The rapper on raising uncomfortable questions around drug abuse and white privilege in his songs.
Whether he’s strutting down the street in a fur coat in the viral music video for 2012’s “Thrift Shop” or donning a wig onstage during his India debut at VH1 Supersonic last month, American rapper Ben Haggarty aka Macklemore is wholly unapologetic about making a statement or two. Although known primarily as one half of the Seattle-based hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and the man behind “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us,” it’s actually his body of work outside these tracks which really hits home.
From lending his voice to the LGBT community with 2012’s “Same Love” with American singer-songwriter Mary Lambert to opening up about his personal struggles with drug abuse on tracks like “Starting Over” and “Kevin,” the rapper has never shied away from speaking his mind and using his platform of fame to bring several issues to light.
This story is from the March 2017 edition of RollingStone India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2017 edition of RollingStone India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
anumitanadesan
The singer-songwriter talks about her first Malayalam film song, her upcoming debut abum and working across genres and languages
amrit ramneath
Understanding the interplay between abiding by tradition and progress is no new feat for this 25-year-old composer
yashraj
With chart-topping collaborations with seasoned veterans, this rapper has consistently been in the conversations of industry observers
dǝbzee
The 'Malabari Banger' hitmaker shares exclusive insights on his upcoming projects, life, and his vision for the future of music in India
taba chake
The Arunachal Pradesh-based singer-song-writer discusses how his latest song \"Kahani\" reflects the power of love songs.
ranj x clifr
The Bengaluru singer-composer and producer duo may not be done with hip-hop, but they are venturing into pop, R&B and Tamil songs next
RESHAPING THE FUTURE OF MUSIC
How digital collectibles, especially for live events, have a tremendous potential
Evnne On 'Un: Seen,' Their 'Seen,' And 'Unseen' Sides
The Band Discusses How A Setback Early In Their Career Spurred Them On And How They Fused Those Experiences With Their Sound In Their Second Mini Album, ‘Un: Seen
kayan
Between fandoms and aesthetic-setting live shows, artist Ambika Nayak talks about wanting to put out an album
anoushka maskey
Taking her “self-organized” Sunny Side Tour across the country, the Sikkim-origin artist is prioritizing consistent releases and exploring bossa nova next