American rapper Macklemore has set off sparks on social media with the release of “Hind’s Hall,” a new song in support of pro-Palestinian protesters, including the university students who in recent weeks have erected encampments across the U.S. and Canada.
Released on Instagram and X on Monday evening, the song calls for an immediate ceasefire and criticizes the police forces arresting student protesters as well as politicians supporting the war in Israel. The artist says the proceeds from the song, which has not yet hit streaming services, will be donated to UNRWA, the United Nations relief agency aiding Palestinian refugees.
“The people, they won’t leave / What is threatenin’ about divesting and wantin’ peace?” Macklemore raps over a sample of “Ana La Habibi,” a song by Lebanese singer Fairuz.
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“The problem isn’t the protests, it’s what they’re protesting / It goes against what our country is funding / (Hey) Block the barricade until Palestine is free.”
The song’s title is a reference to a Columbia University building that student protesters have renamed “Hind’s Hall” after Hind Rajab, a six-year-old girl killed by the Israeli military in Gaza in January.
The accompanying video, which has been viewed on X more than 20 million times, includes footage from pro-Palestinian protests around the world — including Ottawa — plus clips from the ground in Gaza. Clips of Palestinian journalists, including Motaz Azaiza, Wael Dahdouh and Bisan Owda, are also featured.
Macklemore also pulls no punches with the U.S. president, who has supported Israel’s military offensive in Gaza: “The blood is on your hands, Biden, we can see it all / And f—- no, I’m not votin’ for you in the fall.”
He also takes a subtle shot at the rest of the hip-hop world and his peers, who have been largely silent about Israel and Palestine.
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“What happened to the artist? What d’you got to say? / If I was on a label, you could drop me today / I’d be fine with it ’cause the heart fed my page / I want a ceasefire, f—- a response from Drake.”
The song has sparked conversation and controversy on social media.
“‘Hind’s Hall’ is the most Rage Against The Machine song since Rage Against The Machine,” Tom Morello, that band’s guitarist, wrote on X.
“dude has nothing to prove and nothing to lose, and he’s out here raising awareness of an in-progress genocide for an audience who might not be clued in,” wrote producer and former Death Cab for Cutie guitarist Chris Walla on X. “i have so much respect for it.”
Others were less supportive. “just deleted every song i ever had of yours,” one X user wrote.
In January, the International Court of Justice warned “there was a risk of irreparable harm to the Palestinian right to be protected from genocide,” according to the former president of the court who was part of the ruling.
Hailing from Seattle, Macklemore, 40, has a history of speaking about political issues. In 2012, he voiced support for LGBTQ+ rights and same-sex marriage with the hit song “Same Love.” He’s also been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump.
In 2014, Macklemore and his collaborator, Ryan Lewis, won four Grammys for their debut album “The Heist,” including Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.
Later that year, Macklemore faced criticism after photos emerged of him dressed as what many considered to be an offensive caricature of a Jewish person. He later posted an apology on his website.
Editor’s note — May, 14, 2024
This story has been updated to clarify a ruling by the International Court of Justice.
RA
Richie
Assaly is a Toronto-based digital producer for the Star. Follow
him on X: @rdassaly.
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