The 20 Best Rapper Art Moments of 2012

From next-level album packaging to purchases at Art Basel Miami.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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2012 was not only a big year for art, but it was an even bigger year for rappers and the art they supported, commissioned, created, and wore. From album packaging to book releases and high-profile art collecting, it's safe to say that the love between rappers and art is mutual. From Kanye West to M.I.A. and A$AP Rocky, see how far rap took it in the art game with The 20 Best Rapper Art Moments of 2012.

Written by @cedar

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20. Kanye West Appears In Erotic Art Film for the Launch of Anja Rubik's "25" Magazine

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19. Jose Parla Commissioned to Paint 70-foot Mural at Barclay's Center

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18. Pharrell Poses in Front of Takashi Murakami painting ahead of the Gagosian Hong Kong "Flowers and Skulls" Exhibition Opening

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17. Danny Brown Performs at Shepard Fairey's Art Basel Miami Event

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16. A$AP Rocky Talks Basquiat, Warhol, & Van Gogh On BBC Radio 1

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15. Jake Davis Shoots A$AP Rocky for his #Screentest Series

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14. Patrick Martinez Paints Stalley's Savage Journey to the American Dream Album Cover

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13. Jay-Z Sits Across from Basquiat Painting in Dusee Liquor Ad

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12. Rick Ross Buys Richard Mosse and Mr. Brainwash Pieces

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11. Diddy Poses With Basquiat's "The Ruffians" Painting at Art Basel Miami

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10. Kanye West Appears in Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel "The Little Black Jacket" Photography Book and Exhibition

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9. Pharrell Releases "Pharrell: The Places and Spaces I've Been" Art Book

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8. A$AP Mob Releases Three Lord$ Never Worry Mixtape Covers Designed by Matthew Williams and Ricky Saiz

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8. A$AP Mob Releases Three Lord$ Never Worry Mixtape Covers Designed by Matthew Williams and Ricky Saiz

Date: August 28

Last August, the A$AP Mob released three GIF covers to accompany the release of their mixtape, Lord$ Never Worry. Designed by Matthew Williams and Supreme's Ricky Saiz, it was an immediate highlight among the year's many album covers. 

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7. Kanye West Wears PYREX Sweatshirt with Caravaggio's Entombment of Christ Painting at Hurricane Sandy Benefit Concert in NYC

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6. Jay-Z Designs Brooklyn Nets Logo

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5. Lil Wayne Reveals That Kanye West Will Design Album Packaging for "I Am Not A Human Being II"

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4. Jay-Z Buys a $20,000 Painting by 31-year-old Chicago Artist Hebru Brantley Titled "Everyone's Scared" at Art Basel Miami

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3. M.I.A. Releases Self-Titled Art Book

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2. Kehinde Wiley Paints for Santigold's Master of My Make-Believe Album Cover

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1. Kanye West Premieres Cruel Summer film at Cannes

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