Why This Chicago Rapper Is Collecting Hair Care Products

You have one more week to donate to Love & Nappyness, the hair care drive dreamt up by Chicago rapper Matt Muse five years ago after he put out a project by the same name. He sat down with Hey Chicago to share more about the fundraiser and how to get involved.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What sort of products are you looking for?

“We're collecting paraben-free all-natural hair care, skin care, and personal hygiene products. … We'll take whatever, but [prefer] something that is useful more on the day-to-day. Hair dye, for example, is a great thing that we've gotten before, but is something that a person uses for fun. … Products that are more about the bare necessities (razors, toothbrushes, etc.) of self-care are what we're really looking for.”

How has Love & Nappyness evolved?

“The benefit concert in tandem with the donation drive has been the biggest evolution.

“This year, we’ve been planning the show all year. The headliner is Ravyn Lenae. Joseph Chilliams has been releasing a lot of new music this year. I just put out an EP a couple months ago, so this will be my first time performing.”

Have you heard from people who have benefitted from the fundraiser?

“I'm not big on fishing for people's opinion on what we do or getting those stories because I don't want to dehumanize the people who we’re helping. … It’s about, ‘Hey, if this will work for you, we hope it does. Thank you and you do what you got to do with it.’”

+ Head to the Long Hair Don’t Care benefit concert at Thalia Hall Sunday.

+ Donate to any of the Love & Nappyness hair care locations by Dec. 12.