The film is a day in the life of a young artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, who needs to raise money to reclaim the apartment from which he has been evicted. He wanders the downtown streets carrying a painting he hopes to sell, encountering friends, whose lives (and performances) we peek into.

Jean-Michel Basquiat
as Jean (archive footage)

Saul Williams
as Jean's Narration (voice)

Anna Shroeder
as Beatrice

Debbie Harry
as Fairy Godmother

Giorgio Giomelsky
as Landlord

Coati Mundi
as Self

Debi Mazar
as Peppermint Lounge Dancer

George Quinones
as Graffiti Artist

Walter Steding
as Self

Steven Brown
as Self - Vocals, Tuxedomoon