When I first heard that Waka Flocka Flame was going to join PETA's "Ink, Not Mink" campaign, I laughed and I laughed hard. I don't know why I found it so funny, probably because I never thought Waka Flocka could think past "Oh let's doing it", money, and women. Once I got past the stereotype, I began to think about the real reason I found him posing for PETA so intriguing-- doesn't Hip Hop have a love affair with fur? I remember seeing pictures of Kanye West walking around in a huge fur and Lil' Kim rocking fur sleeves at a club; It is no wonder that Hip Hop stars such as Rihanna, Kelis, Kanye West, 50 Cent, and Mary J Blige have made it on to PETA's notorious Worst Dressed Celeb list.
Fur has long been a sign of opulence, reserved for the most wealthy. For many Hip Hop artists, wearing a fur coat is a sign that they have made it out of hood or the public housing project they grew up in. In an industry that prides themselves in "bling", fur is up there with jewlery and expensive cars.
Fur being a status symbol, may just be the viable explanation as to why so many Hip Hop artists are seen wearing fur. Another equally plausible explanation is the fact that, many artists may just like the way it looks. Either way, Waka Flocka participating in PETA's campaign makes him the first Hip Hop artist to have joined forces with the animal rights group. The union between PETA and Waka Flocka will no doubt bring about a dialogue between both sides of the debate. I for one have a neutral stance on the wearing of fur, but I do enjoy a lively debate.
So I pose these questions: Does Hip Hop have a love affair with fur? What is your stance on wearing fur? Do you think Waka Flocka is going to influence other artists to join PETA? Discuss.
