Back in 2013, JAY-Z did the most spectacular thing when he merged the idea of exhibit art with hip hop. The rap poet reserved the Pace Gallery in New York for hours to perform his song “Picasso Baby” from his album Magna Carta Holy Grail.
Standing on an elevated beam as the art piece, JAY-Z performed the song for a rumored six hours in front of excited fans and some notable buddies, including Taraji P. Henson, Judd Apatow, and the late Michael K. Williams.
The filmed production directed by Mark Romanek titled Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film went on to debut on HBO, premiering Aug. 2, 2013, led by an appearance that JAY-Z made on the network’s popular talk and news series Real Time with Bill Maher. But, unfortunately for many who didn’t have a subscription, a lot of hip hop fans missed the moment.
Now, JAY-Z is giving his fans an exclusive (and free) peak into the monumental event. The nearly 11-minute video is now available on JAY-Z’s YouTube channel, and also can be found on Tidal. And let me tell you, listening to those lyrics again hits different now that seven years have passed.
“No sympathy for the king, huh / N—-s even talk about your baby crazy / Eventually, the pendulum swings / Don’t forget America, this how you made me,” JAY-Z raps.
Check it out below:
