“They say it’s so refreshing to hear somebody on records / No guns, no drugs, no sex, just truth,” Macklemore raps on “A Wake,” one of the tracks off of his new album, _The Heist_. And that lyric encompasses the beauty of _The Heist_: the breath of fresh air Macklemore brings to a usually less than inspirational rap genre.
After ganging up with producer Ryan Lewis, Macklemore and his new partner-in-crime set off to make a new album that tells an important story Macklemore wanted his fans to here. “It’s really gonna document what I’ve been going through and what’s been happening in my life,” Macklemore [told Seattlest in an interview](http://seattlest.com/2008/03/28/we_interview_ma.php). “Ups and downs, the relationships, the drugs and alcohol, that kind of thing. The new album is about me.”
And that it is. _The Heist_ hits a number of different topics that are _real_. From drug abuse to alcoholism, from equality to success, Macklemore opens up and does something that most hip-hop artists don’t do in this day and age: rap about things that matter. As the album progresses, the listener really has the chance to connect with Macklemore on a deeper level to get an understanding of why he raps about what he does.
In “Starting Over,” Macklemore shares the story of how he struggled with drug and alcohol abuse. After a lot of hard work, he finally came clean and stayed sober for two years. After an unfortunate relapse, Macklemore realized how hard it truly was to start over: “But I’d rather live telling the truth than be judged for my mistakes … / If I can be an example of getting sober / Then I can be an example of starting over.”
In addition to Macklemore’s straightedge viewpoint, he also is a strong advocate for equality and contentment in life. On “Ten Thousand Years,” he shows the beauty in doing what you love as opposed to a 9-5 job just to get by. Similarly, on “Make the Money,” Macklemore stresses the importance of not letting money become an idol: “Make the money, don’t let the money make you / Change the game, don’t let the game change you.” And “Same Love” is a plea for equality and respect for _all_ humans.
Aside from the refreshing lyrics and themes Macklemore incorporates into _The Heist_, let’s be honest, musically, the album is super duper rad. “Thrift Shop” is a hilariously catchy tune about secondhand style and how Goodwill clothing is the headquarters for Macklemore’s wardrobe (gotta give him props on this one). “White Walls” and “Can’t Hold Us” are two more super upbeat, catchy songs with carefree, vibrant lyrics and beats. Working with Ryan Lewis to produce a sick album with top notch beats? Nice work, Macklemore. America approves.
I think the most beautiful part about _The Heist_ is the vulnerability that Macklemore reveals through his lyrics. Turn on any hip-hop radio station today and you’ll hear songs physically degrading women, praising alcohol and showing the fun lifestyle that comes along with drugs. And let’s be real here, sometimes that just gets old. And Macklemore would agree. His lyrics preach the opposite: Macklemore is an advocate against alcohol and drugs. He abhors violence and sees the beauty in women without the makeup, without the sex and without demoralizing their characters. Pretty awesome.
If you’re looking to support an independent artist who truly stands for something, then Macklemore’s your boy. With inspirational lyrics, infectious beats and awesome guest features, _The Heist_ is a revolutionary album that redefines and challenges hip-hop music altogether. Two thumbs up, round of applause, thank you very much Macklemore (enter fist bump here).
