Friday, January 22 saw the release of the newest single by duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, which is already making waves. "White Privilege II" is a turn from the flashy ridiculousness of "Downtown" and serves instead as a powerfully thought-provoking exploration of race and hip-hop. Weighing in at a startling 8:42, "White Privilege II" provides a window into the mind of white rapper Macklemore as he struggles to find his place in a world at war over race. This poignant piece, which is as reflective as it an observation of a flawed system, is already gathering loads of controversy, a day after its release. Many are calling this song "self-righteous hypocrisy," as he gains from the very oppression he is a part of. Some would believe that he has simply gone too far this time, speaking on an issue he has no authority on while also name-dropping on those in the same position as himself.
Iggy Azalea is already responding on Twitter to her mention in the song, which is causing some to rush to Macklemore's defense. So is all this smoke signs of a great fire or is this just a piece that is being taken way out of proportion? I'll let you be the judge.
In the first verse Macklemore discusses the lack of comfort with the issue of race. Though he identifies as sympathetic to the cause, he cannot help but feel out of place. Macklemore identifies an issue that I, as a white male, am unable to truly understand: what it is like to be a minority. No matter how sympathetic we may be to a cause, we cannot help but be innately biased.
The first portion of the song is spent on Macklemore's struggle between the two sides, black and white. The hook of the song really tackles the heart of the issue.
"Blood in the streets, no justice, no peace
No racist beliefs, no rest 'til we're free
There's blood in the streets, no justice, no peace
No racist beliefs, no rest 'til we're free"
The conflict then as the song progresses is between the race issue and Macklemore's ability to speak on it. Many criticize him for profiting from an issue that he is no part of. There seems to be a question of credentials here, from both sides, and Macklemore feels the pressure from both sides of this fight. This song is simply the cry of man who feels torn between what is right and what is popular.
The song goes on to talk about how easy it is to have an opinion on the issue. Macklemore points out that we are more concerned with being called racist than we are with racism. This seems to be the crux of the song. Macklemore identifies himself as a part of the issue, as a thief when it comes to hip-hop. The reveal of this song is to see hip-hop not as a genre but as a tool used by black culture to fight inequality.
There is a lot of powerful rhetoric in this song that can easily be seen as Macklemore lobbing racial hand grenades. I don't think this is the case however. What I see when I look at this song is a man who is wrestling with big issues. Yes, there are definitely pointed statements, but they help us know some of the things that are going through his mind. See, the beauty of "White Privilege II" lies not in the message but in the process we see before us.
I think these times are calling for all of us to think critically about this issue and those like it. Now maybe you won't end up on the same side as Macklemore, but maybe you can benefit from seeing his process. Overall, no matter where you stand, I think this song is worth a listen, for the beauty is in the struggle.
