About time!

Nearly a year ago, Otherside, a fan favorite off of the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ VS EP, was remixed and released as part of their VS Redux project. During that span, and spurred on by a powerful fan-base who have long embraced Otherside (the song has over one-million plays one YouTube), Macklemore and Lewis felt compelled to deliver a worthy visual to accompany the already stirring narrative. Along with Macklemore and Lewis, the visual was shot in multiple locations by director and long time collaborator Jason Koenig (My Oh My). The song, remixed and now featuring Christopher Mansfield (Fences) on the chorus, chronicles Macklemore’s personal struggles with drug abuse and its glorification within the hip hop music he loves.

As a companion to the music video, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis released a special live version of the remix on iTunes.

Last November I was put on to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis by their extremely dope (Red Hot Chili Peppers-sampled) single. Now, nearly a year later, the emcee/producer duo are re-releasing their VS. EP. Fully equipped with bonus tracks and remixes from Jake One, Sabzi and more.

With sparse piano, a backing choir and strings, Macklemore and Mansfield’s stories are exposed. Two young artists who have struggled with addiction and are producing their best work sober, have crossed genres to create one of the most innovative collaborations of the year.  The song that served as rehabilitation for not only Macklemore but fans alike, is heightened by Mansfield’s crisp confessional improving upon what was already a heart-aching anthem.

DOWNLOAD: Macklemore – Otherside (Ryan Lewis Remix) f. Fences | Mediafire