It appears that Macklemore & Ryan Lewis truly have an unexpected hit on their hands. “Same Love” has come out of nowhere in recent weeks and has suddenly become a dark horse contender for song of the summer. The song, which currently sits at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, has surpassed the group’s other hit “Thrift Shop,” which has fallen to 28, and is just six spots behind “Can’t Hold Us.” (The music video also earned a nom for a Video Music Award.)
Independently released in May of 2012, the song struck a cord with bloggers, indie hip-hop fans and gay rights activists who heralded the song as a rally cry in a pivotal year for same-sex marriage. However, it was hardly a hit on the radio. When I profiled the group for OUT magazine, the song had peaked at 89 on the charts but it was hardly dead. “Same Love” was a huge hit at concerts. “To see 6,500 people put their hands up in support of equality is a beautiful thing,” Macklemore told me following a live performance. “It’s honestly been the highlight of touring.”
Fast forward to June of this year and suddenly the song has new meaning. The Supreme Court’s decisions to dismiss Prop 8 and rule DOMA unconstitutional represented a huge shift for the country. “Same Love” is no longer just wishful thinking but a celebratory anthem for those who finally get to walk down the aisle. Surprisingly, radio has responded in kind, giving the song new life.
What remains to be seen is whether or not the song can crack the top ten, not only giving Macklemore & Ryan Lewis their third top 10 hit but the country’s first official gay anthem.
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[Photo: OUT]
balehead
Where are they donating the profits??
Hannah
I love how this song/video was created to support a state-wide referendum on marriage equality and now it is used for national support. I never imagined this video would even be seen on mtv let alone nominated for an award when I watched it on local news last summer. Just amazing.
Caliban
@balehead, I don’t know where the profits are going now, but when the video was first released the money went to a Washington state marriage equality organization.