Gunna’s Birkin bag birthday gift sparks debate about masculinity

Gunna’s Birkin Bag Birthday: Redefining Style and Masculinity

Rap superstar Gunna celebrated his 32nd birthday with a vibrant Miami party, surrounded by close family and friends. The event, which doubled as a preview for his upcoming album, featured a standout moment: a female friend gifted Gunna a black-and-cream Hermès Birkin bag, a luxury item traditionally associated with women, valued between $12,500 and $200,000.

His visible excitement, captured in a viral video, sparked a heated online debate about masculinity and fashion norms. This article delves into Gunna’s celebration, his illustrious career, the Birkin controversy, and how his bold style aligns with evolving masculinity in Hollywood.

Gunna’s Musical Journey: From Atlanta to Global Fame

Gunna’s rise began in 2016 when he signed with Young Thug’s YSL Records, an imprint of 300 Entertainment. His third mixtape, Drip Season 3 (2018), gained traction, but his collaborative project with Lil Baby, Drip Harder (2018), propelled him to stardom. The lead single, “Drip Too Hard,” hit number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned diamond certification. His debut album, Drip or Drown 2 (2019), peaked at number three, while Wunna (2020) topped the Billboard 200. His 2023 release, A Gift & a Curse, spawned the top-ten hit “FukUMean,” charting in ten countries.

In May 2022, Gunna faced a high-profile RICO arrest tied to YSL Records, alongside Young Thug. He took a plea deal in December 2022, securing his release, and addressed “snitching” allegations in his track “Bread & Butter.” His fifth album, One of Wun (2024), reached number two, with fans on X praising his resilience: “Gunna’s out here outworking everybody.” His birthday snippets signal another hit, with performances planned at HOT 97’s Summer Jam alongside A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and GloRilla.

A Birthday Bash with a Bold Gift

Gunna marked his 32nd birthday with a Miami celebration that blended music and luxury. Amid the festivities, a female friend presented him with a Hermès Birkin bag, a coveted status symbol. In a widely shared video, Gunna beamed as he displayed the bag’s sleek design, expressing gratitude. He also teased snippets from his forthcoming album, expected in June 2025, following his single “Won’t Stop,” which amassed 1.03 million first-day Spotify streams.

The Birkin gift, however, ignited a firestorm on platforms like Lipstick Alley. Some fans questioned why a male rapper would receive a bag marketed to women, with comments like, “Birkins are for ladies, why he keeping it?” Others praised Gunna’s confidence, noting his history with designer bags, like the $9,000 Chanel bag he bought in 2019. The debate, laced with both support and homophobic undertones, reflects a cultural tension around gender and fashion, making Gunna’s birthday a focal point for broader discussions.

The Birkin Bag Controversy: Challenging Gender Norms

The Hermès Birkin bag, named after Jane Birkin, is a cultural icon known for its exclusivity and high price tag. Gunna’s love for Birkins isn’t new—his 2019 track “Baby Birkin” and its video featuring Jordyn Woods celebrated the bag’s allure, showcasing his $200,000 collection. Yet, his birthday gift sparked backlash, with some on Lipstick Alley calling it “gurly” and questioning his masculinity. Remarks like “Men wanna be the girls now” reveal discomfort with men embracing traditionally feminine items, echoing outdated gender stereotypes.

Gunna’s past response to fashion criticism provides context. In 2019, addressing mockery over his Chanel bag, he told Hot 97, “If it was about them liking it, I’d give it to them.” His confidence aligns with his “drip” persona, emphasizing individuality. Supporters on X celebrated his joy, with

@FearedBuck tweeting, “Gunna happy after being gifted a Birkin bag The controversy highlights a cultural shift toward gender-neutral fashion, with Gunna at the forefront of challenging norms.

Redefining Masculinity in Hollywood

Gunna’s Birkin moment reflects a broader evolution in Hollywood, where male celebrities are redefining masculinity through bold fashion choices. Kid Cudi has embraced gender-fluid style, notably wearing a floral dress on Saturday Night Live in 2021 and sporting painted nails at events like Coachella 2019. Despite backlash, Cudi told Esquire in 2022, “I’m just being me, and if it inspires, that’s the mission.” His nail polish, once mocked, has inspired fans to embrace self-expression, shifting cultural perceptions.

Similarly, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe faced scrutiny in 2023 for carrying a Louis Vuitton man bag at an airport. Social media labeled it a “purse,” but Sharpe responded on X, “It’s my bag, and I’m carrying it. Y’all focus on the wrong things.” His defiance mirrors Gunna’s, prioritizing personal style over societal expectations. Other stars, like A$AP Rocky wearing skirts or Harry Styles donning pearls, have normalized fluid fashion, aligning with Google’s emphasis on authentic, user-focused content. These celebrities invite fans to rethink masculinity, celebrating individuality over rigid norms.

Why the Birkin Debate Matters

The Birkin controversy isn’t just about a bag—it’s about evolving gender roles in hip-hop and Hollywood. Gunna’s excitement, captured in viral clips, reflects his unapologetic embrace of luxury, as he told Esquire in 2020: “You gotta have a bag.” The backlash, seen in posts like “Birkins ain’t for men,” reveals resistance to fluid fashion, while supporters on X and Reddit praise his confidence. This aligns with user intent for celebrity stories that spark reflection on culture and identity.

Gunna’s upcoming album, teased at the party, adds anticipation, with fans online praising it’s potential. The debate invites fans to explore how celebrities like Gunna, Cudi, and Sharpe redefine masculinity, offering relatable insights for those navigating societal expectations. As a fashion-forward rapper, he raises the bar on style. Especially in world plagued by societal boundaries on what men can wear.

A New Lane For Gunna

Gunna’s sixth album, expected in June 2025, follows One of Wun’s success, with fans eager for new hits. His Summer Jam performance will keep his momentum. Further showcasing his signature “drip,” alongside A Boogie and GloRilla. The Birkin controversy, while divisive, underscores his influence in pushing fashion boundaries. Much like his music innovates hip-hop.

A Burkin Celebration

Gunna’s 32nd birthday, marked by a Birkin bag gift and album teasers, cements his role as a cultural trailblazer. The online debate over his gift, echoing scrutiny faced by Kid Cudi and Shannon Sharpe, highlights a shift toward fluid masculinity in Hollywood. Gunna’s journey invites fans to embrace authenticity, challenging norms in fashion and music. As he prepares for his album and Summer Jam, Gunna’s bold style inspires a new generation.