Most Kings Get Their Heads Cut?Off

Jean-Michel Basquiat, whom Iconsider a street poet of the art world, once said, “Most young kings get their heads cut off.” It has to be one of my all-time favorite quotes as it slices through the layers of fame and fortune with surgical precision, revealing a harsh truth about success. I love this quote for two reasons. First, it’s a stark reminder that the higher you climb, the more likely you are to get a target on your back. Second, when you do make it, your natural instict may be to flaunt it, and that’s where you begin to spiral. Money likes silence, and it’s usually the loud and flashy that get got first.

Climbing the Ladder: Beware of the Fall

The climb to the top can be both thrilling and deceptive at the same time. You’re scaling your business, making a name for yourself, and raking in accolades. You start feeling a little wolf of wallstreet-ish and start getting a little numb to the dangers around. Sadly, the higher you climb, the more people want to see you fall, and when you eventually do fall, they’ll try to make sure you don’t get back up. It’s like being the king of the mountain?—?everyone below you is either looking up in admiration or scheming to knock you down. Basquiat nailed it. The crown may be heavy, but it’s also a perfect target.

In every realm, whether it’s art, business, or entertainment, those at the top have to watch their backs constantly. Success breeds envy, and envy breeds enemies. It’s a vicious cycle where the very heights you’ve achieved become your greatest vulnerability. And if you’re not careful, it’s off with your head.

The Art of Subtlety

Now, let’s talk about the second part that quote, namely, don’t show off. We live in a world where flaunting success is practically a sport. Social media feeds are filled with luxury cars, designer clothes, and extravagant vacations. But here’s the thing: success likes silence. The louder you are about your success, the more you attract unwanted attention.

This might sound hypocritical coming from someone who owns a loud, expressive brand. But there’s a difference between using clothes as a canvas for self-expression and being a loud idiot. Your style can scream, but your persona should whisper. It’s about balance —flipping thw world off in a t-shirt while maintaining humility as a person.

The Gentle King

Being a king doesn’t just mean having power and wealth; it means having the wisdom to wield them gracefully. True kings uplift others, share their bounty, and remain grounded. They know that real strength lies in generosity and kindness, not in showing off.

When you’re a sit on a throne (metaphorically, of course), give back, and help others climb their ladders. That’s how you create a support system. You’re not just a king; you’re a leader, a mentor, a benefactor. And those who rise with you will have your back. They’ll protect your crown instead of plotting to get your head cut off.

Last Words

To me life is always about duality. There’s no light without dark an vice versa. In the same way, success is always a double edge sword. Everybody wants to be king, but the crown can get a little heavy. Somewhere I heard everybody want’s to be a lion, until it’s time to do some lion s**t. That kind of resonanted with me.?

Rule with care, or it’s “et tu Brute.”

Michael Burich From The Maison Beast Loft

Get your fix on maisonbeast.com or @maisonbeast on Instagram