Throughout his career, CeeLo Green has been known for wearing things that leave people either talking or scratching their heads. Who could forget the gold statue-inspired look he wore at the 2017 GRAMMY Awards or the feathered fit he wore on stage at the 2011 GRAMMYs?
But this week, the rapper, singer and songwriter has some explaining to do after a cryptic Instagram post left plenty of fired up folks saying he’s taking this whole artistic thing a step too far. In a January 2 post he tagged simply “#soul #rebel,” Green is photographed wearing a confederate flag hoodie.
Although the post has received over 2,000 likes, commenters who were offended by Green’s photo were not shy about letting the “Crazy” artist know exactly what they thought about his look.
“You should’ve put the dress back on before this,” wrote someone referring to the wedding dress he wore for a 2008 photo shoot to promote the Gnarls Barkley album, “The Odd Couple.”
Others suggested controversial pics like this are more suited to people like the artist formerly known as Kanye West.
“👎🏽 Leave this kinda work to Kanye. [You too] cool for this one bro,” wrote another commenter on the post.
But some on the app believe there is a deeper meaning behind the pic that comes after a series of pictures Green has posted – one draped in the African American flag and one wearing an American flag sweater.
“What’s the issue? His last few posts have been flags! We’re so quick to judge! Process it for a minute & keep watching! The Dungeon has always been ahead of their time!!!✊🏿,” wrote a commenter.
Green did take the time to address some of the commenters directly.
“Nothing has changed unfortunately and that’s the point,” he wrote in response to a commenter who posted, “Still have Still Standing in my Top 10 rap albums of all time. What’s happened from 98 to now?”
Whatever Green’s reason for posting the pic, it’s easy to understand why it’s so triggering for so many people who see the Confederate flag as one of the most recognizable symbols of the racism, division and hate that has existed in the country for centuries.
We’ll keep our eyes on this one.