Jean-Michel Basquiat “Casts a Shadow” Over The Weeknd’s New Album A Play on Art and Music

The Weeknd teams up with Jean-Michel Basquiat’s genius for a stunning album cover on Hurry Up Tomorrow, uniting art and music in one unforgettable masterpiece.

A Masterpiece from Basquiat’s Teenage Years

A 1977 drawing by the legendary Jean-Michel Basquiat will adorn the collector’s edition cover of The Weeknd’s highly anticipated album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. The piece, titled Upon Leaving the ‘Norm’ (1977), is a fascinating glimpse into Basquiat’s formative years.

The artwork portrays figures set against a cityscape, accompanied by the text “Working Class Heroes.” Above them, a whimsical floating figure holds a balloon with the words “Ho-Hum” written inside. The title of the drawing is prominently displayed in the top-right corner, adding a raw authenticity to the piece.

This choice of cover seamlessly ties back to The Weeknd’s debut mixtape, House of Balloons, reflecting his enduring fascination with balloon imagery as a symbol of aspiration and transformation.

Limited Editions and Star-Studded Collaborations

Hurry Up Tomorrow will also be available in special limited-edition formats, including vinyl and CD covers featuring Basquiat’s artwork. Fans can expect an immersive experience as the album will launch alongside a film starring Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, further cementing The Weeknd’s multimedia artistry.

This is not the first time The Weeknd has collaborated with iconic visual artists. Earlier editions of the album featured cover designs by comic book legend Frank Miller and Japanese illustrator Hajime Sorayama, making Hurry Up Tomorrow a true celebration of cross-genre creativity.

Basquiat’s Legacy in Music: A Timeless Connection

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s art has long been intertwined with the music world. One of his most iconic contributions was the 1983 cover art for “Beat Bop,” a single by Rammellzee and K-Rob, which sold for $126,000 at Sotheby’s in 2020. Basquiat also designed the 1984 album cover for The Offs, a San Francisco punk band, and more recently, his painting Bird on Money (1981) was used for The Strokes’ 2020 album, The New Abnormal.

The collaboration with The Weeknd represents a modern continuation of Basquiat’s influence, showcasing the everlasting appeal of his work to new generations of artists and fans.

Beyond the Canvas: Basquiat’s Cultural Renaissance

Basquiat’s work continues to thrive across creative sectors. This past June, H&M launched a clothing line inspired by the artist’s legacy in collaboration with Who Decides War, a luxury streetwear brand. This collection drew heavily from “King Pleasure,” the 2022 Los Angeles exhibition showcasing 200 rare pieces from Basquiat’s estate.

These efforts reflect the cultural omnipresence of Basquiat’s art, transcending boundaries between fine art, fashion, and music.

A Historic Release for Music and Art Enthusiasts

The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow not only promises musical innovation but also celebrates the profound impact of Jean-Michel Basquiat. By featuring Upon Leaving the ‘Norm’ on the album cover, The Weeknd bridges the gap between visual and auditory storytelling, offering fans a collector’s piece that fuses artistic brilliance and emotional depth.

With the album set for release in January 2025, fans eagerly await this historic blend of music and art, a tribute to Basquiat’s timeless genius.