Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Release Poignant Sneaker Hymn "Wings"--With Children's Choir

Photo by Jason Koenig

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are riding high after selling out not one, not two, but three dates at The Showbox--not to mention the reception of their widely loved tribute to "Voice of the Mariners" Dave Niehaus. And keeping fans happy, the duo dropped their long-awaited "ode" to sneaker culture, formerly known simply as "Nikes" or "Air Jordans," last Friday. Now called "Wings," the lead single from their forthcoming full-length record includes a host of instruments--violin, cello, piano, trumpet, and bass--and, most hauntingly, a beautiful chorus written by the wonderful Hollis Wong-Wear and performed by a choir from Denny Middle School. Macklemore has proven time and time again his capability for eliciting the most powerful emotions, and this is only the latest example of personal connection on a grandiose level.

As promised, a video collaboration with Zia Mohajerjasbi--the same director responsible for "The Town"--is due out this spring. Below, check out an early version from a "Songs for Eating and Drinking" session back in early '09. Seeing the progression of the song over a couple of years somehow makes it even more intriguing.