Black Greek Organizations are not playing around when it comes to their letters and symbols. Recently, Boosie Badazz came under fire after he was spotted out and about wearing a Kappa Alpha Psi sweatshirt. The rapper didn't think it was a big deal and expressed that he picked up the shirt because he thought he would look good in it. However, Kappas put pressure on Boosie enough that he issued a formal apology for not knowing how important the organization is to its members.
Fashion brand Ralph Lauren is also sending out a public apology to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. after they used the organization's letters and symbols on a pair of $334 pants. The fraternity, which was reportedly founded at the historically black college Howard University, complained that the Ralph Lauren Corporation was attempting to "capitalize off of black culture."
A Change.org petition was even launched, calling for the company to publicly apologize—and that's exactly what they did. According to NBC News, a Ralph Lauren spokesperson claimed that the use of Phi Beta Sigma's symbols was a mistake. “The use of these symbols on our products was an oversight for which we deeply apologize," the spokeswoman said. "We are immediately taking action to remove the product from our sales channels. While we have a rigorous review process in place for all of our designs, this has prompted us to take another review of our protocols to help ensure that this does not happen again."
She added, "As an American brand with more than 50 years of heritage, Ralph Lauren is inspired by many facets of American culture. As part of this, we are firmly committed to respectful and appropriate use of all cultural icons and insignias." The company also claims that they've contacted the fraternity.
Boosie Badazz Apologizes For Wearing Kappa But Tells Critics Stop Acting Tough
Boosie keeps it G.
Boosie Badazz got himself roasted online this past week after he purchased a Kappa Alpha Psi sweater and wore it out to a Houston Rockets game. The backlash became so overwhelming that Boosie responded in a since-deleted IG post. “I was n the mall looking for red n saw the sweater n it was hard,” he wrote. “Yes I knew it was a Kappa sweater. I thought I would get love from wearing it not hate. Calm yall ass down bra I was just getting fresh.” The majority of the criticism came because the fraternity, which is predominantly comprised of African-Americans, felt that wearing their sigil or colors is sacred.
A day later, Boosie stepped back and seemingly called a truce with the fraternity. He decided to make them a proposition, stating on social media, “They had a lotta older Kappas who was upset ’cause I wore the shirt, so Imma boss up and give back.” Boosie declared that he wanted Kappas to do their step to his track “Wipe Me Down.”
Now, Boosie is taking some more time to clear the air. In an exclusive for TMZ, Boosie addresses the Kappa Alpha Psi one more time. Boosie reiterates that when he wore the outfit he thought the fraternity would “show me love,” but continues on to admit, “I don’t know how deep that college shit is.” His story continues to the part where he learned that they do their step to “Wipe Me Down,” at which point he offered the olive branch. Before offering an apology, Boosie promises that he won’t wear the Kappa Alpha Psi sweater anymore, if they teach him how to do their step. He also issues a warning for those sliding hin his DMs with threats. Check out the video below.
Boosie Badazz Gives Back To Kappas, Launches Stroll Contest With $6K Prize
For Black Greeks only.
Twenty-four hours after catching heat over his fraternity attire, Boosie Badazz wants to make amends with Black Greek Organizations. Boosie recently was recently captured out-and-about wearing a red Kappa Alpha Psi sweater, a fit that he found while shopping at the mall. He liked the shirt, thought it looked good on him and purchased it without hesitation. However, when images of the rapper wearing the sweater circulated on the internet, Kappas took issue with the non-member sporting their attire.
Boosie was told that it was a no-no, but he stated that he thought he “would get love from wearing it not hate.” He told people to calm down because it was only a fashion choice, but after being informed about the significance, it seems as if the rapper has changed his tune. In a recent Instagram video, Boosie has shared that he’s launching a contest specifically for Kappas.
“They had a lotta older Kappas who was upset ’cause I wore the shirt, so Imma boss up and give back,” the rapper said. Boosie stated that he wanted Kappas to do their stroll to his track “Wipe Me Down.” Applicants have to submit their clips to his DMs and the top four videos will perform at Boosie Bash. Additionally, the winner will take home a $6,000 prize. “We finna turn up, man. Period.”
