Rapper Tierra Whack and Venezualan phenom Danny Ocean have each partnered with outdoor clothing company Cotopaxi to support causes close to their hearts.
As part of the just-announced campaigns, Whack will work with the brand to support the Philadelphia-based music education non-profit Fam Frequency, with Cotopaxi also donating gear to the organization. As part of the initiative, the Philadelphia-born Whack will also visit schools around the city to talk about the importance of education.
“I got to surprise a young artist in the studio, which was so special,” Whack tells Billboard of working with FamFrequency. “Just seeing her face light up reminded me why I do what I do. I’m here to share my journey and my experiences. I also want to show these young creatives that it’s possible to turn your art into a career, and that you can do it while staying true to yourself.”
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Ocean, meanwhile, is using the partnership to draw attention to the global refugee crisis, which is particularly meaningful to him given the current situation in his home country of Venezuela.
“There’s been an autocratic dictatorship there for 25 years which has robbed and depleted all resources which should go towards helping the Venezuelan people, and they’ve created a historic refugee crisis since everyone has to flee to have any hope for a future,” Ocean says in a statement. “I appreciate that Cotopaxi understands the seriousness of this issue for me and is willing to amplify and help.”
“It’s not just about the music or the fame,” Whack adds in regard to artists using their position to support good causes. “We’ve got a voice and a platform that can reach people in ways most can’t. I feel like it’s our duty to use that for something positive, to uplift, to educate, to inspire. If I can do something good with my platform, why wouldn’t I?
Based in Salt Lake City, Cotopaxi donates 1% of its revenue to support communities experiencing poverty, which the company says has benefited 4.25 million people to date. The company focuses on making products as ethical, sustainable and durable as possible while also having a positive social, environmental and economic impact. As of now, 96% of their products are made with leftover deadstock, recycled or certified responsible materials, with the company anticipating that this number will reach 100% in the next few months.
Additionally, Cotopaxi has partnered with the Global Citizen Festival, happening this Saturday (Sept. 28) in New York City’s Central Park and featuring performances by Post Malone, Doja Cat, LISA, Rauw Alejandro and Jelly Roll. These initiatives mark the company’s first forays into music.
