Seattle rapper Macklemore is joining the fight against the opioid crisis that is sweeping America. In his newly released single "Drug Dealer," Macklemore condemns pharmaceutical companies that make the addictive drugs and the physician who prescribe them, according to the Seattle Times.
In the music video, Macklemore is seen curled up in the shower, looking ill, representing the worn-down appearance of many drug addicts. The rap star himself has struggled with addiction, including dependence on alcohol, marijuana and Oxycontin. His lyrics lament the epidemic that's afflicted the nation from "Seattle to South Philly," according to the report. He also names celebrities whose deaths have been attributed to the use of opioids.
"That's Prince, Michael and Whitney, that's Amy, Ledger and Pimp C.
That's Yams, that's DJ A.M.
God damn they're making a killing
Now it's getting attention cause Sara, Katey and Billy
But this (expletive's) been going one from Seattle out to South Philly
It just moved out about the city
And spread out to the 'burbs
Now it's everybody's problem, got a nation on the verge," his lyrics read.
The Seattle Times reports that opioid addiction has risen to the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., higher than car crashes. National leaders has called it a public health crisis.
View the music video on YouTube.com here.