Macklemore Gets Collaborative on Gemini
It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Macklemore and Ryan Lewis took us thrift shopping with their Grammy-winning album, The Heist (and one year since their far less catchy album, This Unruly Mess I’ve Made.)
On Sept. 22nd, Macklemore is scheduled to drop his first album without Lewis since 2005. According to the rapper, Gemini isn't “extremely politically motivated or heavily subject—or concept—oriented” like his rhymes have been in the past. Rather, this album is more "spur of the moment," without any overthinking or over-calculating.
Not only is Gemini more spontaneous, but it's also packed with exciting collaborations—fifteen, to be exact. Big-name acts and on-the-rise artists alike stepped in to give us a reason to get hype about the album drop. Here are the collabs we're looking forward to the most.
“Marmalade” feat. Lil Yachty
Fresh out of his career-defining year, Lil Yachty is making major moves by collaborating with industry pros. Macklemore said he wanted to work with Yachty because he is "super dope." We agree, Mack.
This single is out already, but let's give credit where credit is due. With high-pitched piano plinks and lyrics like, “Grabbing the keys and I’m fresh out the door/King of my city whose next on the throne,” “Marmalade” makes us want to get into our car (or Uber) and roam around aimlessly with friends blasting the aux. And, no, the song is not about jam.
“Good Old Days” feat. Kesha
Kesha's return is everything we've ever wanted and more. Kesha released her cathartic album “Rainbow” in August after a long, public battle with her music producer Dr. Luke. Her gut-wrenching single “Praying” marked a new beginning for Kesha, symbolizing her new sense of strength and hope.
Macklemore told Rolling Stone that Kesha is someone who is "not afraid to try new ideas in the studio, not afraid to get vulnerable in front of people, and not scared to go for the high note when she doesn’t know if she can hit it or not.” Perhaps “Good Old Days” won’t be the usual, fun-loving Macklemore song we’re used to; but, with a little help from Kesha, it might be the emotionally-charged and nostalgic ballad we all deserve.
“Willy Wonka” feat. Offset
Offset is known for being one-third of the rap group Migos; and, more importantly, Cardi B’s significant other. Macklemore said that while recording, Offset took every bar one-by-one and would freestyle to cater to the melody, ultimately creating one of Macklemore’s favorite Offset verses ever.
Last week, Macklemore tweeted a preview to the song. Showcasing lyrics like, “RIP/Willy Wonka watch the roof come off/I pull up in that candy paint, call it Veruca Salt,” this track is sure to be a golden ticket.