(AllHipHop News) “People confuse Macklemore and Ryan Lewis with their audience,” says Talib Kweli. While speaking with DJ Whoo Kid, the New York emcee addressed the perception of Mack and Lewis as pop stars as compared to Hip Hop stars.
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“When you hear people dissing them, they’re really dissing their audience,” adds Kweli, “They paid their dues in a big way. Of course being white helps, but their audience don’t know about Hip Hop.”
The former Black Star member also addresses Macklemore’s song “White Privilege.” Kweli names the track as one of his favorites by the Seattle rapper.
“[It’s] interesting to hear a white man’s perspective on his privilege,” says Kweli.
Kweli released his sixth solo album Gravitas in December. The project features appearances by Big K.R.I.T., Gary Clark, Jr., RES, Black Thought, Rah Digga, The Underachievers, and Raekwon.
[ALSO CHECK OUT: EXCLUSIVE: Talib Kweli and Raekwon at “Violation” Video Shoot]
Watch Talib Kweli talk about Macklemore, Gravitas, working with Jay Z, the Illuminati, Hip Hop autobiographies, Kanye West, and more in the video below.