The Original Voice of the Streets: Jean Michel Basquiat
You’ve heard the name mentioned in a few of your favorite ride-out songs this summer, but exactly who or what is Basquiat?? Jean Michel Basquiat started as a graffiti artist in NYC but was eventually noticed by the city’s art world and became one of the most popular artists of the 80’s appearing on the cover of The New York Times. The street artist turned household name died at the age of 27 from a heroin overdose, but his work remains a source of inspiration for young rebels and free spirits.
More recently, Basquiat has been getting major shine on some of Hip Hop’s hottest tracks such as Lil Wayne and Rick Ross’ If I Die Today and Jay Z & Kanye West’s That’s My B!tch. What is it about Basquiat that makes Rap’s superstars admire him? Maybe it was his quick rise to fame or his self-expression without apologies. We’re sure Kanye could relate to Basquiat’s talent in everything from Fashion to Music to Visual Art. Either way, today’s hip hop culture can certainly relate to and appreciate Basquiat’s “the world is mine” attitude.
“It ain’t safe in the city, watch the throne. You say I care more about them basquions, Basquiats.” – Kanye West in That’s My B!tch”
“The bigger the bullet the more that b!tch gone bang. Red on the wall, Basquiat when I paint” Rick Ross in If I Die Today
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