*Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ new song “White Privilege II” has attracted the attention of activist DeRay Mckesson, who recently voiced his reaction to the track on social media.
XXL reports that McKesson took it a step further beyond Twitter by chatting with Macklemore himself over “White Privilege II” and the rapper’s motivation to write the song.
“When I first heard Macklemore’s new song, “White Privilege II,” I DM’d him asking if he’d be down to talk. We talked for an hour this morning,” Mckesson shared while detailing highlights from the conversation. “As I’ve said from the beginning, I think Macklemore’s song is important. And all art, including his song, is open to critique…We talked about the impetus for the song & he noted that it was Darren Wilson’s non-indictment & the protests that pushed him to write…& Macklemore understands that awareness is the beginning, not the end, of the work. He will be (rightly) judged by the actions that follow.”
In addition to “White Privilege II,” Mckesson stated that he and Macklemore chatted about the entertainer’s infamous text exchange with Kendrick Lamar. By the time conversation was over, Mckesson confessed to having a new understanding of Macklemore’s growth as an artist and the direction he took with “White Privilege II.”
Since it surfaced on the Internet, “White Privilege II,” has ignited a slew of reaction among listeners. Among those not impressed with the tune was Iggy Azalea, who was mentioned by name on the track as misappropriating Black culture
The Australian rapper’s response to “White Privilege II,” ultimately gave way to an argument between her and Black Star rhymesayer Talib Kweli.
According to Kweli, “The fact the Iggy Azalea thinks Macklemore song was a diss to her instead of actually listening is proof of her privilege. Fuck Iggy Azalea.”
Scroll below to see McKesson’s tweets regarding Macklemore and “White Privilege II:
When I first heard Macklemore’s new song, White Privilege II, I DM’d him asking if he’d be down to talk. We talked for an hour this morning.
— deray mckesson (@deray) January 23, 2016
As I’ve said from the beginning, I think Macklemore’s song is important. And all art, including his song, is open to critique.
— deray mckesson (@deray) January 23, 2016
We talked about the impetus for the song & he noted that it was Darren Wilson’s non-indictment & the protests that pushed him to write. — deray mckesson (@deray) January 23, 2016
& Macklemore understands that awareness is the beginning, not the end, of the work. He will be (rightly) judged by the actions that follow. — deray mckesson (@deray) January 23, 2016
I noted that the Kendrick text situation informs a reading of the current song. He both understood that & reflected on how he’s grown since. — deray mckesson (@deray) January 23, 2016
In our convo, I got the sense that Macklemore is using this song both to process a complex idea & to push folks to think/act differently. — deray mckesson (@deray) January 23, 2016
& we talked about how the very privileging of whiteness he addresses creates imbalanced exposure for a message many have said before. — deray mckesson (@deray) January 23, 2016
I left the call with Macklemore w/ a deeper understanding of his intent and his commitment to actions that reflect his awareness. — deray mckesson (@deray) January 23, 2016
At least listen to Macklemore’s new song before you @ me telling me that I couldn’t be more wrong for thinking it’s important.
— deray mckesson (@deray) January 23, 2016
Awareness is the beginning, not the end, of this work. I don’t think that message came across as clear to some folks https://t.co/MHeP2tJySj
— deray mckesson (@deray) January 23, 2016
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