Nas Is Still Out For Dead Presidents, Cashes-In $14K Off Work Of Art

Rap veteran Nas is still out for presidents to represent him after reportedly banking $14,000 for a painting he put together during a live Miami concert Thursday (December 1) night.

Performing at Miami's Ricochet Bar & Lounge, Nas' painting received five bids.

It was only $14,000. No big deal. Nas slapped a bit of watercolor and scribbled some washable marker onto an oversized sketchpad, all while rapping his classic "Made You Look." As fans recorded every second on their smartphones, the rap icon produced a masterpiece right before our eyes in proper Art Basel fashion. Five bids later and it sold -- a $14,000 charity bid from the host of the party, photographer Rashid Johnson. (Miami New Times)

Nas also confirmed the purchase by giving his post-sale reaction.

"Just sold my first painting on stage for 14K during my set at@RicochetMiami.... Wow!!! Money goin to charity!," he tweeted early Friday (December 2).

"Check out this blog about last nights show and painting!http://bit.ly/uduhi4"

"Shout out to Alan Roth for auctioning off the painting, Rashid Johnson for buyin it, and the http://MyWish4U.org charity!! #ArtBaselMiami" (Nas' Twitter)

Along with Nasty Nas, the event was also highlighed by additional celebrities and performances.

The occasion was marked with a performance from French dance-punks Yelle, and killer DJ set courtesy of Paul Sevigny. Meanwhile, Nas had no problems commanding his audience at Ricochet Lounge in Midtown. Queens' proudest performed several of his greatest hits for the Perrier/ Spotify Music Loves Art concert series. TV on the Radio, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and Penguin Prison are set to take the very small stage for the rest of the week. And Miamians take note: from here on in, total and undivided attention is required. (Black Book Mag)

Back in 2009, fellow New York rapper/producer Swizz Beatz showed off a painting of late pop icon Michael Jackson.

Swizz Beatz is getting more and more into art these days. Last year, he revealed some of his art collection to the New York Post, then recently he gave Eve a tattoo of a black window. Now, just Tuesday night (July 13), he created his own art piece ... of Michael Jackson. The superproducer created a mixed-media portrait of a young Michael Jackson in memory of the late King of Pop, and posted it via Twitter. He then titled his work "Remember the Time," thanks to a suggestion from one of his Twitter followers. "R.I.P. MJ the great," said Swizzy. "I took some time out to do a dedication piece tonight instead of rocking in the studio." (Baller Status)