In advance of his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction on October 30, Jay-Z has sent a very special portrait to represent him at the Rock Hall’s Inductee Exhibit.
Rather than donate artifacts from his iconic career, the Roc Nation CEO loaned a 72-inch by 96-inch oil portrait he purchased from New Orleans artist Jerin “Jerk” Beasley, titled “Tree of Life,” according to Cleveland.com.
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“We sent photos of what we’ve done in the past and Jay-Z’s team shared what his interpretation was of his success and what it means to him,” says Nwaka Onwusa, vice president and chief curator at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “It’s so in line with who he is now, and his fans will appreciate and understand that. Music is art and art is music in a way. You don’t get to Jean-Michel Basquiat without talking about Charlie Parker, for instance.”
Beasley posted an Instagram photo of the portrait, with the comment from Jay-Z, “Don’t bark up that tree, that tree will fall on you, I don’t know why your advisors didn’t forewarn you.” The artist also posted a video of him creating “Tree of Life.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Celebration Day exhibit opens October 24 and features memorabilia from each honoree. Hova will be inducted with artists including Tina Turner, and specialty award recipients LL Cool J, Gil Scott-Heron, and Billy Preston. Tickets to Celebration Day and the Induction Ceremony on October 30, featuring the Inductee Exhibit, are now available on the museum website.
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