If you've heard the popular 2012 song "Thrift Shop" you're probably at least vaguely familiar with the hip hop duo, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. You might also know two of their other more popular songs, "Same Love",and "Can't Hold US", also from their 2012 album titled "The Heist". Macklemore, 33 year old singer/rapper and songwriter is well known for his inspiring songs that speak against racism, materialism, and homophobia. After collaborating with Producer/DJ Ryan Lewis on "The Heist", the two became extremely popular in 2013, and won several Grammys in 2014. However, very few people were aware of the rapper's battles with substance abuse until his recent release of "Drug Dealer". Macklemore's off and on battle with drugs has influenced several of his songs that are meant to draw attention to the drug problems in today's society.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' song "Otherside" (which features Red Hot Chili Peppers' original version of the song) came out in 2010. It focuses on the way that idols in the the music and rap industry have such a strong influence on the increase of substance abuse. With his lyrics, "Now he just wanted to act like them / He just wanted to rap like him /Us as rappers underestimate the power and the effects that we have on these kids," Macklemore explains the way that a majority of today's rappers glorify drugs and violence, having a strong impact on today's youth. The song makes it hard to ignore the fact that our kids are growing up hearing their favorite artists celebrate getting high and doped up. "Otherside" centers on the negativity that comes from cough syrup abuse by referencing famous rappers like Weezy, Lil Wayne, as well as Pimp C - who actually died of cough syrup overdose:
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There's no way to glorify this pavement / Syrup, Percocet, and an eighth a day / Will leave you broke, depressed, and emotionally vacant / Despite how Lil Wayne lives / It's not conducive to being creative / And I know cause he's my favorite / And I know cause I was off that same mix / Rationalize the shit they I'd try after I listen to Dedication / But he's an alien / I'd sip that shit / Pass out or play PlayStation / Months later I'm in the same place / No music made, feeling like a failure
Macklemore emphasizes a similar idea in his recent song "Drug Dealer" which is meant to draw attention to America's Opioid crisis. In the music video, Macklemore is portrayed to be going through withdrawal. The song blames doctors and pharmaceutical companies that over-prescribe prescription drugs, which often leads people to either overdose, or turn to different substances once their prescription is gone. The lyrics "My drug dealer was a doctor" explain the way that these prescription opiates are gateway drugs leading people into worse addictions. Macklemore is trying to bring attention to the issue by including names of famous artists and actors that have fallen victim to the Opioid Crisis:
That's Prince, Michael and Whitney, that's Amy, Ledger and Pimp C / That's Yams, that's DJ A.M. / God damn they're making a killing
Each and every person reacts differently to prescription drugs. Not everyone becomes addicted, but it is still important to consider the fact that there are so many situations dealing with corrupt pharmacies and doctors that have caused a lot of addiction issues for patients.
Ultimately, whether an addiction is a result of the opioid crisis or not, Macklemore is attempting to make people more aware of the causes of substance abuse through his music. And these aren't his only songs on the issue. He writes in hopes to make today's youth understand the negative and fatal effects that come from drug use. Addiction is a huge problem in our culture today, and we need a change. Raising awareness, and defeating the "cool" image of being "doped up" are steps that can help start that change.
There is a lot more to Macklemore than just thrift shopping. More people need to know about the inspiration and positive influence that the rest of his music could have on our culture. Macklemore has goals to make a difference in himself, and in American society as a whole.
