The artwork of Andy Warhol fronts the dust jacket to Decoded (Spiegel & Grau, $35) an autobiography of sorts by Hip-Hop icon Jay-Z. The 336-page tome is hyped by the publisher as �a book like no other: a collection of lyrics and their meanings that together tell the story of a culture, an art form, a moment in history, and one of the most provocative and successful artists of our time.�
So how did a Warhol jockey the cover? Jay-Z -- who's estimated worth is at least $400 million -- started collecting art around 2005. Since then he has acquired several expensive works including Warhol originals. In 1984, the artist produced a series of paintings inspired by Swiss psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach's inkblot tests.
�I got into art about 5 years ago or so. I got a couple [of Warhol's]. I have one of the Rorschach�s over the fireplace in my living room,� Jay-Z (whose real name is Shawn Carter) recently explained on The Howard Stern Show. �It's all about art. I try to buy things that resonate with me. I have everything from Andy Warhol to Tim Noble to Sue Simmons, who are new. I have an Ed Ruscha, David Hammons, whether it makes a ton of money for me or not.�
According to Jay-Z, his appreciation of Warhol's talent helped him acquire rights to use the iconic painter's art for Decoded.
�We called the Andy Warhol estate, they cleared it in one day which was amazing,� Jay-Z revealed.
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