Hip-hop has always been political and used to address societal ills.

Laced with truth-bearing lyrics and vividly painted verbal pitches, it’s a testament to the times in life. On the flip side, it’s a platform for entertainment, fantasy and aspiration.

Styles are filled with unique swag and as we’ve discussed various times before, it’s an artform that heavily influences the works of artists such as Iggy Azalea, Miley Cyrus and on occasion, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. The Black community has called out such artists and when it comes to the injustices faced by people of color, we have schooled a population on the advantages of “white privilege.”

And still, some don’t get it.

However, when rapper Macklemore releases a song such as 2005’s “White Privilege” and then follows up with its sequel, “White Privilege II” amid a society warped in a hostile battle of race and injustice, do we applaud him for confronting his race about their unfair ways?

“We take all we want from Black culture, but will we stand up for Black lives?”

Do we applaud him questioning his white peers about their intent for creating an identity in a space where Black people thrive and built from struggle, yet stay mum when it comes to Black issues?

“Are you marching for freedom or when it’s convenient?”

OR do we question his intent and the sincerity of his self-acknowledgement and public confrontation?

We don’t do well with gimmicks. The words in Macklemore’s “White Privilege II” looks both inward and outward as he vocalizes his struggle with taking a stance or sitting back, observing and releasing analysis through song.

Is it my place to give my two cents or should I stand on the side and shut my mouth?

Talib Kweli commends the rapper, sending out a supportive tweet.

I am proud to call @macklemore a friend & an ally. This song is beautiful. The words…. https://t.co/YT0tmFXanZ

— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) January 22, 2016

He and his music partner Ryan Lewis are releasing The Unruly Mess I’ve Made at the end of Black History Month.

Take a listen to the lead single below and then take our poll.

Is “White Privilege II” authentic, calculated or satisfying both? Take our poll!