S. Samuel
Rap mogul Jay Z is making headlines heading into the weekend after being named one of the most powerful people in the art world by The Guardian. #PowerUp
Placed in The Guardian‘s “Collectors” column, Jay is noted for his love toward the art world.
Jay Z: In one video he rapped in front of a Takashi Murakami painting and a sculpture of Tim Noble and Sue Webster (featuring a flashing dollar sign). His Picasso Baby, filmed in Pace Gallery and featuring too many curators and artists to count, was not the art world’s finest seven minutes. (The Guardian)
Jigga took direct aim at Young Money’s Drake and defended his knack for rhyming about high-profile art on a recently released “We Made It” remix.
Hov takes the opportunity to stunt on his haters with a killer verse. “Sorry Mr. Drizzy for so much art talk / Silly me rapping about sh*t that I really bought / While these rappers rap about guns they ain’t shot and a bunch of other silly sh*t that they ain’t got / I’m on my Lupita Nyong’o / Stuntin’ on stage after 12 Years a Slave,” he boasts. (Rap-Up)
In a recent interview, Drake specifically called out Jay over his art references.
Drake is interested in art, but he scoffs at how trendy art shout-outs have become in rap. “It’s like Hov can’t drop bars these days without at least four art references!” he says. “I would love to collect at some point, but I think the whole rap/art world thing is getting kind of corny.” (Rolling Stone)
Last year, producer Swizz Beatz revealed Jay purchased one of his art works.
Swizz Beatz’ art will soon be hanging from the walls of Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s house. The Roc Nation mogul has purchased a Mercedes-Benz hood that Swizz adorned with Jean-Michel Basquiat’s face. He dubbed the piece “Holy Grail” and dedicated it to Hov. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to art schools. “Look who purchased my Basquiat on Benz Hood 2day,” tweeted Swizz. “what a honor and Blessing I’m so grateful for the support! July 4 its Showtime ART LIFE!!! I will use proceeds to continue helping kids in need.” The piece is 1/50 car hoods he plans to create for his art exhibit. The super-producer also designed a Porsche hood with Muhammad Ali’s face, which fetched $24,000 at auction. (Rap-Up)
#PowerUp
