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Macklemore goes solo with his new album ‘Gemini’

“Gemini” opened at No.13 on The UK Top 100 Music Charts. (Courtesy of Bendo LLC)

Andre Ragel
Connector Contributor

Last Friday, Macklemore dropped his newest album “Gemini.” It is his first solo album since his 2006 album “The Language of My World.”

The absence of Ryan Lewis from every song in the album is noticeable since the two parted ways last June, but Macklemore still managed to pull together an impressive selection of artists to collaborate with including Lil Yachty, Skylar Grey, Kesha and Eric Nally.

Listening to the hour-long album would undoubtedly make anybody feel good, as his witty song lyrics and upbeat piano and guitar creates a mood fit to play on endless repeat.

Macklemore leads off his new album with a heart-stopping, head-pounding song called “Ain’t Gonna Die Tonight” that may as well be the perfect hype song for next week’s hockey game. Eric Nally provides guest vocals on this track, chanting about his determination to survive and make history.

Next, Macklemore continues the energy of the album with his lead single “Glorious,” where he collaborates with Skylar Grey. “Glorious” is an upbeat, piano-driven, almost motivational song in which Macklemore raps about celebrating his success. His lyrics reflect his legacy as a rapper: “So when I leave here on this earth, did I take more than I gave? Did I look out for the people or did I do it all for fame?”

Anyone who listens to this song is guaranteed to have a more positive attitude by the end of the song. Grey’s high-pitched, heavenly vocals never fail to disappoint, most recently heard in singles such as “I Need a Doctor” with Dr. Dre & Eminem and “Cannonball” with the X Ambassadors.

Macklemore continues the piano theme with his next single, “Marmalade” in collaboration with Lil Yachty. In Marmalade, Macklemore describes his life on the road in a fun-filled upbeat manner.

“Willy Wonka” follows as the next track, and it is one of the best songs on the album. Macklemore collaborates with Offset, better known as one of the three members who make up the group Migos. The song comprises of a funky, futuristic synth beat that Macklemore and Offset rap to, drawing parallels between the two rappers and Willy Wonka. As another one of the album’s exciting hype songs, it is something that can not be missed.

Other notable songs in the album include a nostalgic, emotional song called “Good Old Days” with Kesha, in which they reminisce about the past. Macklemore and Saint Claire’s smooth vocals close the album in the song “Excavate,” a song that acts as Macklemore’s journal of self-reflection. The song closes out the album in a nice and relaxing manner, leaving listeners satisfied.

Listening to Macklemore’s new album “Gemini” is a must, catering to most fans of mainstream pop and hip-hop.

Final Grade: A-

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