#ICYMI: Macklemore Humanizes US Opioid Epidemic In New Music And MTV Special
In case you missed it, MTV teamed up with multi-platinum rapper and recovering addict Macklemore last night to air his original documentary production, “Prescription for Change: Ending America’s Opioid Crisis.” As the title indicates, this in depth feature goes inside America’s opioid epidemic, using Macklemore, aka Ben Haggarty’s experience and perspective, to craft a unique and rarely seen look into this layered and often tragic topic. In addition to using the spotlight of his celebrity to show the humanity of real life addicts that serve as the feature’s subjects, the “Same Love” rapper also used his influence to take the issue all the way to Washington D.C. where he conducted an exclusive interview with President Barack Obama.
As you’ll see, the President gives Macklemore a great deal of credit for using his celebrity status to try and create change for millions of Americans faced with addition, and for those of us that have been following his career, this comes as no surprise. While passive listeners might know him best for braggadocios singles like “Thrift Shop” and “Downtown”, fans of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ album cuts know that humanizing the struggle of addiction has always been part of their art. The hip-hop duo gained early notoriety and recognition for highly personal songs like “Otherside” and “Starting Over”, which first revealed and chronicled Macklemore’s own journey with addition and recovery.
He’s continued that tradition with his single “Kevin” featuring Leon Bridges, and his recent release, “Drug Dealer”, which is prominently featured in the documentary. As always, this music provides a touching soundtrack and help make the emotion of this epidemic instantly relatable. Hopefully all this plays a part in helping address this very real problem in our country. Watch the MTV special above and find all related songs below.
Related Media:
Macklemore And Ryan Lewis
“Otherside” (Explicit Lyrics)
Macklemore And Ryan Lewis
“Starting Over” (Explicit Lyrics)
From: The Heist
Macklemore/ADA/Warner Bros Records
Macklemore And Ryan Lewis Featuring Leon Bridges
“Kevin” (Explicit Lyrics)
From: This Unruly Mess I’ve Made
Macklemore/ADA/Warner Bros Records
Macklemore And Ryan Lewis Featuring Ariana DeBoo
“Drug Dealer” (Explicit Lyrics)
Macklemore,LLC.
