Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Return with Epic Video “Downtown”

Still from Video “Downtown” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are back with an epic video that includes a nod to hip-hop and Seattle Mariner yesteryear. The Seattle hip-hop duo takes it to the streets. Macklemore, with his army of backup dancers wow us with some tasty Michael Jacksonesque choreography and crotch-grabbing, with b-boy/hip-hop innovators and legends, Grandmaster Caz, Kool Moe Dee and Melle Mel, in an over-the-top and bigger-than-life video, “Downtown.”  The video throws in just about everything but the kitchen sink here. The song and video not only give a nod to classic hip-hop, but classic arena rock. And mopeds (or scooters for the anal retentive)? Well, they never seemed so cool. “You don’t need an Uber, you don’t need a cab, f—k a bus pass, you gotta moped man!” Yup, we may just have to get ourselves one.

Foxy Shazam vocalist and Freddie Mercury channeler, Eric Nally shows up out of nowhere, halfway through the video riding his golden eagle chariot, pulled by no less than four motorcycles through the mean streets of beautiful  downtown Spokane – delivering the big chorus in his own theatrical/arena-rock style. Nally provides some slick moves of his own as he and Macklemore meet at the crossroads in the center of town for a fight – or dance off (another nod to a classic – The “King of Pop’s” video “Thriller”).  As if that is not enough, a beloved Seattle icon and future MLB Hall of Famer, “The Kid” Ken Griffey Junior makes a couple of cameo appearances in the video as well. My, oh my!

The video culminates with what seems to be the entire town of Spokane hitting the streets and taking it to the center of the city for a rousing and life affirming parade/celebration and chorus, providing a fitting conclusion to the opus that is “Downtown.” Macklemore and Lewis are definitely back with a video that encapsulates their eclectic blend of rap, hip-hop, soul, rock, creativity and self-effacing humor with tongues firmly planted in cheeks – laughing all the way to the bank in “Downtown.” Spokane.

Macklemore and Lewis will perform the new single, “Downtown,” live this Sunday, August 30, on MTV’s Video Awards. Their newest joint has to be an early favorite to win “Video of the Year” in 2016.