Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Return With Ed Sheeran-Assisted “Growing Up”: Listen

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Ed Sheeran. That might be the most hateable song lineup of the year right there. All that’s missing is Iggy Azalea and that lion-hunting dentist. This shit is just begging for the wrath of Rap Twitter and Critic Twitter and hip-hop’s gatekeepers. And that’s before you even hit play on “Growing Up (Sloane’s Song).”

I’m not trying to paint Macklemore & Ryan Lewis as underdogs, but the good will of The Heist long ago subsided as cultural appropriation took over the narrative. So how have they responded to these changes in the culture? Instead of going the fun route or the indignant route or the jokey route, Macklemore doubles down on the sappy, inspirational rap that helped him conquer the world the last time around. Just how baby lotion soft is “Growing Up?” British sensi-dude Ed Sheeran has the track’s most alive moments.

But at least it’s baby lotion soft for a reason — it’s dedicated to Macklemore’s daughter Sloane, who was born in May.

Hear it below, and see Macklemore’s note to fans that he posted with the song.

Is this enough to get you excited about Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ next album? Let us know your thoughts below, or by hitting us up on Twitter and Facebook.