Thrift Shop by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Meaning & Interesting Facts
“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, featuring Wanz, is a track that made a significant impact upon its release and still resonates with listeners today. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's Thrift Shop at Lyrics.org.
Chart-Topping Success
- “Thrift Shop” wasn’t just a hit; it was a phenomenon. It reached the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2013.
Independent Victory
- The song was released independently. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis notably achieved their massive success without the backing of a major record label, which is quite a rarity in the industry.
Viral Music Video
- The music video for “Thrift Shop” was a massive hit on YouTube and played a significant role in the song’s success. Its fun, quirky visuals and catchy, upbeat sound made it a viral sensation.
Grammy Recognition
- “Thrift Shop” won two Grammy Awards in 2014: Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song, solidifying its place in music history.
Message Behind the Music
- The song talks about consumer culture and the hip-hop industry’s obsession with brands and bling, all while celebrating the joys of thrift shopping. It brought a fresh, self-aware perspective to mainstream rap.
Multi-Platinum Status
- “Thrift Shop” was certified Diamond by the RIAA, meaning it sold over 10 million copies. It was a commercial success worldwide, not just in the United States.
A Boost to Thrift Shops
- After the release of the song, some thrift shops reportedly experienced an increase in sales and foot traffic, as the track popularized thrifting among various demographics.
Memorable Saxophone Riff
- The catchy saxophone riff played throughout the song is one of its most recognizable elements and played a part in making the track so memorable.
Wanz’s Unexpected Feature
- The featured artist, Wanz, was working as a software test engineer when he recorded the hook for “Thrift Shop.” The song’s success dramatically changed his life and career.
Social Impact
- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis used the platform that “Thrift Shop” provided them to later address other significant issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights and substance abuse, in their subsequent work.
When was Thrift Shop released?
This Grammy Award winning song was formally released on 29th of August, 2012. It served as the fourth single from the duo’s “The Heist” album.
