Macklemore and Ryan Lewis make their triumphant return to the rap game with the ridiculously retro-inspired video for their new single, "Downtown." The Grammy-winning artists enlisted the help of Eric Nally (front man for the rock and roll band Foxy Shazam) and hip hop greats Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee and Grandmaster Caz to up the video's coolness factor, E! News reported.
The hip hop duo's new video starts with a shot of Macklemore lying on a moped that isn't his. Inspired by the ride, the MC makes his way to a dealership to buy one of his own. The track opens with jingling Beastie Boys-esque piano notes over a bass-heavy 80s-era hip hop beat, with cowbells reminiscent of hip hop pioneer Kurtis Blow's 1980 hit "The Breaks."
The video is stylized like a musical, giving it a "West Side Story" vibe. Macklemore leads his moped crew "Downtown" dressed in costumes that act as an homage to retro fashion staples like black-on-white Adidas, high top Converses, leather motorcycle vests, denim rompers and over-the-top hair.
Rocker Eric Nally makes a glorious cameo when the chorus comes in, riding on a chariot of motorcycles wearing a furry vest. The Foxy Shazam lead singer channels Queen front man Freddy Mercury's vocal style, rounding out the video's retro style.
MTV announced that Macklemore and Ryan Lewis will perform their new hit during this Sunday's MTV Video Music awards, and hopefully they'll be able to recreate their video's look during the live performance.
Go way back with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis by checking out their video for "Downtown" below.
