When making statements of greatness on the opening track, “Ten Thousand Hours,” Macklemore forgoes other rappers or mainstream celebrities, and instead compares himself to Malcolm Gladwell, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Common hip-hop themes make appearances in Macklemore’s lyrics, but in a different light than seen before. How he raps is nowhere near as noteworthy as what he raps. His flow is smooth, and he comfortably goes to 11 and back without a second thought. While Lewis’s production is fresh and innovative, Macklemore’s rapping is nothing groundbreaking. Growing to a false climax, the music cuts out halfway through the song to the sound of fireworks in the distance, before starting stronger than when it stopped. The Teaching.” Starting with a lone piano, Lewis and The Teaching (a piano, bass, and percussion trio) create a multilayered ballad that morphs into a pounding club anthem. Lewis’s real standout track, however, is the completely instrumental “Bombom ft. Allen Stone,” Lewis expertly sets the tone for the songs on the album. Whether it’s the looping of a scream in the background of “Make the Money,” or the sleazy, ‘80’s style synthesizer in “Neon Cathedral ft. And with old-school flavor, atmospheric electro-pop worthy of the trendiest indie-pop darlings, restrained piano driven tracks, over-the top grandiose anthems, and even a banjo, boy does Lewis show range.ĭespite the seemingly stark differences musically, the songs meld into one coherent album. Throughout The Heist, Lewis shows an incredible amount of range in creating beats. Lewis knows exactly when to show restraint, and just when to let loose to perfectly complement Macklemore and the assorted guest vocalists on the album. Lewis’s production is instrumental in the success of the album. The duo create a brilliant album that mercilessly reinvents what rap can and could be. Instead of keeping Ryan Lewis, who does the production on this album, relegated to album sleeve credits, Lewis rightfully shares title billing with Macklemore, rapper and lyricist. On The Heist, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis pay homage to where hip-hop has been, while showing the genre where it’s going. Review Summary: Some Malcolm Gladwell, David Bowie meets Kanye shit

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