‘Hind’s Hall’: Macklemore is willin’ to risk all in unflinching song for Palestine

Rapper condemns police violence against college students protesting for Gaza across US

Macklemore has once again stepped into the political arena with his latest song Hind's Hall, throwing his support behind Gaza and college student protests across America. The Seattle native uploaded the fiery track to social media, promising that all proceeds from streaming services will go toward the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), aiding Palestinian refugees.

The song’s title comes from student protestors at Columbia University who have renamed the residence Hamilton Hall to Hind's Hall as a tribute to six-year-old Hind Rajab, tragically killed in Gaza by the Israeli forces. A poignant gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people, the song's visuals juxtapose footage of police violence against college protestors and deadly explosions in Gaza.

Macklemore's lyrics pull no punches, as he begins with a nod to the iconic 1988 anti-police anthem by California-based hip hop group NWA F**k Tha Police. He raps, “When I was seven, I learned a lesson from Cube and Eazy-E/ What was it again? Oh yeah, f**k the police,” he raps.

The singer goes on to criticise President Joe Biden and America's diplomatic support for Israel, expressing his decision not to vote for the incumbent in the upcoming election. “Where does genocide land in your definition, huh/ Destroyin’ every college in Gaza and every mosque/ Pushin’ everyone into Rafah and droppin’ bombs/ The blood is on your hands, Biden, we can see it all/ And f–k no, I’m not votin’ for you in the fall,” Macklemore slams.

In another verse, the rapper rubbishes the conflation of anti-Zionism with antisemitism and highlights the solidarity of many Jewish people with the Palestinian cause. He boldly sings, “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.”

As per Macklemore, the music industry’s focus needs to shift from trivial matters such as Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s feud to calls for an immediate ceasefire. “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, f–k a response from Drake/ What you willin’ to risk? What you willin’ to give?”

The song's release comes amidst a wave of pro-Palestinian protests across the United States, with over 2,000 students arrested, including over 100 at Columbia University alone. Pro-Palestinian activists occupied a building at Columbia University early on Tuesday, escalating a battle with administrators who have begun suspending students for refusing to dismantle tents set up on the New York campus.

Protesters entered Hamilton Hall - the site of student protests dating back to the 1960s - and suspended a banner reading "Hind's Hall" from an upper floor. Others outside blocked the doors with outdoor tables and linked arms to form a barricade in front.

"This building is liberated in honour of Hind, a six-year-old Palestinian child murdered in Gaza by the Israeli occupation forces funded by Columbia University," a protester shouted from inside, with those outside repeating each phrase.

Minutes after the protesters gained access to the building, New York City police officers arrived outside the school gates in unmarked cars, the Columbia Spectator newspaper reported. It said police told the paper they would only enter school grounds if someone was injured.

The devastating toll of Israeli attacks on Gaza has reached alarming heights. At least 34,789 people have been killed and 78,204 wounded since October 7, according to Al Jazeera.

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