Macklemore’s song “Downtown” was a massive hit that went viral almost instantly after it was released. This anthem quickly became the go-to song of the summer in 2015 and remains a beloved classic to this day. However, one of the questions that many listeners have is, who is the guy singing in the upbeat and catchy chorus of the song? The answer to this question is Eric Nally, who is part of the band Foxy Shazam. In this blog post, we will provide an in-depth look at Eric Nally’s role in the making of “Downtown” and his background as a singer.
Who is Eric Nally?
Eric Nally is a 37-year-old alt-rock singer and songwriter from Cincinnati, Ohio. He is best known for his work as a lead vocalist for the band Foxy Shazam. Nally’s trademark moments on stage include doing backflips, spitting flames, and even eating cigarettes onstage.
Before joining Foxy Shazam, Nally was involved in other bands such as Clouds, and Synthetic Division. He met his Foxy Shazam bandmates while performing in a Cleveland bar, and the rest is history. The band gained a significant following thanks to their energizing performances and extravagant stage theatrics.
“Downtown” Song by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
One of the most notable collaborations that Eric Nally has been a part of is the song “Downtown” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. This song was released in August of 2015 and is a funky, upbeat track that features some intense rapping and an unforgettable chorus. Eric Nally is the man behind the chorus, and his high-pitched, pop-infused voice helps create a highly catchy earworm that gets stuck in your head.
The song “Downtown” is a story about cruising around the city and is widely regarded as a tribute to the classic 80s jam “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang. In the verses of the song, Macklemore raps about riding around on a moped, looking for excitement, and living life to the fullest. After each verse, Eric Nally chimes in with an epic chorus that adds to the song’s overall feel-good vibe.
Eric Nally’s Performance in the “Downtown” Music Video
Of course, the “Downtown” song is not the only place where you can see Eric Nally in action. In the music video for the song, Nally is featured prominently and delivers a show-stopping performance.
The video features Macklemore on a ridiculous quest to buy himself a moped, with Nally serving as his accomplice. Along the way, they even run into three old-school hip-hop legends Grandmaster Caz, Kool Moe Dee, and Melle Mel, who are featured in the song’s final verse. The video culminates with an epic dance battle between Macklemore, Nally, and the three rappers, complete with hilarious choreography and over-the-top stunts.
Conclusion
Eric Nally is an electrifying singer and performer who’s been making music in Cincinnati since he was a teenager. He’s best known as part of the band Foxy Shazam, but his most celebrated moment is undoubtedly his feature in Macklemore’s “Downtown.” This song, as well as Nally’s catchy chorus, has become a classic, and fans can’t help but wonder what he’ll bring to listeners next. Eric Nalley is undoubtedly one of the most talented performers in music today, and we have fantastic expectations for his future work.
FAQ
Who sings the hook on Macklemore?
The voice behind the catchy hook on Macklemore’s hit song “Thrift Shop” is none other than Seattle musician Wanz (whose real name is Michael Wansley). Though he had been performing for decades prior to collaborating with Macklemore, it was this song that truly put him on the map.
Interestingly, while Wanz is known for his soulful singing voice, he actually began his professional career as a software test engineer. It wasn’t until he was in his 30s that he decided to pursue music full-time. In the years since, he’s worked with a number of well-known artists, including Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, and The Lonely Island.
Despite his success, Wanz has always remained grateful for the opportunities that have come his way. In an interview with NPR, he reflected on the experience of performing “Thrift Shop” on Saturday Night Live, saying, “Looking up at the ‘SNL’ sign, that’s something you see in your dreams, you know what I mean? It was surreal. And then to have all these people tell you how much they love the song, it’s like, Wow.”
Wanz’S collaboration with Macklemore on “Thrift Shop” helped to cement his place in the hip-hop scene and introduced millions of fans to his smooth, soulful voice.
Is Ken Griffey Jr in Macklemore Downtown video?
Yes, Ken Griffey Jr. made an appearance in the “Downtown” music video by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. The video was released in August 2015, and it garnered a lot of attention due to Griffey’s appearance. The music video was filmed in Spokane, Washington, where Griffey is originally from.
In the video, Ken Griffey Jr. is seen cruising around on a motorized scooter alongside another Seattle Seahawks player, Marshawn Lynch. The two then meet up with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, who are also riding scooters, and they go on a joyride through downtown Spokane.
The appearance by Ken Griffey Jr. in the “Downtown” music video was a surprise to many, as the baseball legend had never been known to have any connections to the music industry. However, his appearance added authenticity to the video and generated a great deal of buzz. It was a treat for fans to see Jr. in the video, and it was also a demonstration of his willingness to try new things and remain relevant outside of the baseball field.
Ken Griffey Jr.’s appearance in the “Downtown” music video was a memorable highlight of the video and a pleasant surprise to fans of both music and baseball.
What happened to Ryan Lewis and Macklemore?
Ryan Lewis and Macklemore, a hip-hop duo known for their hit songs such as “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us,” split up in 2017, after a decade of working together. The duo consists of rapper Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis. They announced their decision to part ways on Instagram, saying that they needed “creative space.”
In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2021, Macklemore revealed that the split was necessary because they had been working together for so long, and they needed to have the freedom to work on their respective projects. Macklemore continued telling Rolling Stone that he and Ryan are still in touch, and they have been working on individual projects. Macklemore also discloses that Ryan produced one of his upcoming songs, and he is excited to share it with the world.
The duo’s music is known for its catchy beats, clever lyrics and upbeat energy. They grabbed the attention of the music world with their debut album, “The Heist,” in 2012. The album became a commercial and critical success and received numerous accolades. It won four Grammy Awards and was nominated for the Album of the Year Award as well.
Despite the split, the musical duo left an impressive legacy in the music industry. Ryan Lewis and Macklemore’s name will always be remembered in the hip-hop world for their unique sound and innovative style. Fans of the duo are still hopeful that they will reconnect soon and create another musical masterpiece together.
What is the Thrift Shop song controversy?
The Thrift Shop song controversy revolves around the American rapper, Macklemore, and his performance of the hit song “Thrift Shop” in 2014. During his performance, Macklemore wore a costume that many people accused him of being anti-Semitic. The costume featured a hooked nose, a bushy black beard, and a gold robe, and it was interpreted by many as resembling traditional Jewish garb. The controversy was not limited to this specific performance but instead sparked a larger discussion about cultural appropriation, stereotypes, and ethnic sensitivity.
People who were offended by the outfit accused Macklemore of using stereotypes to promote his music and of perpetuating anti-Semitic ideas. They argued that the costume reinforced harmful stereotypes about Jewish people and that the rapper’s choice to wear it was thoughtless and insensitive. Many pointed out that the costume was reminiscent of caricatures of Jewish people found in anti-Semitic propaganda, and that the rapper should have been more careful about his use of symbols and imagery.
Macklemore responded to the controversy with a statement acknowledging the offense he had caused and apologizing to those who were hurt by his choice of costume. However, this did not stop the criticisms, and many people continued to call for an end to cultural appropriation and more sensitivity towards marginalized groups. Some also pointed out that Macklemore, as a white rapper, had a responsibility to be more aware of the power dynamics at play when he made creative choices that could hurt others.
The Thrift Shop song controversy was a moment in which the discussion about cultural appropriation and ethnic sensitivity gained national attention. It highlighted the need for artists to be more aware of the impact their creative choices have on marginalized groups and to promote understanding and respect for different cultures.
What did Macklemore win over Kendrick?
In 2014, the music world was abuzz with controversy as Macklemore won Best Rap Album at the Grammy Awards, beating out fellow nominee Kendrick Lamar. Many hip-hop fans and critics felt that Lamar’s album, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” was more deserving of the award, and that Macklemore’s win was a reflection of the music industry’s bias towards commercial success over artistic merit.
The controversy was further fueled by Macklemore’s own reaction to the win, as he posted a text message exchange with Lamar to social media, in which he expressed his guilt over winning an award he felt Lamar deserved. While he meant the message as a show of support for Lamar, many saw it as a self-serving move that only drew more attention to his own win.
The feud between Macklemore and Lamar has since simmered down, but the debate over the Best Rap Album winner at the 2014 Grammys still raises questions about the role of commercial success and artistic merit in awards shows and the music industry as a whole.