By now, you may have already heard of Macklemore. The hip-hop artist has reached Billboard’s Hot 100 with the crowd favorite “Thrift Shop” and won four Grammy Awards in collaboration with producer Ryan Lewis. So, Macklemore is not a small name in the music industry, and with such a big audience of fans, this artist is taking strides in conveying important messages. This man is doing far more than rapping into a mic; he’s shouting out for change.
From drug abuse to the Black Lives Matter movement, take a moment to dig into the work of Macklemore and you’ll find an important conversation. On October 25, his newest music video “Drug Dealer” was released on YouTube, portraying the artist withdrawing from opioid addiction. But this isn’t the first spotlight Macklemore has shined on drug addiction. Back in 2011, Macklemore's "Otherside" was released from rehab. There are lines within the song reasoning with the listener to understand the danger of drug glorification and abuse.
“Us as rappers underestimate the power and the effects that we have on these kids”
“Despite how Lil Wayne lives / It’s not conducive to being creative / I know ‘cause he’s my favorite / I know ‘cause I was off that same mix”
“I’ve seen Oxycontin take three lives / I grew up with them, we used to chief dimes / I’ve seen cocaine bring out the demons inside”
Now with “Drug Dealer,” Macklemore again is rapping out the horror and truth of addiction to pharmaceuticals. Eight years after his first personal message was listened to by millions, “Drug Dealer” pushes the reality of this important issue even more.
“Ain’t no coming back from this Percocet / Actavis, ambien, adderal, Xanax binge / Best friends with the thing that’s killing me / Enemies with my best friend, there’s no healing me / Refilling these, refilling these”
In a recent Facebook post, Macklemore explains the personal message behind the new release:
“…I'm so grateful in whatever way I can to carry the message of recovery. Whether that's a song, stage or at a meeting. I just hope that I can say something that clicks with someone. The same way that so many people before me have said things that click with me. The therapeutic value of one addict/alcoholic talking to one another is one of the most transformative experiences I've ever had in my life. 1 day at a time.”
Macklemore is taking the steps toward ending the stigma of addiction while simultaneously bringing together an audience of survivors and strength to turn up the volume. This issue is large, and it is important. Just take a look at these statistics.
Thank you, Macklemore, for continuing to use your musical influence for the better.
