Macklemore has re-entered the political arena with his latest song Hind’s Hall, expressing his support for the protests in Gaza and students across America. The Seattle native took the fiery track to social media, promising that all proceeds from the streaming services will go to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), helping Palestinian refugees.
The song’s title comes from student protesters at Columbia University who renamed Hamilton Hall residence Hind’s Hall as a tribute to six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was tragically killed in Gaza by Israeli forces. A poignant gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people, the song’s visuals juxtapose footage of police brutality against college protesters and deadly explosions in Gaza.
Macklemore’s lyrics pull no punches, starting with a nod to the iconic 1988 anti-police anthem by California-based hip-hop group NWA F**k Tha Police. rapping, “When I was seven, I learned a lesson from Cube and Eazy-E/ What was it again? Oh, yes, the police.” he raps.
The singer continues to criticize President Joe Biden and America’s diplomatic support for Israel, expressing his decision not to vote for the incumbent in the upcoming election. “Where does genocide end in your definition, eh/ Destroying every college in Gaza and every mosque/ Push everybody to Rafah and drop bombs/ Blood is on your hands, Biden, we can see it all. No, I’m not voting for you in the fall.” Macklemore hits.
In another verse, the rapper sweeps away the confusion of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism and emphasizes the solidarity of many Jews with the Palestinian cause. sing boldly, “We see the lies in ‘Em/ They claim it’s anti-Semitic to be anti-Zionist/ I’ve seen Jewish brothers and sisters out there riding in/ Solidarity and screaming ‘Free Palestine with them.’
According to Macklemore, the music industry’s focus needs to shift from trivial issues like Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s feud to calls for an immediate ceasefire. “What happened to the artist? What you had to say/ If I was on a record label, you could drop me today/ I’d be fine with it ’cause my heart fueled my page/ I want a cease fire, response from Drake/ What you wanna risk? What will you give?’
The song’s release comes amid a wave of pro-Palestinian protests across the United States, with more than 2,000 students arrested, including more than 100 at Columbia University alone. Pro-Palestinian activists occupied a building at Columbia University early Tuesday, escalating a battle with administrators who began suspending students for refusing to dismantle the tents erected on the New York campus.
Protesters entered Hamilton Hall — the site of student protests dating back to the 1960s — and hung a banner reading “Hind’s Hall” from an upper floor. Others outside barricaded the doors with outside tables and connected arms to form a barricade in front.
“This building is being liberated in honor of Hid, a six-year-old Palestinian child murdered in Gaza by Israeli occupation forces funded by Columbia University,” shouted a protester from inside, with those outside echoing every phrase.
Minutes after protesters gained access to the building, New York City police officers arrived outside the school’s gates in unmarked cars, the Columbia Spectator newspaper reported. He reported that the police told the newspaper that they would only enter the school premises if someone was injured.
The devastating toll of Israeli attacks on Gaza has reached alarming heights. At least 34,789 people have been killed and 78,204 injured since October 7, according to Al Jazeera.
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