ATLANTA - A clothing line being promoted by Atlanta area rapper 2 Chainz is drawing a lot of ire for its apparent parody of the popular, yet unofficial military veteran badges and hats.
The hip hop artist on his Facebook page posted several pictures and links to a website selling gear with the "Strip Club Veterans" logo which appears to show a cross between a military campaign ribbon and a series of nautical code flags. At least one of the photos posted to his page shows a ribbon which nearly mimics the Vietnam War ribbon save for a few changes. That particular hat wasn't for sale on the clothing line's website.
On 2 Chainz Facebook page, it explains "The south birthed the strip club culture. Down here the strip club is what moves hip hop. I been at this a minute...." A similar explanation is given in the About Us section on the actual sale site:
"Strip Club Veteran was born from the culture deep into the history of Atlanta, Ga. Being a strip club veteran is a way of life. Its [sic] our life. When we have business meetings we are going to Magic City for Lunch. Atlanta's strip club culture influences the rest of the country. Its [sic] the music... Its [sic] the culture... its [sic] the lifestyle of the strip club veterans that effect our urban lifestyles weather [sic] you know it or not. We want to welcome you to the Strip Club Veteran community."
Several people have taken to his page to voice their opposition to the clothing line calling it "disrespectful" and "rude".