Macklemore: White Privilege II Review

White supremacy is a topic that is often discussed in America yet, it is still a sensitive subject. African Americans and other minority races are usually the victims subject to white supremacy. So who wouldn’t find it a little strange when a white person, who thrives off white supremacy, discusses this touchy subject. Not just a white person, but a white “rapper”, who some would say is influential in hip-hop. The 32 year old Seattle native Ben Haggerty, known by his stage name Macklemore takes an interesting approach on the issue in his song White Privilege II.

Macklemore was brave enough to tackle this large issue of race, giving valuable insight from his perspective. In one part of the song, Macklemore speaks as a white mother who is not a fan of hip-hop saying “You’re the only hip-hop that I let my kids listen to // Cause you get it, all that negative stuff isn’t cool // Yeah like all the guns and the drugs // The bitches and the hoes and the gangs and the thugs”. With this, he gives off a feeling of guilt for being who he is and in a sense, being the face of white supremacy in hip-hop. Although what he is saying is true, this line, just like most of the song is more of a battle with his conscience than it is a stand against the issue. He makes it seem like he is responsible and the one to blame for all of these problems. Don’t get me wrong, the song definitely does make a statement, but instead of focusing on what the song is supposed to be about, he makes himself the victim.

The song is very political in the way it is conveyed than it is emotional. Comparing himself to other white musicians who are famous for resampling black music styles and and saying he needs to read more articles and have more conversations to tackle the issue are just some of the many ways that Macklemore takes a political approach instead of connecting to the audience. I will say that it gives white people a better understanding of their supremacy but it will not get to them on a level deep enough for them to want to step up and do something about it. His lyrics are very self explanatory and I think they lack the depth and emotion needed to make the song impactful.

The song conveys a message of don’t just be aware of racism, do something about it. The message had the potential of being meaningful but I feel that the person delivering the message is what made the song lack quality. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with a white person expressing their concerns and speaking on white supremacy but it lacks quality when they haven’t experienced the negative side of it. Macklemore was brave in making this song but I don’t feel like he is experienced enough socially or musically to take on such a strong topic such as this one. Although I agree with the truths about race that he expresses, it seems like more of a lecture to himself than a hard-hitting message to the listeners. I am not a fan of Macklemore and given the average quality of the song, it was not enough to make me want to become a fan. The song was a strong stance against the issue but that doesn’t make it a good song.