Macklemore and Lil Yachty’s ‘Marmalade’
In a way, Macklemore and Lil Yachty are kindred hip-hop spirits. Both have rabid fanbases, and have inspired plenty of hate among their detractors. Their music, which often toes the line between playfully exuberant and eye-rollingly juvenile, often leaves critics confused. And now, the two rappers have a new track together to get the Internet talking: Marmalade, a collaboration for Macklemore’s forthcoming solo album. At 34, Macklemore is a full 15 years older than Yachty. But as the track shows, he’s more than capable of channeling the younger rapper’s sing-song, Autotuned cadences. Macklemore has been open with his struggles with substance abuse, but as he told Beats 1’s Zane Lowe Wednesday, Marmalade’s playground cheerfulness is evidence of his improved mental and emotional health. “This album, I was in a good place,” he said. “For the most part, if I’m in a happy place and life is good, that’s going to be reflected in the music.”