This is what we call “music with a message.”
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For Pride Month 2019, two of the music industry’s buzzier talents decided to say it with their chests: love is love, and gender is...whatever you want it to be. Hip-hop and R&B entertainers Kehlani and Rico Nasty each debuted clothing collections this week, and both are gender inclusive and sex-positive.
Kehlani’s TSNMI is an extensive collection of gender-fluid separates with a decidedly sporty edge. The Oakland-born singer-songwriter and new mom to daughter Adeya was reportedly inspired by motherhood; her debut collection not only includes skater-inspired silhouettes but also onesies and socks for even the littlest urbanite.
Additionally, the lotus flower and rainbow-inspired accessories in Kehlani’s line call for “peace and love” in no uncertain terms; not surprising for the “Ring” singer, who self-identifies as “queer. Not bi, not straight” (h/t E!) Last year, she summed up her personal philosophy in a now-deleted tweet clarifying her sexuality, writing, “i love love, and that love lies in every gender there is.”
But Kehlani’s not the only one preaching the gospel of gender inclusivity this Pride Month, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of its genesis at New York City’s Stonewall Inn this Friday. To mark the occasion, this week, rising hip-hop artist Rico Nasty released a Pride-themed collection of merch for her fans (known as her “Nasty Mob.”) But more striking than the clothing was the drop’s campaign video, which celebrates non-binary identities and LGBTQ+ positivity in full.
“Rico Nasty is no stranger to the LGBTQ+ community, as she has been a voice of equality and acceptance from the start of her career,” read a statement announcing the artist’s latest release. But perhaps Rico said it best: “I’m celebrating love + PRIDE this month with this incredible look book of LGBTQ+ babes in my finest merch.” (Fun fact: She’s also giving 15 percent off through June.)
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