Macklemore is one of Seattle’s legitimate superstars. Producer Ryan Lewis and Mack released “The Heist” in 2012, it sold 78,000 copies in the first week and has sold over 1.5 million copies since its release. “This Unruly Mess I’ve Made” was the duo’s next release and it was not met with the same enthusiasm by critics or the fans. It has only sold around 670,000 to date. His third album “Gemini” was just released on 9/22.
“Gemini” is Macklemore’s return as a solo artist, ditching Ryan Lewis, Macklemore returned to form in his newest album. Don’t think he was in the studio alone though, this album is feature HEAVY, 15 out of 16 tracks feature other artists from all walks of the music industry: Mainstream stars like Lil Yachty, Kesha and Skylar Grey are accompanied by Seattle artists Dave B, Travis Thompson, Saint Claire and Otieno Terry among numerous other talented artists.
I’m not sure how to classify this album in any other way than it just sounds like Macklemore. He took a little piece of all his prior projects and threw them into this album. “Corner Store” featuring all of Dave B’s smoothness, is a nostalgia-inducing banger. Seeing other Seattle artist featured so heavy on an album that will get national attention and airtime is awesome to see.
“Willy Wonka” and “Firebreather” put Mack’s silly party raps back in the spotlight. Macklemore’s willingness to be silly and not take himself that seriously was a huge piece that was missing from his previous album.
Mack has always been painfully honest with is audience about his flaws and his place as a white rapper in the music industry. He continually touches on subjects that many rappers would never touch inside of a recording booth. The final trio of songs on the album: “Miracle,” “Church,” and “Excavate” are heartfelt pages of Macklemore’s soul. This album will (hopefully,) give the listener something to think about that might inspire them positively, I know it did for me.
“Gemini” Review
This album is absolutely worth a listen for new and old Macklemore fans. The combination of Seattle “swag” and mainstream influence creates a sound that spans multiple genres, but never loses the Macklemore flavor that got him to the dance in the first place. I give this album a score of… go listen to this shit now!
Listen To “Gemini” Here
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