Macklemore

Hype is a strange thing. When it comes from the media (internet, magazines, etc) it's usually bullshit and the music is usually average at best. However, when hype comes by way of word of mouth from reliable people it's usually worth checking out the artist. Thus, when everyone's favorite Tufts soccer player, Patrick Bauer mentioned how awesome the guy was and played his music for us, we had to check Macklemore out.

Hailing from Seattle, WA Macklemore follows in the vein of Northwest rappers that have some of the most dedicated fans out there. He has released 3 EPs since jumping on to the scene in 2005 and his latest, The VS. EP, a collaboration with producer Ryan Lewis, is a must-listen.

At 7 songs Vs. is beefy for an EP, but we're not complaining. Literally every song is an engaging and interesting listen. The first thing that stands out is Macklemore's flow. His voice fluctuates from aggresive ("Crew Cuts"), to chillingly soothing ("The End"). This keeps the songs from blending together and gives the album an acute sense of diversity. He uses his life's worth of experiences to paint vivid pictures of love, loss and dedication. "Otherside" is proof of Mack's stellar ability to use rap as his vehicle to express himself. The song is a statement about the growing use of cough syrup as an intoxicant and the influence on hip-hop culture. His lyrics are incredibly candid, as he flows rhythmically over a sample of The Red Hot Chili Peppers' "The Other Side". However, it is not only the rapping that makes the song so fantastic, but Ryan Lewis' production.

It's impossible to talk about VS. without mentioning the backdrop that Lewis provides for Macklemore's words. By drawing on an eclectic array of samples and creating anything but basic beats, Lewis establishes himself as a creative force. Along with RHCP, he also samples The Arcade Fire's "My Body is A Cage" and the Killers' "All These Things That I've Done". The impressive part of his production is that he doesn't simply take instrumental loop and put a drum beat over it. Instead he brings different parts of the sampled song in and out of his mix, with beats that stop, start and change to accentuate the lyrics. Because of this the songs stay fresh and interesting after repeated listens.

While The VS. EP is his best output, Macklemore's other music is definitely worth checking out as well. The Unplanned Mixtape is a more casual outing, showcasing Macklemore's ability to crack a few musical jokes alongside his more serious side. His charisma is undeniable and he improves with each release. If he continues to work his dynamic flow and tap quality producers like Ryan Lewis, he's got a long and successful career ahead of him.


"Irish Celebration" from The VS. EP

"The End" from The VS. EP

"Letterhead (Remix)" from The Unplanned Mixtape