Main stream rapper Jeffery formally known as Young Thug has always found a way to shift opinions in already established cultures. Jeffery has even taken the liking of legends such as Elton John for his cutting edge sound. He has been able to transform a way of delivering his words along with many other rappers to come out of Atlanta. Atlanta has bred a number of artists that have pushed internal boundaries with distinctive sounds, fashion statements, and platforms. Artist from the late 90’s such as CeeLo and Andre 3000 along with the new wave of artists like Jeffery and Raury have become the staple of Atlanta’s diverse music culture.
Jeffery recently released a self-titled mixtape which ignited conversations and many series of memes because of his album cover. As he was pictured wearing a powder blue Alessandro Trincone dress. It is not the first time Jeffery has worn something that has drawn attention on social media.
Jeffery has a very unique way that he perceives fashion. Jeffery has previously stated that over 90 percent of his closet is women’s clothing. During the summer in a Calvin Klein campaign where he was pictured in women’s clothing he said “There is no such thing as gender”. In an industry and culture that has been overtly conservative on how hyper-masculinity is viewed, Jeffery’s self-expressions is vital in growing not only as a culture but as a creative in today’s society.
In the past, androgynist public figures such as David Bowie and Prince have become the embodiment of people who are comfortable in their own skin. However, it is interesting that there’s still some resentment towards others’ self-expression, even when empowering images of David Bowie preforming in one piece women’s blouses and Prince posing in polka-dot high heels are still idolized by many to this day.
Many celebrities today have used their platforms to empower others. Like Jeffery, actor Jaden Smith was recently pictured as the face of Louis Vuitton’s womenswear. Smith opened up to Nylon about wearing women’s clothing: “So, you know, in five years when a kid goes to school wearing a skirt, he won’t get beat up and kids won’t get mad at him,” Smith said. Jeffery and Jaden wearing women’s clothing is crucial for the future of society. Not only does it promote the empowerment of those who feel powerful in different clothing but it also facilitates a culture of understanding. Although hyper-masculinity is documented everywhere in everyday life, the idea that clothes have no gender promotes a way of life that is ridden of social constructs that are destructive to so many people in today’s society.
