#ICYMI: NPR Debuts Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ Ballad Against Prescription Drugs “Kevin”

In case you missed it, AMA watchers were treated to the national premier performance of Macklemor & Ryan Lewis’ latest single, “Kevin.” True to form, “Kevin” is an introspective, conscious rap tune that discusses addiction, with a particular focus on the “overprescription” of medication in the US. The “Same Love” hit-makers are joined by Columbia Records’ new soul sensation Leon Bridges for the song’s hauntingly specific hook.

“Doctor please give me a dose of the American dream,”

Bridges implores. “Put down the pen and look in my eyes. We’re in the waiting room and something ain’t right.”

“Kevin” is the third new song released in the post The Heist era of the duo’s career. The first of these was “Growing Up (Sloane’s Song),”released in August. That tune made headlines for honoring Macklemore’s newborn daughter. “Downtown” however, honored the duo’s love for the hip hop genre. As you can probably tell, nearly all of Macklemore and Ryan’s music comes out of their own lives in some way. This is particularly true when it comes to discussing drug use.

Prior to “Kevin”, the Grammy winning hip hop duo addressed Mackelemore’s personal journey with substances in tracks like “Otherside”, “Starting Over”, and “Neon Cathedral.” It is extremely clear that “Kevin” also comes from a personal place. Click here to check out the NPR première.

Related Media:

“Starting Over” (Explicit)

From: The Heist 

Macklemore, LLC./ADA/Warner Bros Records

“Starting Over” (Explicit)

From: The Heist 

Macklemore, LLC./ADA/Warner Bros Records

“Neon Cathedral” (Explicit)

From: The Heist 

Macklemore, LLC./ADA/Warner Bros Records