Ben Shapiro and Tom MacDonald drop rap collab
Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro Drops Rap Music Video with Tom MacDonald
Yes, you read that right — but it bears repeating: Ben Shapiro released a rap video with Tom MacDonald. The song, called “Facts,” goes after the establishment and mainstream media “sacred cows,” which get taken down by Shapiro and MacDonald in a “quotable verbal crossfire,” according to a press release from MacDonald.
“As a longtime devotee of rap, becoming a rapper was the natural next step in my career trajectory,” Shapiro said. “So, when Tom asked if I wanted to collaborate on a song, I leapt at the chance. This was the moment I spent 20 years of classical violin training preparing for. For those who don’t appreciate my artistic stylings, all I can say is that they didn’t appreciate Bach properly in his own time, either.”
Shortly after its release, the Shapiro/MacDonald song was charting at #5 overall, above hits from top artists such as Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa.
.@TomMacDonald has now brought the magic of my flow to the world. And the iTunes store now properly has us charting above Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa. pic.twitter.com/GLCEamHanf
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) January 26, 2024
“Facts” also reached #2 on the iTunes rap chart ahead of Nikki Minaj and Doja Cat. “Hey, @NICKIMINAJ, it’s great to join you atop the iTunes rap charts,” Shapiro posted. “Sorry, correction, you’re a few slots lower.”
Hey, @NICKIMINAJ, it’s great to join you atop the iTunes rap charts. Sorry, correction, you’re a few slots lower. pic.twitter.com/6XXou5Znge
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) January 26, 2024
“I like to do things nobody else can do,” MacDonald said after releasing “Facts.” “Not everybody can get Ben Shapiro on a track. For someone who had never recorded a rap song before, he got in the studio and nailed it. We’ve both criticized the status quo of hip-hop, so it made sense. There is a good intention at the heart of ‘Facts.’ There is light.”
Who’s ready for something absolutely INSANE?! Friday 9 AM! Let’s go! pic.twitter.com/5zES9s7LQe
— Tom MacDonald (@IAMTOMMACDONALD) January 24, 2024
While a number accused MacDonald of “selling out” in the comments, some joked about how Shapiro’s notoriously fast style of speaking would actually work in his favor in the rap genre.
“Can you imagine Ben Shapiro pulling a Rap God? He could probably spit 200 bars in 12 seconds,” one joked.
Lots of people seem to be REALLY mad that I’m dropping a song with Ben Shapiro on Friday.
To those who I’ve upset, I’d just like to say…
There isn’t a metric small enough to measure how little I care ❤️
To the folks who are excited…2 sleeps till Friday!!
— Tom MacDonald (@IAMTOMMACDONALD) January 25, 2024
MacDonald followed the initial announcement with a nod to the haters, saying, “Lots of people seem to be REALLY mad that I’m dropping a song with Ben Shapiro on Friday. To those who I’ve upset, I’d just like to say … There isn’t a metric small enough to measure how little I care. To the folks who are excited … 2 sleeps till Friday!!”
Lots of people seem to be REALLY mad that I’m dropping a song with Ben Shapiro on Friday.
To those who I’ve upset, I’d just like to say…
There isn’t a metric small enough to measure how little I care ❤️
To the folks who are excited…2 sleeps till Friday!!
— Tom MacDonald (@IAMTOMMACDONALD) January 25, 2024
For good measure, MacDonald added a promotional graphic. “Tomorrow at 9 AM! Who’s ready for a crazy music video?!”
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Tomorrow at 9 AM! Who’s ready for a crazy music video?! 👀 pic.twitter.com/eWpap4Zs5b
— Tom MacDonald (@IAMTOMMACDONALD) January 25, 2024
The collaborative effort came as a shock to many who had just watched Shapiro’s recent interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, during which he argued that rap was not really music — but that he could potentially be convinced otherwise.
WATCH:
.@lexfridman asks @benshapiro and @TheOmniLiberal if rap music is bad
Ben: Absolutely. pic.twitter.com/n22FbYiT8I
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) January 23, 2024
Shapiro’s argument was that music — at least, classically speaking — has three key components: rhythm, melody, and harmony. And by his assessment, rap typically only had maybe one of the three.
How did Ben Shapiro and Tom MacDonald justify their collaboration in the face of criticism and accusations of selling out?
Eem to be upset about the recent collaboration between Ben Shapiro and Tom MacDonald. However, the release of their rap song, titled “Facts,” has proven to be a success, charting at #5 overall on the iTunes charts and reaching #2 on the rap chart. This accomplishment is particularly notable as it placed them above popular artists such as Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Nikki Minaj, and Doja Cat.
Ben Shapiro, the former editor of the Daily Wire, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating that his passion for rap made it a natural progression in his career. He humorously compared himself to classical composer Bach, suggesting that his artistic stylings might not be appreciated immediately but will be recognized in due time.
Tom MacDonald, known for his unapologetic and thought-provoking music, praised Shapiro for embracing a genre that they both believe needs a critical eye. He commended Shapiro for his ability to deliver his lines flawlessly, despite it being his first rap recording. MacDonald emphasized that their song, “Facts,” carries a good intention and a message of light amidst their criticism of the status quo in hip-hop.
While some accused MacDonald of selling out, others joked about the compatibility of Shapiro’s fast-speaking style with rap. Many fans eagerly awaited the release of the collaboration, and MacDonald responded to the negative comments by expressing his indifference and focusing on those who are excited about the project.
Overall, despite the initial surprise and skepticism surrounding Ben Shapiro and Tom MacDonald joining forces, the success of their rap song has proven that anything is possible in the realm of music. The collaboration challenges the mainstream and establishment narratives and offers a unique perspective rooted in their individual experiences and beliefs.
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