till you see my dick” seems too forward a pickup line to use at the next trading card convention, may we suggest “Wait ‘till you see my Ying Yang Twins GAS Card Set”? A song as amazing as this (IYKYK) needs a limited edition card set as cool as this.
Before OutKast, before Wu-Tang, there was Cold Crush. The legendary Bronx group was celebrated for their intricate vocal interplay and incredible live shows. This pic shows the group in 1983, shortly after their multiple scene-stealing appearances in Wild Style.
This 5-piece set features cards featuring each individual member of Tribe (including Jarobi) circa the release of their 1990 debut album People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.
“Born in the Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip-Hop” is a pictorial celebration of the roots of rap music, featuring photos, flyers, and other visual ephemera from hip-hop’s early days.
The leader of the Wu-Tang Clan practically demands the royal GAS card treatment, and this set does not disappoint. Featuring a RZA “Rookie” card from 1993 and a Bobby Digital card showcasing the legendary producer’s evolution.
Snowy in the bezel as the cloud merges! Ghostface Killah as seen in the video from “Apollo Kids” off his classic Supreme Clientele album. It’s fully articulated! It comes with an ice cream cone and Ghostface’s iconic golden eagle cuff! Go buy this now.
No collection of late ‘90s/early ‘00s action figures can be complete without this Biggie Smalls collectible. Showing Big in a classic mid-’90s fit of leather jacket, Timbs, and newsboy cap, this ReAction Figure also includes a gold chain and a cardback inspired by his Ready to Die debut album.
The most LA of Tupac’s albums, and the last to feature his full creative control, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory gets a special City of Angels treatment with this limited edition vinyl release. Pressed on speckled gray vinyl and with a new cover featuring ‘Pac in LA Kings attire, this LP comes in a strictly limited run of 3000 copies.
