Ben Haggerty (aka Macklemore) shared on the group’s website that Growing Up felt like “the right song to re-emerge with.” It’s his first song released since becoming a father on May 29, and Growing Up is fittingly about the experience, as well as his daughter, Sloane Ava Simone Haggerty. “It’s where I’ve been the last year, through all the ups and downs,” wrote Haggerty.
The song was released quietly on the group’s website Wednesday with an option for fans to download the song for free. As Haggerty explained, “We didn’t want to do a big campaign or anything over the top with this. We just wanted to put out good music, directly to the people that have been here since the beginning.”
Fans of Same Love will find a lot to like in Growing Up, as it’s introspective and poignant. In the song, Haggerty raps about his hopes for fatherhood and for his daughter; one of our favorite promises is, “I won’t spoil you / you can trust that / for your sweet sixteen you get a bus pass.” Haggerty also shares solid life advice — some comical and some more serious. Among his recommendations are “Jaywalk, but look before you do it,” “Wear a helmet,” and “The quickest way to happiness? Learning to be selfless.” Throughout the song, Sheeran takes over for each chorus.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ most recent album, 2012’s The Heist, was a Grammy winner, bringing home the award for Best Rap Album. Currently, the duo is working on their next album, which was three-quarters done, according to Rolling Stone in late July. Growing Up will have to tide fans over for now.
