When Jean-Michel Basquiat was making a name for himself in the art scene, it’s highly unlikely he knew that more than three decades later, his work would be so heavily ingrained in the culture we know now as Hip-Hop. The foundational paradigm that similarly served as the basis for graffiti, and would later become the street’s vehicle for calling out injustice when the media wouldn’t and the nucleus of rap-driven extravagance. 

If you’re in Los Angeles, the Jean Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure is a must even if you’re not an art connoisseur. The iconography that has become a part of Basquiat’s legend comes to life in the form of four galleries full of the various stages of his work, and the fragments of his existence come together. 

From a sheet of paper with four words that he wrote, to a piece that stands approximately 25 feet tall, the experience was immersive even before reaching the video screens with images from Jean Michel’s life. At one point you walk through a recreation of the late Neo-expressionist’s studio filled with the items that lined the floors of his actual studio. 

The third of the four galleries is where the spirit of Hip-Hop messaging resounded as there were pieces that specifically highlighted and showcased racial inequities, and specifically prejudiced policing that had a stranglehold on the country then just as they do now.

One of the video screens that played while patrons strolled from room to room featured Jean Michel’s sisters Lisane and Jeanine, speaking about why their father elected not to sell the late artist’s work when he passed, and the spirit of gratitude to be in its presence is heightened even further. 

As a bonus for anyone that pulls up on Friday, June 23 or June 30, Brett Hart and Noyz N The Hood will be on the sounds from 7:00pm-9:00pm rocking the courtyard, while Mico provides the libations. All-in-all, King Pleasure is one of the best art exhibits you’ll see anywhere and it’s running now through October.