It would be an understatement to say that Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have hit it big in the past eight months, topping Billboard charts and iTunes lists left and right while also gathering a large social media following on the web.
Most people around the country and on campus know Macklemore for his two break-out songs “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us,” which launched him into the spotlight with catchy beats, quirky videos and clever raps. Unfortunately, that is all most people know about his music.
Macklemore — as an artist and as a person — is so much more than these few songs mainstream culture has picked up on. His songs do not only address an array of topics, but do so in a medium that is popular and powerful. In his latest album “The Heist” he lays down strong social commentary on subjects ranging from materialism to same-sex marriage to racial inequality — just to name a few.
In his song “Jimmy Iovine,” he harshly criticizes the massive record label Interscope Records that is owned by Jimmy Iovine, which has signed artists like Lady Gaga, Eminem, the Black Eyed Peas and Madonna. He tells the experience he has had with the major record label by comparing getting signed to pulling off a heist –thus the name of the album.
As the song goes on he reveals the inartistic, ruthless and backhanded ways of the major record label business that he eventually refused the deal with, as seen in the last line: “I replied I appreciate the offer, thought that this was what I wanted. Rather be a starving artist than succeed at getting fucked.”
In his song “A Wake,” Macklemore discusses modern racial inequality, society’s portrayal of his own music and criticizes generational problems like STI rates and prescription pill addictions.
This has not been a recent shift for Macklemore, as strong commentary has always been a large part of his music. For example in his song “White Privilege” on his first album, Macklemore addresses the effect white rappers and white culture have had on the genre of rap and hip-hop. He points out the transitions of jazz and rock and roll as prior examples and compares it to modern rap music and exposing the disingenuous effect on rap culture.
It’s not surprising why these songs have not been incorporated into mainstream culture — they are critical of society and present views many people fail to comprehend.
However, the party songs he is now famous for are only one small part of Macklemore as an artist, and to peg him as the guy that came up with a catchy dance song and viral video would not just be incorrect but would ignore a truly remarkable artist.
Ryan Tarinelli can be reached at arg-opinion@uidaho.edu