Jean-Michel Basquiat Painting Sells For Record $110.5 Million

(AllHipHop News) Jean-Michel Basquiat has been one of the most celebrated visual artists in Hip Hop history.

Jay Z, Kanye West, Nas, J. Cole, Killer Mike, Rick Ross, Wale, A$AP Rocky, Vic Mensa, and many others have referred to the late neo-expressionist painter in their lyrics.

Rap fans should expect the name Basquiat to be mentioned in even more songs in the future now that he holds the sales record for American artists.

Basquiat’s 1982 piece “Untitled” sold for $110.5 million at a Sotheby’s auction on Thursday.

The painting was bought by Japanese businessman Yusaku Maezawa.

“I am happy to announce that I just won this masterpiece. When I first encountered this painting, I was struck with so much excitement and gratitude for my love of art. I want to share that experience with as many people as possible,” wrote the billionaire on Instagram.

Basquiat began as a 1970’s graffiti artist in New York City and later connected with pop culture icon Andy Warhol.

He also worked with rappers Rammellzee and K-Rob for the track “Beat Bop.”

Warhol’s “Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster)” held the previous American sales record at $104.5 million.

I am happy to announce that I just won this masterpiece. When I first encountered this painting, I was struck with so much excitement and gratitude for my love of art. I want to share that experience with as many people as possible. バスキア落札しました。アートを好きになってよかった。このペインティングをはじめて見た時、心からそう思いました。みなさんにも見てもらえる機会を作れたらいいなと思っています。 #jeanmichelbasquiat #basquiat #バスキア #ありがとう @sothebys

A post shared by Yusaku Maezawa (@yusaku2020) on May 18, 2017 at 5:33pm PDT