PICASSO and JAY-Z: KINDRED SPIRITS?

July 22, 2013/Robin Rile

By Reed V. Horth, for CBP Magazine

“I’m the modern day Pablo Picasso, baby” ~Jay-Z

Spanish master Pablo Picasso died on 5 April, 1973, a little more than five months before I was born. Although over 92 years old when he passed, his vivaciousness and influence had not subsided and the world was still weeping for him when I was introduced to it.

More than 40 years after his passing, his influence spans the lexicon of modern popular culture, including art, architecture, writing, clothing design, film and music. One cannot help but see his hand on the dorm-room walls of teenage admirers and aspirant young artists seeking to find the magic with which he influenced the world for the past 116 years, since his first major work “Science & Charity” went on display at the General Fine Arts Exhibition in Madrid in spring of 1897. Picasso’s rebellious and often contemptuous attitude toward authority has become a touchstone for a variety of self-proclaimed rebels and modern-day cultural icons. Nowhere is that dichotomy as prevalent as it is in the modern cross-pollination of cubism and hip-hop. Not in the rebellious, nose-thumbing aspects of Pop culture as much as the way if provides us with a glimpse of what is next. It epitomizes what is ground-breaking and what we as a public should be paying attention to.

The truth is, when I first saw Picasso, I did not like it. It was too foreign. Too progressive. Not pleasing to my eyes like a soft Monet “Nympheas”, a Rubens or Velasquez portrait would be. In short, I did not understand why it was significant. It was not until I placed myself into the context of late 19^th Century/early 20^th Century thinkers that I gained a glimpse of why it was important, fresh and daring.

Fast forward to today: Modern rap bad-boy Kanye West raised the ire of many when he recently compared his own manic creative nature with that of Picasso and others. “No matter how they try to control you, or the MFer next to you tries to peer pressure you, you can do what you MFing want. I am Picasso. I’m Walt Disney, I’m Steve Jobs.” During Kanye’s song “Who Gon’ Stop Me,” an individual who could more rightfully claim to be the heir-apparent to the creative legacy of Picasso, producer and Rap legend, Jay-Z steps in an inserts his own, “I’m riding dirty, tryna get filthy, Pablo Picasso, Rothkos, Rilkes/Graduated to the MoMA, and I did all of this without a diploma“. Further, he mentions “Call Larry Gagosian, you belong in museums” in Kayne West’s “Watch the Throne” may be the first mention of a major art dealer in a Hip-Hop song, EVER. Of course, Jay-Z has referenced the legendary Spanish painter several times in his own albums. In his release, “Friend of Foe” Jay-Z raps “[If] You draw, better be Picasso, you know the best/Cause if this is not so, ah, God bless” including the double-entendre of “Draw” (Art) and “Draw” (weapon) if he is to be challenged. Similarly, when I first heard it… I did not like it.

Jay-Z’s wife Beyoncé posed in front of this abstract Picasso nude at Art Basel Miami Beach (2012). [Tumblr/IAM]

Recently, during the National Basketball Association finals on 16 June, 2013, international recording superstar and producer Jay-Z announced his newest album Magna Carta Holy Grail with an extended commercial showing himself with friends Rick Rubin, Pharrell, Swizz Beatz, and Timbaland brainstorming emotions, self-aggrandizement and success in the studio. During one portion of the video, Jay-Z raps, “I just want a Picasso/No more casa/No more castle… I JUST want a Picasso.” The camera then glimpses a portion of the notes Jay-Z is taking which include the words “Picasso,” “Part II,” “BBC” (presumably Billionaire Boys Club, not British Broadcasting Corporation), and “Tom Ford.” The fact that Jay dropped this bombshell announcement only two days before the release of Kayne’s “Yeezus” album also is evocative of Picasso’s rivalry with Henri Matisse. Each one-upping the other in a boyish battle of whose creative libido was strongest. In this case, Jay the teacher and Kanye the pupil. During a 6 hour marathon concert at the Pace Gallery in New York on 12 July, 2013, Jay-Z took it a step further. “I’m the modern day Pablo / Picasso, baby,” the rapper repeated to a demur Diana Widmaier Picasso (Granddaughter of the artist) who was in attendance. He also dropped Basquiat, Art Basel, Da Vinci, the Louvre and the Tate in the conversation for good measure. As I paid more attention to Jay-Z’s audacity, ethos and influence, the more I tended to believe HIS was the progressive voice providing us a pivotal glimpse into our collective futures… Much like Picasso had.

While stopping short of inferring that Picasso and Jay-Z are kindred souls, the argument is certainly stronger than the comparison Kanye made in his ill-dubbed self-aggrandizement. Respectfully, both Jay-Z and Picasso are among the more important creative voices of their respective generations… Both influenced some of the premier minds in their respective crafts (Picasso influenced Braque, Andre Derain, Henri Matisse, Marcel Duchamps, et. al. and Jay-Z has Kanye, Diddy, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Notorious B.I.G., Justin Timberlake, Akon and others)… Each excel in areas beyond the original scope of their talents (Picasso completed pottery, sculpture, furniture and writing whereas Jay-Z raps, produces, is the president of his label and has newly ventured into Sports management)… Both were fantastically successful and wealthy during their lifetimes… Both have kept their lives semi-private, but had recognizable lovers and spouses…. Both carve new ground and challenge the status quo. Both have an inexhaustible energy that permeates all they do and provides us a glimpse of what is yet to come. In 1907, when Picasso unveiled “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” (MOMA- NYC), it was so far ahead of its time, his friend Andre Derain proclaimed “One day we shall find Pablo has hanged himself behind his great canvas.” Similarly, in the 1970’s if you wanted to know where music would be in 10 years, you listened to Bowie. In the 1980’s Madonna and U2… Today, if you want to know where music will be in 10 years, listen to what Jay-Z is spinning, and pay attention.

Pablo Picasso “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (The Young Ladies of Avignon)” 1907. Oil on canvas, 243.9 cm × 233.7 cm (96 in × 92 in) Museum of Modern Art. Acquired through the Lillie P. Bliss Bequest, New York City

Is it fair to mention Picasso and Jay-Z in the same sentence? Perhaps it is a stretch. Tangentially, would this make Kanye today’s Braque?… Hardly. (If Jay makes a move on Kim K, as Picasso made a move on his friend Casagemas’ girl in 1901, run for cover. Casagemas came out shooting!) But it would be hard to argue that there was a more influential creative voice in their respective worlds than Jay-Z and Pablo Picasso.

Reed V. Horth, is the president, curator and writer for ROBIN RILE FINE ART in Miami, FL. He has been a private dealer, gallerist and blogger since 1996, specializing in 20th century and contemporary masters. www.robinrile.com