Jean-Michel Basquiat: New York City Squalor, Art-World Slumming, and the 27 Club

Jean-Michel Basquiat's graffiti in Lower Manhattan was mistaken for a CIA operation. He was the toast of the New York art world while sleeping on floors in squalid apartments. He sold his first painting to Blondie's Debbie Harry for $200. Less than a year later, his paintings were going for more than $20,000. And decades later, the debate over what is and what is not a real Basquiat rages on.

This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including a depiction of police brutality.

This episode was originally published on April 25, 2024.

Basquiat excelled at both visual art and music. What other musicians excelled in a second skill, art form, or sport? Tell Jake at 617-906-6638, [email protected], or on socials @disgracelandpod.

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