Busybee's Playlist

A song for a cause, all streaming proceeds will go to UNRWA

You can’t twist the truth, the people out here united
Never be defeated when freedom’s on the horizon

On 6 May, American rapper Macklemore, known for his hit singles “Can’t Hold Us” and “Thrift Shop,” released a new single titled “Hind’s Hall,” a protest song in solidarity with the pro-Palestinian 2024 college encampments and protests.

In late April, universities across North America have set up encampments in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza undergoing carpet bombing.

From Columbia University in New York City, to McGill University in Montreal, students and faculty members have set up tents demanding universities to disclose and divest their funding to the state of Israel. 

Protests in the United States have escalated and culminated to the point of police brutality and violent clearing out of fields. In recent Canadian news, the University of Calgary suffered the same fate, with police clearing out a group of pro-Palestinian protesters on campus ground. 

Macklemore’s song is a clear statement of solidarity, calling out the violence and silencing of pro-Palestinian voices. 

The people, they won’t leave
What is threatenin’ about divesting and wantin’ peace?
The problem isn’t the protests, it’s what they’re protesting
It goes against what our country is funding

As an independent artist, Macklemore is free from any labels and managers, as he self-released “Hind’s Hall.” The title pays homage to the pro-Palestine protesters who took over Hamilton Hall at Columbia University, and renamed it Hind’s Hall in honor of Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed alongside her family in Gaza in January.

The song calls out the U.S. TikTok ban and the claim that anti-zionism is anti-semitic, stating Jewish people have been very vocal about their support for Palestine and disdain for the Israeli state. 

We see the lies in ’em
Claimin’ it’s antisemitic to be anti-Zionist
I’ve seen Jewish brothers and sisters out there and ridin’ in
Solidarity and screamin’ “Free Palestine” with them

The track samples from “Ana la Habibi” sung by renowned Lebanese singer, and crown jewel Fairuz. The melody layered with the hip hop beats is a wonderful fusion of Oriental and Western music. The listener bops their head while studying the poignant lyrics, Macklemore proving once again his skillful manner in voicing political opinions. 

What happened to the artist? What d’you got to say?
If I was on a label, you could drop me today
I’d be fine with it ’cause the heart fed my page
I want a ceasefire, fuck a response from Drake (Woo)

“Hind’s Hall” was released on 6 May, and is now available on all streaming platforms, with all proceeds going to UNRWA.