Rapper Macklemore has surprised fans with a new song titled “Hind’s Hall,” where he praises college students across the US who are protesting Israel’s war in Gaza. In the song, Macklemore vows not to vote for President Joe Biden in the upcoming election due to his support for Israel.
The Grammy-winning artist becomes one of the first major music figures to explicitly condemn the US government’s aid to Israel and show support for students protesting their universities’ financial ties to companies associated with Israel.
Macklemore's lyrics highlight the issue of what the protests stand for, criticizing the country's funding of actions that go against its values. The song also addresses the use of police force to break up protests on college campuses, with incidents reported at various universities across the country.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have been occupying lawns and buildings on campuses, calling for their universities to divest from Israel. These demonstrations have led to over 2,300 arrests, with some students facing expulsion and bans from their campuses.
The song references the tragic death of Palestinian child Hind Rajab in Gaza, along with the thousands of children who have lost their lives in the conflict. Macklemore urges listeners, politicians, university officials, and fellow artists to consider the human cost of the war.
Notable musicians like Dua Lipa, Jon Batiste, and Selena Gomez have signed onto the Artists 4Ceasefire letter addressed to Biden, while Macklemore has pledged to donate all proceeds from the song to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
Macklemore has been vocal in his support for Palestinians, previously expressing his stance on the conflict and participating in pro-Palestinian events. Despite facing accusations of antisemitism in the past, the rapper continues to use his platform to advocate for social justice causes.
His latest song adds to his history of making political statements through his music, aligning with his past works advocating for LGBTQ rights and criticizing former President Donald Trump.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, Macklemore's song serves as a reminder of the ongoing protests and calls for peace in the region.
