Macklemore is well-known for his songs like Can’t Hold Us and Thrift Shop, but his lesser-known songs that say a whole lot more get much less credit. Using his position as a well-loved white rapper in an industry in which he is, by far, a minority, Macklemore's songs are artistic and beautiful in style and language that allows them to resonate with any audience. Have you seen his new videos? Breathtaking.
1. "Drug Dealer"
In his powerful new song, Macklemore tackles big pharmacy and the rising concern of prescription drug addiction. His telling of a backslide into strong abuse of heroin beginning with prescriptions is haunting, especially given the hook repeating, "My drug dealer was a doctor". He ends the song - most frighteningly - by asking God to forgive him for not being able to beat the addiction and to give him peace before he dies.
The picture above links to the music video, a powerful addition to the song that was released this week.
2. "Hold Your Head Up"
In this beautiful song featuring lyrics about the benefits in any situation, Macklemore reminds us that freedom is the ultimate goal - and freedom is why we continue to fight through these rough situations. An overall-motivating anthem, this song reminds us that we have a choice to get through the bad times or not; even if we are alone, our goals make it worth the fight. Definitely worth a listen, especially when you're starting to feel down and out about life.
3. "White Privilege I/II"
Taking a controversial stance on the current race tensions, Macklemore speaks out about how his privilege affects his own personal success as a white rapper. He calls out the average person, asking how we can expect to borrow for black culture yet cannot stand up for their lives except for if it makes us look good. He also includes quotes of things one might expect to hear on the street, calling it out for its lowkey, everyday racism. The video links to the second one; check it out.
4. "Inhale Deep"
Another inspirational don't-let-it-beat-you anthem. Macklemore calls for people to "inhale deeply" and find peace with their situation, knowing that it should bring them to a happier, better place in life. And if that place isn't reached, be peaceful with that - every place that you are brought to is for a reason and you should strive to find peace in existing.
5. "Neon Cathedral"
The entire song is an extended metaphor in which a bar is compared to a church and alcoholism is a religion, playing upon the compulsiveness of addiction. Yet the strength of it comes in the line, "Spent it all looking for God in the Neon Cathedral", referencing that many people turn to substance abuse and addiction by way of trying to find inner peace and explain troubling events in their life. The entire song is sombering and very thought-provoking.
6. "Kevin"
Another song screaming curses at big pharmacy, "Kevin" is the haunting yet fascinating story of a 21-year-old friend who has died, presumably of an oxycontin overdose. Macklemore paints his background as broken yet fixable until he is overprescribed medications, and his addiction - which all of them have - spirals out of control. The hook ironically calls out the "American Dream" of the pursuit of happiness having deteriorated into its citizens being slaves to the doctors, who, in turn, are overprescribing and killing everyone else.
7. "American"
A parody song about the stereotypical American, Macklemore paints our country's stereotype in a hilarious yet concerning way. By using the metaphorical Cowboys vs. Redskins football game (with mentions of the Patriots) and the hunting of Osama bin Laden, coupled with continuous calls for "more beer", the image of America as overzealous and superficial is well-done. Great with withdrawing several laughs, but think behind the words.... is he really very exaggerated?
8. "Ten Thousand Hours"
A song heralding the benefits of effort and dedication, Macklemore reminds us that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. He spits in the face of everyone that ever called him dumb or worthless - referencing a 980 SAT score - and tells them that he's become who he is now because he wanted to be, studied up on his role models, and because he cared and was passionate about it. Strong reminder to everyone.
9. "Same Love"
In one of Macklemore's highest-charting songs to date, he calls for equality of sexuality. Dropping mentions of stereotypes, anti-gay slurs and stories of his own family members, he calls on Americans as citizens to see that this hatred is breeding more hatred and is ripping apart the rest of the country. He admits, "A certificate on paper isn't going to solve it all, but it's a damn good place to start"; and so it is.
