“Wing$” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Succinctly put, this is a song which criticizes consumerism in America through an analysis of sneaker culture. Sneaker culture is a term used to describe a lifestyle in which sneakers, as in footwear, are a defining factor in a person’s overall standing amongst his peers, as in the more expensive a person’s sneakers are, the more popular he/she becomes. This is a very-common cultural practice, particularly amongst youth, in the United States. And according to this song, this is something Macklemore definitely went through.
However, Macklemore’s fascination with his kicks went beyond just their social value. He also believed, as advertised, that certain footwear would make him a better athlete also. This is an allusion particularly to basketball/marketing legend Michael Jordan who, although not mentioned outright in the song, is present symbolically. For instance, when the rapper states that he thought his kicks could make him “fly”, that is definitely a shoutout to Air Jordan, i.e. the hit song “I Believe I Can Fly” which was featured in MJ’s movie, Space Jam. In fact the title of the track, “Wing$”, is actually a reference to ‘flying’.
Murder for Sneakers
About midway through the track, Macklemore has a reality check when someone close to him gets murdered for his sneakers. This changes the tone of the song from one in which sneaker culture is being exalted to one in which the rapper starts to bash the consumerism which is part and parcel of it. And ultimately he concludes that the companies which produce these shoes are basically taking advantage of gullible youth like he was during the height of his sneaker craze.
Macklemore on the meaning of “WING$”
Facts about “Wing$”
- Hollis, a songwriter who has worked extensively with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, co-wrote “Wing$” with Macklemore. She also contributed vocals to it which went uncredited.
- The track was produced by DJ Ryan Lewis.
- It is featured on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ debut album called The Heist.
- Macklemore was labeled by some as a “sell out” due to agreeing to do an edited version of “Wing$”, complete with an accompanying video, to promote the 2013 NBA All-Star Game. To put this into context, there is perhaps no organization in the United States which is more influential on sneaker culture than the National Basketball Association (NBA).
- In response to the criticism he received for “selling out” to the NBA, he wrote and published a lengthy letter in which he defended his hypocritical actions. In his defense, he stated that in the process of doing so, he felt he did not compromise his “personal artistic integrity”.
- “Wing$” charted in a few countries, reaching platinum status in Australia and gold in the United States.
Music video of “Wing$”
The music video for this track, which was directed by Zia Mohajerjasbi, follows the same storyline as the lyrics. It even depicts Macklemore in his youth.
Furthermore, it also features imagery and symbols of Michael Jordan. Now although Jordan is not mentioned explicitly in the lyrics, he is the one athlete most associated with sneaker culture.
FYI, fans of Macklemore funded the creation of the clip. And how did they do that? They successfully raised in excess of $20,000 to finance the shooting of the clip.
When did Macklemore & Ryan Lewis release “Wing$”?
It was released as a single on 21 January 2011, over a year before The Heist album was dropped.
