On October 4, 2024, Lord Jamar made an appearance on The Art of Dialogue podcast, where he discussed the resemblance between Jay-Z and the iconic artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Jamar pointed out that while many internet rumors can be easily dismissed, a significant number of them had validity prior to the digital age. This seemed to reference the scrutiny Jay-Z is currently facing amid the ongoing Diddy scandal.
During the podcast, Jamar stated:
“I’m just saying some of these rumors have been about people for a long time. You’ve been hearing little things about them and have you heard little sh*t about Jay-Z, yep!”
He elaborated:
“Do I think that he’s trying to emulate himself & present himself as a gay painter, like to look like Basquiat! Yep, I do. I think 50 Cent was right about that…”
Lord Jamar also discussed a certain “code”that aims to make one appear more relatable to the white community. He pondered the reasons behind the fascination with Basquiat, suggesting that this code serves to convince others of one’s cultured status.
Jean-Michel Basquiat, born in December 1960 in New York City, was a prolific artist who rose to fame in the 1980s as part of the graffiti duo SAMO. His mother, Matilde, played a significant role in cultivating his love for art by taking him to local artist museums. Notably, he made a brief appearance in Blondie’s 1981 music video for “Rapture.”
According to Hang Up Pictures, Basquiat was celebrated for his unique portrayal of history. Following his death, esteemed art dealer Jeffrey Deitch remarked:
“I would say that Jean-Michel had more raw talent as an artist than anyone I’ve ever met in my life.”
Understanding the Connection Between Basquiat and Jay-Z Amid Lord Jamar’s Comments
As previously mentioned, Lord Jamar highlighted the connections between Jay-Z and the renowned neo-expressionist artist Basquiat. He asserted that Jay-Z may be attempting to emulate the late artist to become more approachable.
In 2013, Jay-Z referenced Basquiat multiple times in his track “Picasso Baby,”where he rhymed:
“I’m the new Jean-Michel.”
According to the official website of NMAAHC:
“Basquiat was and is still considered a groundbreaking artist in the neo-expressionism art movement. A young black artist, his artwork dealt with themes of racism, classism, colonialism, and other power structures and their effects on U.S. society.”
Numerous high-profile celebrities admire Basquiat’s work, including Jay-Z, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen DeGeneres, Johnny Depp, and Bono. His artwork ranks among the priciest in America, as reported by Hang Up Pictures, with one of his pieces fetching an astonishing $100 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2017.
Prior to that, in 2016, one of his “Head”paintings sold for approximately $57.3 million, alongside other works that have garnered staggering sums.
In 2021, controversy arose involving Jay-Z and Beyoncé when they campaigned for Tiffany using Basquiat’s artwork. As reported by Business Insider, friends of the artist expressed their horror, claiming the artwork showcased did not accurately represent Basquiat’s intent.
They argued that commercializing his art contradicted his authentic vision. Lord Jamar’s remarks regarding Jay-Z have gained significant traction amidst these ongoing discussions.
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