While he hasn’t been big on posting on social media, André 3000 has come forward with his first Instagram message in two years to support a cause that’s on the minds of many these days.
On Wednesday, June 10, André announced he’s releasing new merchandise and will donate the proceeds to the Black Lives Matter movement. The items that André created are inspired by the jumpsuits he wore during Outkast’s 2014 reunion tour.
The jumpsuits included thought-provoking messages on the front like “Across cultures, darker people suffer most. Why?” The outfits received a huge reaction at the time.
In his Instagram message, the “Love Below” creator showed a drawing of one of the pieces, which is a long-sleeve T-shirt with the word “breathe” on the front. André also made a statement about the Black Lives Matter movement in the caption.
“Something very important is happening all over the world and it is happening to all of us. How does it make you feel?” he wrote.
“For 3 days, a selection of shirts inspired by a collection of my jumpsuits will be sold and 100% of net proceeds will be donated to Movement for Black Lives @mvmnt4blklives to aid in their fight to end police brutality & racial injustice against Black people,” added the legendary rapper. “This is only one piece in the war against systemic racism. It takes all of us. BLACK LIVES MATTER … at a minimum. – 3.”
On André’s website, you’ll find 13 shirts for $75 each. Phrases on them include “Passionate about compassion,” “Have you stopped growing?” and “The hardest time of our lives.”
Many from the hip-hop community have become involved in the protests for George Floyd, a Black man who died while in the custody of a former Minneapolis police officer.
Rappers such as J. Cole, Trae Tha Truth, and Bun B reportedly have participated in separate protests, and in May LL Cool J released a freestyle in honor of Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Jay-Z also has taken action regarding Floyd’s death. He reached out by phone to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to express that justice needs to be served.
