Russell V
So, uh, Macklemore is back. After hitting it big with buddy Ryan Lewis (byway of smash hits like “Same Love” and “Thrift Shop”) the Seattle artist is back with “Downtown,” a track that has already garnered unfair comparisons to Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.” And while “Downtown” also keeps the funk alive, it is surprisingly flat and monotone — with Macklemore “spitting” empty lines about God-knows-what. There’s even a segment in the five minute (yes five whole minutes) track where Macklemore sounds suspiciously similar to one Snoop Dogg for whatever reason. The video — which you may stream after the jump — is quite the doozy. For starters: the choreography is so forced and is clearly there to set up his upcoming VMA performance. (Just look at the set for the music video, it’s on that same empty Hollywood backlot you’ve seen in countless movies and videos before.) And not to mention there are some really misplaced cameos from old-school rap heads Kool Moe Dee, Melle Mel, and Grandmaster Caz. Oh, right, there’s also legendary baseball player Ken Griffey, Jr. Because he played for the Seattle Mariners. Get the connection? I suppose this is a good time for me to stop the Mackelmore hate. Decide if you like “Downtown” after the jump!
