“Downtown” is a song by American hip-hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, which was released back in August 2015. The upbeat track features a catchy chorus and a colorful music video that highlights many facets of urban life. Since its release, the song has enjoyed significant commercial success, peaking at number twelve on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning platinum status in several countries worldwide.
One of the questions that many people have been asking about this song is whether it is actually about Seattle. Given that Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are both from Seattle and frequently pay homage to their hometown in their music, it is easy to assume that “Downtown” is another Seattle anthem. But is it really about the Emerald City? In this blog post, we will explore the evidence and try to answer this question once and for all.
What is “Downtown” About?
Before we can examine whether “Downtown” is about Seattle, we need to understand what the song is actually about. On the surface, the song appears to be a fun, lighthearted celebration of downtown living. The chorus repeats the phrase “downtown” over and over, while the verses describe various urban experiences, from riding in a moped to buying clothes at a thrift shop. The song seems to promote the idea of living life to the fullest in the city, regardless of what others may think.
However, as with many of Macklemore’s songs, there is more to “Downtown” than meets the eye. Some listeners have interpreted the lyrics as a critique of consumer culture and materialism, as Macklemore raps about buying fancy cars and clothes to impress others. Others have suggested that the song is a commentary on the changing face of urban areas, as old buildings are torn down to make way for new developments.
Is “Downtown” About Seattle?
So, is “Downtown” actually about Seattle? The answer is… sort of.
While the song itself doesn’t mention Seattle by name, there are several clues that suggest it is inspired by the city. For one thing, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are both from Seattle and have a deep connection to the city’s music and culture. Many of their previous songs, including “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us,” have featured references to Seattle landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. It would make sense, then, that “Downtown” would also have some Seattle vibes.
Additionally, the music video for “Downtown” features several Seattle-specific elements, such as shots of the city’s skyline and references to the Seahawks football team. The video was also filmed in Spokane, Washington, which is just a few hours’ drive from Seattle. So while the song itself may not be explicitly about Seattle, it is definitely influenced by the city and its culture.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, “Downtown” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis is not explicitly about Seattle, but it is certainly inspired by the city and its culture. The song is a celebration of urban living and all the excitement and energy that comes with it, and it reflects Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s deep roots in the Seattle music scene. Whether you’re a fan of the Emerald City or just love a good upbeat hip-hop track, “Downtown” is definitely worth a listen.
FAQ
Is Ken Griffey Jr in Macklemore Downtown video?
Yes, Ken Griffey Jr. is indeed in the music video for Macklemore’s song “Downtown.” The video, which was released in August 2015, features several notable appearances by popular figures from the world of sports and entertainment, including Ken Griffey Jr.
Griffey, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, appears in the video as Macklemore’s accomplice on a wild adventure through the streets of Spokane, Washington. The video, which features a distinctive throwback aesthetic, sees Macklemore cruising through the city on a moped with Griffey by his side, before the pair meet up with a group of bikers and continue on their way.
As they make their way through the city, Macklemore and Griffey encounter a series of colorful characters, including an older man who teaches them how to ride their mopeds, and a group of cheerleaders. The video also features guest appearances by fellow Seattle natives Sir Mix-a-Lot and Nate Ruess, as well as hip-hop legends Kool Moe Dee and Grandmaster Caz.
Ken Griffey Jr.’s appearance in the “Downtown” video adds to the video’s fun, lighthearted vibe and helps to make it one of the most memorable music videos of recent years. Macklemore has been known for his fun, quirky videos that provide a nostalgic and refreshing take on hip hop culture, and the “Downtown” video is no exception.
What happened to Ryan Lewis and Macklemore?
Ryan Lewis and Macklemore are an American hip-hop duo known for their music and activism. The pair released their debut album, “The Heist,” in 2012, which included the hit single “Thrift Shop.” They continued to enjoy success with subsequent releases, including “This Unruly Mess I’ve Made” in 2016.
However, after a decade of steady work together, the duo split apart in 2017 to have “creative space.” In an interview with Rolling Stone, Macklemore explained that they needed a break. He said, “We needed to step back and work on our own projects and experiences so we could bring that back to the table.”
Since going their separate ways, both Ryan Lewis and Macklemore have continued to work on music. Macklemore released a solo album titled “GEMINI” in 2017, featuring the hit single “Glorious” featuring Skylar Grey. He also collaborated with Kesha on the song “Good Old Days.”
Ryan Lewis has been producing music for other artists, including Macklemore’s “GEMINI” album. He has also worked with artists such as Macklemore’s frequent collaborator, singer Mary Lambert.
Although the duo hasn’t released any music together since their split, Macklemore did mention in a recent interview that he and Ryan had been working on songs together. However, he didn’t reveal any further details about these projects.
Ryan Lewis and Macklemore split apart in 2017 to take a creative break and focus on personal projects. Since then, they have both continued to work on music separately, but Macklemore has hinted that they have collaborated on new songs together. Fans will have to wait and see if the two decide to team up again in the future.
Where in Seattle did Macklemore live?
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, is a prominent rapper, singer, and songwriter from Seattle, Washington. He is well known for his distinctive hip-hop style that deals with social realism and critical commentary on contemporary issues affecting society. While he has achieved global recognition for his music, fans and followers are interested to know more about his personal life, including where he lived during his formative years.
Macklemore was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. He spent his childhood in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, a vibrant and diverse community situated in the center of Seattle. Macklemore has often mentioned in interviews that his upbringing in Capitol Hill has hugely influenced his music and artistic style.
Capitol Hill is a densely populated residential neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and commercial spaces. It is one of Seattle’s busiest neighborhoods and has numerous coffee shops, restaurants, theaters, and nightlife spots. The neighborhood is known for its liberal and progressive political views and is home to many activist organizations.
Macklemore was raised with his older brother Tim, who was also a rapper and was influential in shaping Macklemore’s musical interests. The brothers grew up on Capitol Hill’s streets and attended Garfield High School, where they first started performing together. Macklemore went on to attend The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where he honed his music skills and started writing and recording his songs.
Macklemore was raised in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, where he developed his interest in music and found inspiration for his unique style. His upbringing in Capitol Hill has deeply influenced his music and made him the artist he is today.
Where was the song Downtown recorded?
The song “Downtown” is a catchy number that was composed by Tony Hatch in 1964 for singer Petula Clark. It is known to have been recorded on the 16th of October, 1964. The recording of “Downtown” took place at the Pye Studios in Marble Arch, London. Pye Studios was one of the most prominent recording studios of its time, and it was used by several popular artists to record their music.
Tony Hatch, the songwriter, was reportedly still touching up the lyrics of the song in the studio’s washroom just thirty minutes before the recording session was scheduled to begin. The song’s success was imminent, and it quickly became an instant hit after its release. Downtown reached number one in the UK and the US charts and earned Petula Clark a Grammy Award for Best Rock and Roll Recording.
“Downtown” was recorded in Pye Studios in London’s Marble Arch, a famous recording studio that has been used by many notable artists. It remains a classic tune to date and is still played regularly on radio stations and in movies.
Where was Macklemore video filmed?
Macklemore, a popular American rapper, filmed his music video at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. The venue is known for hosting various events, including concerts, sports games, and cultural events. The Climate Pledge Arena recently went through a massive renovation and was reopened in October 2021. Macklemore saw this as an opportunity to utilize the brand-new facility for his latest music video.
According to KIRO7 News, Macklemore filmed his music video during the Kraken hockey game at the Climate Pledge Arena. The Kraken is Seattle’s newest professional hockey team, and the game provided the perfect atmosphere for a visually-striking music video. The Climate Pledge Arena is a state-of-the-art facility that boasts eco-friendly technology, making it a one-of-a-kind location for Macklemore’s music video.
The music video featured Macklemore’s latest hit single, which has been well received by his fans. The video showcases the rapper performing on the ice, with shots of the crowd and the players in between. The stunning visuals and energy of the venue were perfectly captured in the music video, making it a must-watch for fans of Macklemore and hockey enthusiasts alike.
Macklemore’S decision to film his music video at the Climate Pledge Arena was an excellent choice. The venue provided the ideal backdrop for the hip-hop artist to showcase his art, and the video is a testament to the stunning beauty and features of the newly renovated arena. Macklemore’s music video is sure to be a hit and put the Climate Pledge Arena on the map as a premiere filming location for future music videos.
