André 3000 Makes 1st Instagram Post in over 2 Years to Support #BlackLivesMatter

For fear of contracting COVID-19, instead of marching in the streets in support of Black Lives Matter, Andre 3000 launched an initiative inspired by his famous worded jumpsuits to aid the cause.

Rapper Andre 3000 has been off the social media grid since 2018 but he recently emerged to lend his support for the Black Lives Matter movement in the best way he knew.

The Outkast legend famous for his worded jumpsuits in 2014 took to his Instagram this week to announce the release of his new line of long-sleeved black shirts with messages responding to the country’s current climate.

WINGING IT WITH WORDS

According to Andre, for the next three days, this collection of shirts will be sold in order to turn over 100% of its proceeds to Black Lives Matter efforts.

Like many other celebrities who’ve spoken out against racism in recent days, Andre says he too wants to aid in the fight against police brutality and racial injustices against the Black community.

“This is only one piece in the war against systemic racism. It takes all of us,” he wrote to caption a photo of one of his t-shirts bearing the word “breathe” in big, bold, white letters.

PONDERING THE PROTESTS

Following his post, Andre opened up to Blackbird Spyplane to share his thoughts on what’s happening to the country today.

“It’s been a long time coming and it came to a head right now,” the singer said of the protests that saw a multitude of people risking the curse of the coronavirus to take to the streets and make a stand.

Back in 2014, Andre popularized his worded jumpsuits during Outkast’s reunion tour for the duo’s 20th anniversary.

He described it as “the perfect storm.” The trigger being the pandemic that kept people locked up in their homes and wanting to go out more than ever.

“It’s kind of a blessing and a curse: If everyone was at work right now, going about their business, the protest turnout wouldn’t be anywhere near as high.”

However, Andre admitted that he also felt "torn" because, in the midst of the tremendous protests, there was destruction due to looting which he finds disappointing.

STAYING ANTI-SOCIAL

Andre is a self-confessed loner who was diagnosed with a disorder characterized by social anxiety. As such, the father of Erykah Badu's kids admits he hasn’t been going to the protests, also because of the fear of contracting COVID-19.

This is probably why instead of marching in the streets, he’s working on making a difference through the sale of his t-shirts.

THE JOY OF JUMPSUITS

Back in 2014, Andre popularized his worded jumpsuits during Outkast’s reunion tour for the duo’s 20th anniversary. Each night, he would wear a black jumpsuit with a different slogan, reflecting his thoughts. Some were silly, some were serious, but they drew a lot of attention.

It is quite fitting that six years later, Andre’s return to IG would be to resurrect the concept and use it for an even greater cause. His charitable shirts which were produced in partnership with Everybody.com don’t just carry powerful statements, but their proceeds will benefit an even greater audience.