Macklemore may still be considered a Freshman by name, but don’t ever dare label him as a rookie. I don’t think it’s possible to find a more self aware artist out there right now. Those familiar with the Seattle native are used to hearing him preach about various social issues (ranging from consumerism to gay marriage) in ways most rappers couldn’t even imagine approaching. On his latest single though, he assures us he can still have a good time too, while simultaneously getting his message across. “Thrift Shop” functions as a parody of most mainstream rap music, which is riddled with materialism and exaggeration. With a chorus like “I’m gonna pop some tags/I only got 20 dollars in my pocket,” Macklemore attempts to show that you can still live the good life on a thrift store budget. While the song itself is filled with jokes, don’t think of it as strictly joke rap, because Mack manages to still tear this beat apart. Peep the new track below, and make sure you get the full experience by watching the hilarious video after the jump.
[Hip-Hop] Macklemore x Ryan Lewis – Thrift Shop Feat. Wanz
Macklemore X Ryan Lewis – Same Love feat. Mary Lambert
The geninue love and flow Mackelemore, the Seattle-born American rapper, displays in every single project is enough to induce goosebumps. This combined with the affectionate production from Ryan Lewis creates a whole new experience that is rare in the current scene of Hip/hop.
Macklemore has never been shy of targeting social political issues in his verses, and ‘Same Love’ is no exception. From the forthcoming debut LP “The Heist”, which will release 10/9, comes this beautiful single addressing the issue of gay marriage. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are joined by the talented singer-songwriter Mary Lambert, also a Seattle native.
As part of a partnership with Music for Marriage Equality campaign, Sub Pop Records will release this track digitally on 7/24 and as a limited run 7″ vinyl on 7/31, available through Sub Pop.
[Video] Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – Wings
Seattle Rapper Macklemore finally released the beautiful visuals for ‘Wings’, a well-crafted, honest track with the help of the compelling orchestration of producer Ryan Lewis. Macklemore’s cinematic lyrics paired with the emotional instrumentation of Ryan Lewis gives their music much more substance and meaning. It is so easy to get lost in the current state of hip/hop where everything is all about the money and fame and Macklemore is able to take a much refreshing story-telling approach that hits closer to home.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – Wings
[Hip/Hop] Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
It’s far too common for a reviewer to claim that he’s discovered the next best thing.
I’m not doing that.
First of all, I can’t lay claim to being the first to hear him. The Seattle rapper has been releasing music since 2000, and since 2009 with producer Ryan Lewis. He’s gained the attention of mega-bookers The Agency Group and has accrued thousands of fans outside of his native Seattle.
Struggling with substance abuse has only made him a stronger artist. He released a track called “Otherside” that samples the Red Hot Chili Peppers track of the same name. The track, released under the name Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, was also remixed to feature Fences. I’m more partial to this version.
Ryan Lewis’ emotional instrumental acts as the score to Macklemore’s cinematic lyric. To be honest, it’s heart-wrenching, with more content and substance than any hip-hop song I’ve heard recently. And it’s not an exception in Macklemore’s catalogue. Songs like “The Town”, “Life is Cinema”, and the upcoming “Wings” are profound without being intimidatingly so.
It’s impossible to predict the whims of the music buying public, and I can’t assume that my taste is shared by millions. I’m not saying that Macklemore is going to be the next big thing. I’m just saying he should be.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Otherside
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Otherside feat Fences Ryan Lewis Remix)
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Life Is Cinema