News | May 3, 2013

Swizz Beatz Got Two New Tattoos Inspired by Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

News | May 3, 2013

By Jennifer Kamm

Hip hop producer Swizz Beatz stopped by Sotheby’s new Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition earlier this week and showed just how much he admires the late Brooklyn artist. While giving an introductory speech, Beatz revealed that he has two arm tattoos in tribute to the Basquiat, who died of a drug overdose in 1988 at the age of 27.

After probing from the crowd, Beatz rolled up the sleeve of his white blazer and unveiled a black ink tattoo of Basquiat’s face, reports Milk Made. Basquiat is best known for his exploration of cultural identity, justice and equality and his ability to turn almost any medium into thought-provoking works of art. For example, in one graffiti-style piece, Basquiat painted “Jimmy best on his back to the suckerpunch of his childhood files” onto a metal panel.

The “Man Made: Jean-Michel Basquiat” exhibition is on display through June 9th.