On Nov. 20, Jay Z’s signature collection launched at Barneys in New York. To bring more attention to the collection and add a sexy flare to the brand, Beyonce modeled several of the items and posted the images on her Instagram page. It was a show of solidarity and support for her husband who has faced backlash since two black teens were racially profiled at the New York store.
While it was obvious that Beyonce would support the love of her life, Jay Z’s decision to continue with the deal was a bit bothersome. It has to be especially hard for the Jay Z and Beyonce fans who have endured racial profiling. There is an underlying sense of betrayal to the people in the Marcy projects (Jay Z’s residence before the fame) who would probably have to save for a year (or two) just to afford the En Noir hoodie that retails for $3,100 at Barneys.
Along with the $3,100 hoodie, the Jay Z collection features $2,590 leather shorts; a $695 cashmere ski mask; and a $875 baseball hat.
To Jay Z’s defense, 100% of the proceeds will go to his Shawn Carter Foundation which gives scholarships to college students. In 10 years, the foundation has helped 750 students with grants of $1,500 to $2,500, according to the foundation’s website. That number totals to $1.3 million in scholarships.
Jay Z should be commended for helping college students in need. But apparently more can be done considering Jay Z just spent $4.5 million on a Basquiat painting.
Additionally, the deal with Barneys should help more students. However, it’s a deal that should have never transpired on Jay Z’s end once the racial profiling incidents came to light. Jay Z is in a position to team up with many other brands that can help raise profits for his foundation. Barneys’ racial issues should not belong to him.
But by continuing with the deal, Jay Z has aligned himself with a company that has a culture of exclusion and racist attitudes.
At one time, Jay Z could sell hip-hip culture without selling out.
