Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have a new free download out that’s bound to be controversial. It’s called “White Privilege II” — an eight minute plus rap montage that is pointed at raising consciousness about race in America. The chorus: “We take all we want from black culture, but will we show up for black lives?” Also: “Your silence is not a luxury.”
Name checked are Miley Cyrus and Iggy Azalea– and Elvis Presley– accused of appropriating black music.
In a statement, the white rap duo says: “This song is the outcome of an ongoing dialogue with musicians, activists, and teachers within our community in Seattle and beyond. Their work and engagement was essential to the creative process.”
They continue:
“As a company (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis LLC), we are committed to a long-term investment of our time, resources, finances and creative capacities towards supporting black-led organizing and anti-racist education & discourse.
We are engaging with four initial organizations and collectives whose work inspires and informs us: Black Lives Matter, People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, Youth Undoing Institutional Racism & Freedom School (a project of AFSC and The People’s Institute), and Black Youth Project 100.
In dialogue with our community partners and advisers, we will continue to find ways in which we can leverage our platform and network towards strengthening the work of organizers and initiatives framed by genuine racial and social equity. We recognize that there are no easy answers, any one piece of legislation, or quick fix to undo institutional racism in our country. We wish to support direct organizing and be led by the expertise and experience of those on the front lines as we proceed.”
