Macklemore has released many fun hits including, "Thrift Shop," but his latest release "Drug Dealer" is so much more than a good beat. Through this song and much more, he touches on social issues of gay rights, drugs, materialistic mind sets, and more. He is one rapper that everyone should pay attention too, and learn from.
In his newest song, "Drug Dealer," he describes his own struggles with drug and alcohol abuse. During the hook of the song, Ariana Deboo, who is featured on the track, sings, "My drug dealer was a doctor./ ... He said that he would heal me, but he only gave me problems./ I think he's trying to kill me./ Tried to kill me for a dollar". These powerful words make you think of how easy it can be to be prescribed certain drugs, and as Macklemore knows, become addicted to them.
Not only does the song itself explicitly illustrate Macklemore's addiction, the music video inherently portrays what it is like for someone struggling to quit their addiction. Sweaty, twitchy, emotional and many other traits come along when someone goes too long without their "get away."
As a generation where drugs are readily available as well as alcohol, we need to learn from Macklemore. Although he is a thriving celebrity and has made a name for himself in the music industry, he like many of us has gone through difficult times. He has taken his opportunity to reach many audiences, and teach us what it's like from his perspective.
If you haven't heard the song or watched the video, I highly recommend it. It can be very eye-opening, and you never know what you might learn from the Grammy Award-winning, 33-year-old rapper.
