Performance ART. Man, I can’t tell you when it happened but I really love Jay Z. When it came to the Jay/Kanye debate recently I took on both albums and warmed up considerably to the former. For his video for Picasso, Jay Z invited a full house of writers, spoken poets, artists, painters, actors, fans and media to partake in his performance.
Set in a large room at Milk Studios in NYC. Inspired by Marina Abramovic’s “The Artist Is Present” exhibit, select people take turns facing off with Jay as he raps to “Picasso Baby”. Cameos include actor Alan Cumming, Fab Five Freddy, Judd Apatow and several members from the cast of “Girls” like Jemima Kirke and Adam Driver. Rapper Wale, fashion designer Cynthia Rowley and actress Rosie Perez were also among the invited. I have great respect for Jay Z, especially since he pulled this off. You take someone who rose to fame in the 90s as a hip hop artist and he brings himself to the future so seamlessly. Modern in every way without the boring ego. Take a look below.
IMAGE SOURCE – VOGUE.COM