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"Thrift Shop"
Single by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz
from the album The Heist
B-side"Ten Thousand Hours"
ReleasedAugust 27, 2012 (2012-08-27)
Recorded2011
Genre
Length3:55
Label
  • Macklemore LLC
Songwriters
ProducerLewis
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis singles chronology
"Same Love"
(2012) 		"Thrift Shop"
(2012) 		"Can't Hold Us"
(2013)
Wanz singles chronology
"Thrift Shop"
(2012) 		"Family"
(2012)
Music video
"Thrift Shop" on YouTube

"Thrift Shop" is a song written and performed by American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring vocals from American singer Wanz, released in 2012, as the fourth single from the former's debut studio album, The Heist (2012). The lyrics tell of Macklemore's esteem for going to thrift shops and saving money, rather than flaunting expensive items like many rappers. The song was met with universal acclaim, with various music reviewers praising its humorous lyrics and social critique.

Despite being released on Macklemore's independent record label with distribution by the Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA), a Warner Music Group company, the single was a sleeper hit. It reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and has since sold over 6 million copies in the US alone.[3] The song also reached number one in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, France, Denmark, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand. The song would go on to become the number one song of 2013 by Billboard and in 2019, it was named by Billboard as the number one song of the 2010s on both the Hot Rap Songs and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.

A music video was released simultaneously with the song on August 29, 2012, and has more than 1.9 billion views on YouTube as of February 2025. At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014, the single won for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song.[4]

Background and composition

[edit]

The song illustrates Macklemore's interest in buying cheap clothing from thrift shops, disdaining designer labels and trends. He claims to enjoy donning "your granddad's clothes" and impulsively buying a sharp-looking but strong-smelling fur stole just because "it was 99 cents". Macklemore spoke to MTV News about the meaning of the song. "Rappers talk about, oh I buy this and I buy that, and I spend this much money and I make it rain, and this type of champagne and painting the club, and this is the kind of record that's the exact opposite," he explained. "It's the polar opposite of it. It's kind of standing for like let's save some money, let's keep some money away, let's spend as little as possible and look as fresh as possible at the same time."[5]

Asked why he thought the track was so successful, Macklemore replied, "I think hip-hop goes in waves, and it's something that's different. It's a concept. It's obviously against the status quo of what people normally rap about. This is a song that goes against all of that. How much can you save? How fresh can you look by not looking like anybody else? And on top of that, you have an infectious beat and a hook that gets stuck in people's heads."[6]

Macklemore stated that the message he was trying to send with that song was: "Don't be a fuckboy and think that a logo is going to make you cool. There are finds out there. There are treasures. There are amazing ways that you can freak fashion and be an individual, and we don't need to get caught up spending all this money. Save it. Go to the thrift shop."[7]

"Thrift Shop" is written in the key of G♯ minor and has a tempo of 95 beats per minute.[8] The song is prominently underpinned by a looping saxophone melody.[9]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Digital SpyStarStarStarStarStar[10]

The song received widespread critical acclaim. It has been called a critique of the product placement common in modern hip hop,[11][12] but The New York Times critic Jon Caramanica wrote, "[I]t's not quite the robust sendup of hip-hop-extravagance clichés that it aspires to be."[13] Robert Copsey of Digital Spy gave the song 5 out of 5 stars, calling it "a rare beast of a song – original, musically daring and genuinely funny."[10] Entertainment Weekly named the song as the 18th best single of 2012.[14] The song was number 1 in the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown of 2012.[9] In 2022, American Songwriter named it Macklemore's best song.[15]

Chart performance

[edit]

In the United States, the song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 15, 2012. It dropped out the following week but re-entered five weeks later on October 20. The song then steadily climbed the chart until it entered the top ten in the issue dated January 5, 2013. It replaced Bruno Mars' "Locked Out of Heaven" at number one in its 16th week on the chart on February 2, 2013[16] and remained atop the chart for six non-consecutive weeks.[17] It also topped the Rap Songs chart for fifteen weeks. "Thrift Shop" was the second best-selling single of 2013 in the US after Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines", with 6,148,000 copies sold during the year.[18] As of November 2015, the song has sold 7,740,000 downloads in the United States, making it the fifth-best selling digital single in the country ever.[19]

The song also had much success on Billboard's component charts, remaining atop the Digital Songs chart for ten weeks and topping Billboard's Radio Songs chart for two weeks. It also peaked at number one on the On-Demand Songs chart and remained there for eleven weeks until the week ending March 30, 2013. It set a record on that chart as the first song to reach two million streams in a single week since the chart's inception. The song also topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for fourteen consecutive weeks.[17] The song was the first independently distributed title to top the Billboard Digital Songs since "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" in February 2010. It was also only the second independent song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, nearly 20 years after Lisa Loeb's "Stay (I Missed You)" in 1994.[20] Billboard ranked it as the No. 1 song for 2013.[21]

In the United Kingdom, "Thrift Shop" entered the UK Singles Chart at number twenty-four in late January 2013, despite having been available as a single via iTunes since August 1, 2012. The following week, the single rose twenty-two positions to number two. Two weeks after entering the chart, the song reached number one on February 10, 2013 ― for the week ending date February 16, 2013 ― making Macklemore and Ryan Lewis only the second act to have a number one in Britain with a self-released single.[22] As of July 2013, "Thrift Shop" has sold 680,000 copies in the UK.[23]

In Canada, the song topped the Canadian Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks.[24] It was the country's second best-selling digital song of 2013 with 554,000 copies sold (all versions combined).[25]

Wider reception

[edit]

In August 2013, the rapper Le1f publicly criticized Macklemore's song on Twitter, claiming that "Thrift Shop" borrowed its beat extensively from his own earlier song, "Wut".[26]

Some thrift shops have reported an increase in business, especially among college students, which they have attributed to the song.[27] Several locations that were used in the music video and those that are located in the general vicinity of the places used for filming reported that their sales had not seen a sizable bump, but there was "attention."[5]

Music video

[edit]

The accompanying music video was co-directed by Jon Jon Augustavo, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.[28] It was released on Lewis' YouTube channel on August 29, 2012.[28] Filming took place at several thrift shops in Seattle, including Goodwill Outlet, Value Village in Capitol Hill, Red Light Vintage and Fremont Vintage Mall, as well as at Seattle locations like the Unicorn/Narwhal Arcade Bar and the Northwest African American Museum.[29] Macklemore attempted to persuade a fellow Seattle rapper, Sir Mix-a-Lot, to appear in the video but he did not return the calls.[30] Some local Seattle musicians like Thomas Grey of Champagne Champagne appear in the music video, and a DeLorean is shown as well. The video was nominated at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards for Video of the Year.[31]

[edit]

Postmodern Jukebox covered the song in 2013, with Robyn Adele Anderson singing in a Roaring Twenties jazz style. The video went viral and boosted the career of Postmodern Jukebox. The video gathered four million views in its first year.[32]

Parodies

[edit]

The children's show Sesame Street makes a parody of "Thrift Shop" in which Macklemore appeared playing the character "Mucklemore", shows Oscar the Grouch and his other Grouches the proper way to recycle their trash.[33]

In 2013, KIDZ BOP covered the song as part of their 24th album. The cover changes many of the original lyrics in order to make it appropriate for children to listen to.[34]

A parody was part of a Pessach Shop Passover Jam, done for the Jewish holiday of Passover by the a cappella group Six13.[35]

The American comedy artist Rucka Rucka Ali parodied the song twice in his album Black Man of Steal. One of his parodies is titled "I'm Obama", the other, "I'm Osama".[36][37]

Verizon Wireless parodied the song in a 2016 holiday promotion, this time in a laundromat.[38]

American parody web show "The Hillywood Show" samples the music in its parody of British TV show Sherlock, as well as reenacting some scenes from the music video.[39][40]

Media

[edit]

The song was also used in the trailers for the films Pain & Gain, The Internship and Tammy.[citation needed]

"Weird Al" Yankovic recorded a cover version of "Thrift Shop" as part of his polka medley "NOW That's What I Call Polka!" for his 2014 album Mandatory Fun.[41]

In 2018, a slightly modified version of the original song was also used for Suncorp advertisements featuring their mascot, Sunny.[42][43][44]

Formats and track listings

[edit]
Digital download[45]
No.TitleLength
1."Thrift Shop"3:55
CD
No.TitleLength
1."Thrift Shop"3:55
2."Ten Thousand Hours"4:10

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[127] 11× Platinum 770,000‡
Austria (IFPI Austria)[128] Platinum 30,000*
Belgium (BRMA)[129] Gold 15,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[130] Diamond 800,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[131] Platinum 30,000^
France (SNEP)[132] Platinum 150,000*
Germany (BVMI)[133] 3× Gold 450,000^
Italy (FIMI)[134] 2× Platinum 60,000*
Mexico (AMPROFON)[135] Platinum+Gold 90,000*
Netherlands (NVPI)[136] 2× Platinum 40,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[137] 5× Platinum 75,000*
Norway (IFPI Norway)[138] 12× Platinum 120,000*
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[139] Platinum 60,000‡
Sweden (GLF)[140] 4× Platinum 160,000‡
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[141] Platinum 30,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[143] 3× Platinum 1,800,000[142]
United States (RIAA)[144] Diamond 10,000,000‡
Streaming
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[145] 5× Platinum 9,000,000†
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[146] Platinum 8,000,000†

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Thrift Shop

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Thrift Shop" is a hip hop song written and performed by the American duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, featuring vocals from singer Wanz, and released on August 27, 2012, as the fourth single from their debut studio album The Heist.[1] The track, which promotes affordable fashion through thrifting while satirizing consumerism and brand obsession, features a funky bassline and became an international smash hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six non-consecutive weeks beginning in January 2013 and marking the first independently distributed single by a major artist to reach number one on the chart since 1995.[2][3] It also achieved number-one status on numerous other charts worldwide, including the UK Singles Chart for two weeks, and was certified diamond by the RIAA in 2015 for sales and streaming equivalent to 10 million units in the United States.[4][5] At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014, "Thrift Shop" won awards for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song, contributing to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's sweep of four trophies that night, including Best New Artist.[6] The song's accompanying music video, directed by Jon Jon Augustavo and released on August 29, 2012, depicts the duo and friends rummaging through a thrift store in Seattle, amassing over 1.9 billion views on YouTube as of 2025 and earning an MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Video.[7][8] Despite its commercial success, the track faced criticism for cultural appropriation in hip-hop from some artists and critics, sparking debates about race and genre boundaries in mainstream rap.[9]

Background and development

Writing and inspiration

The song "Thrift Shop" drew inspiration from Macklemore's (real name Ben Haggerty) lifelong habit of thrift shopping in his hometown of Seattle, where he frequently sought out unique and affordable clothing items as a budget-conscious alternative to mainstream retail. Haggerty has recounted personal anecdotes from these experiences, such as discovering a leopard mink coat for 99 cents at a local Capitol Hill thrift store, which directly influenced the track's celebratory tone toward second-hand finds and its critique of excessive spending.[1][10] Ryan Lewis played a key role in shaping the song's structure by conceptualizing the infectious hook, envisioning a soulful, upbeat chorus to anchor the verses. In May 2012, Lewis and Macklemore discovered vocalist Wanz (Michael Wansley) through a referral from Street Level Records founder D-Sane, who contacted Wanz seeking a singer with a Nate Dogg-like style for the track; Wanz, a veteran Seattle-based session vocalist and musician with over two decades of experience in local bands and studio work, was selected for his deep, resonant voice that conveyed playful confidence, aligning with the song's lighthearted vibe.[11][12][13] The demo for "Thrift Shop" was created in May 2012, with Wanz recording his chorus vocals during the session and improvising the hook "I'm gonna pop some tags," marking a key collaboration in Macklemore and Lewis's creative process for their debut album The Heist. The duo intentionally incorporated humorous, anti-materialistic elements—such as exaggerated boasts about bargain hunting—to satirize consumer culture while promoting resourcefulness and individuality through thrifting.[10][14]

Recording and production

The recording of "Thrift Shop" took place in Ryan Lewis's 500-square-foot studio in Seattle, a modest space adjacent to a sheet metal factory and a painting company, during the 2011–2012 period when Macklemore & Ryan Lewis were developing their debut album The Heist.[15] The track was captured in a single three-hour session in May 2012, reflecting the duo's independent, DIY approach to production without a major label.[14][16] Guest vocalist Wanz (Michael Wansley) was summoned to the studio after receiving a call from the duo; he arrived just 45 minutes later and recorded the chorus in approximately 45 minutes, improvising key lines like "I'm gonna pop some tags" in his first take, which was largely retained after minor refinements with Macklemore and Lewis.[14] The production incorporated vocal samples, including the "ah" exclamation from Beside's "Change the Beat (Female Version)" (1982) and scatted hip-hop/R&B vocal elements from Sonic Foundry's sample library, which were cleared for use.[17] Ryan Lewis handled the beat construction, centering it around a chopped-up, funky horn loop that provides the track's energetic backbone, along with drum programming and overall arrangement.[18] Lewis also managed the recording and mixing process in-house, utilizing a home studio setup typical of the album's creation, with final touches ensuring the track's polished, radio-ready sound.[16]

Release and promotion

Single release

"Thrift Shop" was first released as a digital single on August 27, 2012, through Macklemore's independent label, Macklemore LLC, with distribution handled by the Alternative Distribution Alliance, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.[19] The track was included on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's debut studio album, The Heist, which came out on October 9, 2012, also via Macklemore LLC.[20] Physical formats, including 12-inch promotional vinyl records, were released in early 2013, such as a Netherlands pressing on February 26, 2013.[21] Internationally, the single saw variations with releases through Warner Bros. Records in select markets beginning in January 2013, for example entering the UK charts on January 26.[4][22]

Marketing and promotion

The promotion of "Thrift Shop" relied heavily on digital platforms to build initial buzz, with the track uploaded to SoundCloud on October 8, 2012, where it quickly gained traction among independent music listeners.[23] The accompanying music video, released on YouTube on August 29, 2012, further amplified its viral spread in late 2012, accumulating millions of views through organic sharing on social media and streaming sites, which helped propel the song from niche hip-hop circles to broader audiences.[7] This grassroots digital momentum was key to establishing the track's playful thrift-shopping theme without traditional label backing. To transition to mainstream exposure, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis enlisted Warner Bros. Records' radio promotion team on an à la carte basis starting in November 2012, marking a strategic shift from independent distribution to targeted airplay campaigns.[22] This push involved pitching the song to urban and top 40 stations, leveraging its catchy hook and relatable lyrics to secure spins that escalated its visibility and contributed to widespread radio dominance by early 2013. A licensing deal with Redhook Brewery provided funding for this radio effort, enabling the duo to sustain promotion without signing a full major-label contract.[24] The single's marketing was closely tied to the rollout of the duo's debut album, The Heist, released on October 9, 2012, positioning "Thrift Shop" as the lead single to generate anticipation.[25] Live performances during their world tour, which began in August 2012, served as previews for album tracks, including early renditions of "Thrift Shop" that energized crowds and built fan engagement ahead of the full release. This integrated approach, combining digital virality, radio outreach, and live tour synergy, effectively bridged the song's independent origins with commercial breakthrough.

Music and lyrics

Composition

"Thrift Shop" is a hip hop track incorporating funk and pop elements through its rhythmic groove and catchy hooks.[26][27] The song's genre classification reflects its blend of rap delivery with upbeat, dance-oriented production that draws from electronic and jazzy influences.[28][29] The composition adheres to a conventional hip hop structure, beginning with an intro, followed by multiple verses and choruses, a bridge, and an outro.[28] It maintains a steady tempo of 95 beats per minute in the key of G♯ minor, contributing to its energetic yet laid-back feel.[30][31] The overall length is 3:56, allowing for concise verses that build into an anthemic chorus.[30] Instrumentally, the track relies on drum machine beats for its driving rhythm, a funky bassline, and synth horns that mimic brass sections for a playful, retro vibe.[29] This minimalistic production emphasizes space and repetition, highlighting the core elements without overcrowding the mix.[29] Vocally, Macklemore employs a rapid-fire rapping style in the verses, contrasting with Wanz's smooth, melodic singing in the chorus to create dynamic shifts.[1]

Themes and interpretation

"Thrift Shop" conveys a strong anti-consumerist message by satirizing the obsession with luxury fashion and designer labels prevalent in hip-hop culture, as Macklemore raps about arriving at a club in mismatched thrift finds rather than expensive attire.[32] In lines like "I'm gonna pop some tags, only got twenty dollars in my pocket," the song mocks the extravagance of high-end brands, emphasizing that personal style need not require wealth.[18] This critique highlights the irony of spending lavishly on trends, positioning thrift shopping as a rebellious alternative to materialism.[32] The track celebrates affordable and unique style sourced from secondhand stores, portraying thrifting as a source of pride and creativity where bargain hunters curate standout looks from overlooked items.[18] Macklemore draws from his personal experiences, describing the thrill of discovering gems like "velour jumpsuit and some house slippers," which allow individuals to express individuality without financial strain.[32] This ethos promotes resourcefulness, turning everyday thrift store visits into acts of empowerment and self-expression.[18] Humor permeates the lyrics through absurd outfit descriptions that amplify the song's playful tone, such as the "cornball brother" purchasing "basketball pants" and a "$5 for a fanny pack" deemed "kinda whack."[18] These exaggerated vignettes, including wearing "your granddad's clothes," poke fun at unconventional fashion choices while underscoring the joy in embracing the ridiculous for comedic effect.[32] The upbeat composition further enhances this irony, blending lighthearted mockery with infectious energy.[18] Interpretations of the song extend to class commentary, viewing thrift shopping as a bourgeois indulgence that contrasts with necessity-driven purchases by lower-income groups, potentially gentrifying secondhand markets.[18] It also aligns with sustainability in fashion by advocating reuse over new production, reducing waste in an industry rife with overconsumption, though this benefit is sometimes overshadowed by trends among privileged consumers.[33]

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Thrift Shop" debuted at number 96 on the US Billboard Hot 100 dated September 15, 2012.[34] It ascended to the number-one position on the chart dated February 2, 2013, becoming Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's first chart-topper.[34] The track held the top spot for six non-consecutive weeks.[35] It amassed 52 weeks on the Hot 100 overall and finished as the year's number-one song on the 2013 Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart.[34][36] Internationally, "Thrift Shop" achieved number-one status in multiple markets, including Australia, where it topped the ARIA Singles Chart for seven weeks; Canada, leading the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks; and New Zealand.[37][38] In the United Kingdom, the song reached number one on the Official Singles Chart for one week and charted for 40 weeks total.[4] It also peaked in the top ten in countries such as Germany (number four on the Media Control Charts), France (number three), Ireland (number one), and the Netherlands (number two).[36] The song's chart trajectory benefited substantially from digital download sales and emerging streaming metrics, which propelled it to number one on Billboard's Streaming Songs chart during its peak period and contributed to its sustained presence across global rankings.[2]
CountryPeak PositionWeeks at #1Total Weeks on ChartSource
United States (Billboard Hot 100)16 (non-consecutive)52Billboard, aCharts
Australia (ARIA)1727ARIA, aCharts
Canada (Billboard Canadian Hot 100)1642Billboard
New Zealand (RIANZ)1530aCharts
United Kingdom (Official Singles)1140Official Charts
Germany (Media Control)4022aCharts

Sales and certifications

"Thrift Shop" achieved significant commercial success, selling more than 10 million copies worldwide by the end of 2013, making it one of the best-selling digital singles of that year.[39] In the United States, the track had sold 9.7 million copies by 2020, bolstered by strong digital download performance and streaming activity.[40] By 2020, it had also surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify; as of 2025, it has exceeded 1.5 billion streams on the platform, contributing to its accumulation of modern equivalent units under updated certification metrics.[41] The song received numerous certifications across various territories, reflecting its global reach. In the United States, it was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2015, denoting 10 million units sold or streamed.[5] In Canada, Music Canada awarded it Diamond certification in 2017 for exceeding 800,000 units.[42] The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified it 3× Platinum, equivalent to 1.8 million units in the United Kingdom.[43] Additionally, it earned Platinum status from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for 70,000 shipments and Gold certification from Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) in France for 75,000 units. These sales figures were a primary driver behind its chart peaks in multiple countries.

Critical reception

"Thrift Shop" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its catchy production, humorous lyrics, and satirical commentary on consumerism and brand obsession in hip-hop. Stereogum writer Tom Breihan commended Ryan Lewis's energetic beat, featuring a horn loop and handclaps, and Wanz's "commanding baritone" hook, though he described Macklemore's delivery as "awkward and oversold."[44] Some reviewers offered mixed assessments. In The Guardian, Sam Wolfson argued that the song emphasizes the "wackiness" of thrift store items over their affordability, portraying it as appealing to privileged audiences seeking novelty rather than necessity.[45] SPIN's Brandon Soderberg criticized the track for lacking authenticity, suggesting Macklemore's embrace of thrifting serves as a "novelty" for white partygoers to "lord over his peers," and highlighted problematic elements like an R. Kelly reference and vocal mimicry.[46] The song also drew criticism for perceived cultural appropriation, with some hip-hop artists and commentators questioning a white performer's mainstream success in the genre and its potential mockery of hip-hop tropes. This contributed to debates on race, privilege, and genre boundaries.[9]

Music video

Production

The music video for "Thrift Shop" was co-directed by filmmaker Jon Jon Augustavo, producer Ryan Lewis, and rapper Macklemore (Ben Haggerty) in a highly collaborative process that integrated their creative visions.[7][47] Filming occurred at multiple thrift stores in Seattle, Washington, including frequent spots visited by Macklemore, during the summer of 2012.[18][47] The production operated on a modest budget of $5,000, emphasizing resourcefulness by employing a local Seattle-based crew and sourcing props through donations, such as clothing directly from the featured thrift stores.[48][47] Macklemore took a hands-on role in securing permissions from the store owners to allow filming amid their daily operations, a key logistical challenge overcome through personal connections to the locations.[47] Casting involved open calls for local extras to appear as shoppers and participants, coordinating their involvement to capture authentic, community-driven energy without high costs.[47] Post-production, including editing, was handled efficiently by the core team to align with the track's upbeat rhythm, resulting in the video's premiere on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's YouTube channel on August 29, 2012.[7] This low-key approach not only reflected the song's themes of affordability and ingenuity but also leveraged Seattle's tight-knit creative scene for its execution.[48]

Content and reception

The music video for "Thrift Shop," directed by Jon Jon Augustavo, Ryan Lewis, and Ben Haggerty (Macklemore), depicts Macklemore and Ryan Lewis exploring multiple Seattle-area thrift stores, including the Goodwill Outlet and Value Village, where they hunt for bargains using just $20 in cash.[7] The storyline follows the duo and their friends as they excitedly discover and try on eccentric second-hand clothing items, such as oversized jumpsuits, mismatched shoes, and novelty accessories, while exchanging playful banter and engaging in lighthearted skits that highlight the joy of unexpected finds.[49] Wanz makes a cameo appearance alongside the group, lip-syncing his chorus lines amid the chaotic shopping spree, before the crew arrives at a lively house party dressed in their newly acquired outfits to celebrate their thrifty style. Visually, the video adopts a deliberately low-budget aesthetic, filmed on location in actual thrift stores with handheld cameras to capture raw, unpolished energy, contrasted by vibrant, colorful lighting that accentuates the eclectic and often garish clothing selections.[50] This approach parodies common hip-hop video tropes of ostentatious displays of wealth and designer labels, instead emphasizing affordable absurdity and anti-consumerist humor through exaggerated poses and reactions to items like green gator shoes and pink ensembles.[51] Upon release on August 29, 2012, the video received widespread acclaim for its genuine portrayal of thrift culture and rejection of rap's materialistic stereotypes, with critics noting its infectious enthusiasm and relatable DIY vibe as key to its appeal.[50] It earned a nomination for Video of the Year at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, underscoring its cultural resonance alongside high-profile entries like Justin Timberlake's "Mirrors."[52] By November 2025, the official upload on YouTube had amassed over 1.9 billion views, cementing its status as one of the platform's most enduring music videos. The video's outrageous outfits, particularly Macklemore's grilled cheese sandwich hat, sparked viral memes and social media imitations, contributing to its broader audience impact by encouraging fans to recreate and share their own thrifted looks in humorous online content.[7]

Live performances and covers

Notable live performances

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis debuted "Thrift Shop" live during the kickoff show for their Heist World Tour at Seattle's WaMu Theater on October 12, 2012, shortly after the album's release, where the track quickly became a crowd favorite with fans chanting along to the hook.[53][54] The duo's high-profile television appearances included a vibrant rendition at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, performed on a secondary stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, emphasizing the song's energetic beats and humorous lyrics amid a sea of cheering fans.[55][56] At the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, while they performed "Same Love," Macklemore's red carpet ensemble—a mint green suit paired with a fur scarf—echoed the thrift shopping theme of their hit, drawing attention for its playful nod to the song's aesthetic.[57][58] In January 2014, ahead of Super Bowl XLVIII, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis delivered "Thrift Shop" as part of their halftime show at the NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field, blending it with "Can't Hold Us" to hype the home crowd and celebrate local pride.[59][60] Throughout the 2013–2014 Heist World Tour, "Thrift Shop" served as a centerpiece, often featuring extended audience participation where fans shouted the chorus and Wanz joined for the hook, fostering an interactive vibe that amplified the song's communal spirit across sold-out arenas worldwide.[61][62] In a revival of their early catalog, Macklemore included "Thrift Shop" in his setlist at Lollapalooza Berlin 2023, performing it early in the show to nostalgic cheers from the Olympiapark audience, highlighting the track's enduring appeal over a decade later.[63] The song continued to feature in Macklemore's live sets in subsequent years, including performances at Lovestream festival in 2024 and Les Vieilles Charrues festival in July 2025.[64][65]

Covers and remixes

The song "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz has inspired numerous covers and remixes, particularly in the years following its 2012 release, with adaptations spanning orchestral, jazz, and electronic genres.[17] One prominent cover is the orchestral rendition by the Vitamin String Quartet, released in 2013 on their album VSQ Performs the Hits of 2013, Vol. 1. This string-based version transforms the original hip-hop track into an instrumental piece suitable for classical ensembles, highlighting the melody's versatility.[66][67] In the same year, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox released a viral jazz cover on April 23, 2013, featuring vocalist Robyn Adele Anderson in a 1930s speakeasy style. The YouTube video amassed over one million views in its first week and four million within the first year, contributing significantly to the group's rise in popularity by reinterpreting the song's playful lyrics with ragtime piano and brass elements.[68][69] Amateur covers proliferated on platforms like YouTube, often gaining traction through creative, low-fi interpretations. Ukulele versions, such as Johnny Costa's acoustic cover uploaded in October 2013, showcased the track's accessibility for solo performers, with one early rendition accumulating over 92,000 views by emphasizing stripped-down chords like Am, C, F, and G.[70] School and community choirs also produced viral takes, including a cappella arrangements by groups like Pentatonix in January 2013, which blended harmonious vocals with the song's rhythmic hooks to appeal to younger audiences.[71] The track has been sampled and remixed extensively in electronic dance music (EDM), influencing DJ sets and bootlegs. For instance, Maduk's 2013 drum and bass remix reworks the original's beat into a high-energy drop suitable for club play, while DJs From Mars and Dabio's "Drop It Like It's Thrift Shop" (2013) mashes it with Snoop Dogg's "Drop It Like It's Hot" for an EDM-hybrid vibe. Overall, "Thrift Shop" appears in 26 sampled tracks according to music database analyses, demonstrating its enduring appeal in remix culture.[72][73]

Cultural impact

Use in media

The song "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz has appeared in various television programs and advertisements, often highlighting its themes of affordable fashion and fun consumerism. In January 2013, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performed the track live on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, an appearance that helped propel its mainstream exposure during its chart climb.[74] Later that year, in April 2013, young performers Sophia Grace and Rosie delivered a playful cover of the song on the same program, adapting its lyrics for a family-friendly rendition that garnered significant attention.[75] In the advertising realm, a customized parody of "Thrift Shop" was prominently featured in a 2013 Halloween television commercial for the Canadian thrift chain Value Village, where actors rapped altered lyrics promoting discounted costumes and emphasizing the store's bargain appeal.[76] The ad capitalized on the song's viral momentum to drive seasonal traffic, becoming a hit among viewers for its humorous nod to the original.[77] Additionally, in 2015, Macklemore collaborated on a child-safe remix parody for Sesame Street, teaming up with Oscar the Grouch to reimagine the song around trash-themed "treasures," airing as part of the show's educational programming.[78] The song has had a lasting influence on popular culture, promoting thrifting as a sustainable and stylish alternative to fast fashion consumerism. Reflections on its 10-year anniversary in 2023 highlighted its role in shifting attitudes toward secondhand shopping and affordability in fashion.[79] As of 2025, the accompanying music video has amassed over 1.9 billion views on YouTube, underscoring its enduring popularity.[7]

Parodies and homages

One prominent parody of "Thrift Shop" is the 2013 "Gift Shop" video produced by CollegeHumor, which satirizes consumerism by depicting shoppers eagerly purchasing overpriced, novelty items from museum gift shops, such as pet rocks and branded keychains, in direct contrast to the original song's celebration of bargain hunting.[80] The parody highlights the absurdity of impulse buying in commercialized spaces, amassing millions of views and underscoring the song's influence on comedic takes on spending habits. The song also inspired homages in television sketches, exemplified by a 2013 segment on Saturday Night Live during the episode hosted by Kevin Hart, where Macklemore & Ryan Lewis delivered a live rendition of "Thrift Shop." Across the internet, "Thrift Shop" spawned widespread memes and fan-created parodies adapting its lyrics to niche scenarios, reflecting the song's relatable theme of frugal acquisition. Educational parodies further demonstrated the song's versatility, with history teachers leveraging its structure for engaging lesson themes; for instance, The Singing History Teachers released a 2014 remix titled "Mr. M's Class Rules Song," reworking the lyrics to outline classroom expectations while incorporating historical references to foster student interest in the subject.[81] Similarly, educator Mr. Nicky produced "Ancient Rome," a 2014 parody that uses the melody to teach key facts about Roman history, such as emperors and architecture, making complex topics memorable through rhythmic storytelling.[82]

Credits and personnel

  • Macklemore – lead vocals, songwriter, recording, mixing[83]
  • Ryan Lewis – producer, songwriter, recording, mixing[83][84]
  • Wanz – featured vocals[83]
  • DJ DV One – scratches[83]
  • Brooklyn Grinnell – additional vocals[83]

References

  1. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Thrift Shop Lyrics - Genius
  2. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' 'Thrift Shop” Tops Hot 100 For Third Week
  3. Macklemore's "Thrift Shop" Tops Billboard Chart Independently
  4. THRIFT SHOP – MACKLEMORE/RYAN LEWIS/WANZ - Official Charts
  5. Gold & Platinum - RIAA
  6. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis | Artist - GRAMMY.com
  7. THRIFT SHOP FEAT. WANZ (OFFICIAL VIDEO) - YouTube
  8. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz's 'Thrift Shop' - Billboard
  9. The Billboard Cover Story - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Shot Callers
  10. Wanz - Singer, songwriter, producer - Seattle - SoundBetter
  11. Wanz Q&A: Meet the 'F-ing Awesome' Singer in 'Thrift Shop' - Billboard
  12. Behind The Song: "Thrift Shop," with Hook Singer Wanz
  13. New Video: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's "Thrift Shop" feat. Wanz
  14. Does Ryan Lewis do everything? - Gearspace
  15. Thrift Shop by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz - WhoSampled
  16. The Number Ones: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' “Thrift Shop” (Feat ...
  17. Wiki - Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz) — Macklemore & Ryan Lewis | Last.fm
  18. The Heist - Album by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Apple Music
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/4551304-Macklemore-Ryan-Lewis-Feat-Wanz-Thrift-Shop
  20. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Crash Radio With 'Thrift Shop' - Billboard
  21. Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz) - Macklemore - SoundCloud
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK8W9zT3v-c
  23. The Secrets Of Marketing Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "The Heist ...
  24. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis "The Heist" Album Stream - HipHopDX
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/5034773-Macklemore-Ryan-Lewis-Feat-Wanz-Thrift-Shop
  26. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Thrift Shop - Reviews - Album of The Year
  27. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz)
  28. Thrift Shop – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Wanz
  29. Key & BPM for Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz) by Macklemore ... - Tunebat
  30. Macklemore's Brand Of Socially Conscious Rap - NPR
  31. How thrifting became problematic - Vox
  32. Here's Every Billboard Hot 100 Year-End No. 1 Song
  33. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Open Up 'Thrift Shop,' Score Top Rap ...
  34. Thrift Shop - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Acharts.co
  35. All The ARIA Singles Chart #1s
  36. Billboard Canadian Hot 100
  37. Biggest-selling digital single in one year | Guinness World Records
  38. Macklemore (& Ryan Lewis) albums and songs sales - ChartMasters
  39. [PDF] RIAA GOLD & PLATINUM AWARDS
  40. Macklemore receives first Canadian Diamond plaque in Toronto
  41. 2025 BPI Certifications - Page 9 - UK Charts - BuzzJack Music Forum
  42. Video Chats: Jon Jon Augustavo on 'Same Love' and 'Thrift Shop' by ...
  43. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' 'Thrift Shop' Video Passes 1 ... - Billboard
  44. Thrift Shop (Music) - TV Tropes
  45. Hollis Talks 'White Walls,' Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' Early Days: Q&A
  46. Macklemore's 'Thrift Shop' and Baauer's 'Harlem Shake'
  47. Justin Timberlake, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Top MTV VMA ...
  48. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist World Tour - Seattle, 10/12/12
  49. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Setlist at WaMu Theater, Seattle
  50. Macklemore + Ryan Lewis Perform 'Thrift Shop' at 2013 Billboard ...
  51. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Open 'Thrift Shop' at 2013 Billboard ...
  52. MTV VMAs 2013: 20 Best & Worst Dressed - Billboard
  53. 2013 MTV Video Music Awards Menswear Round Up #VMAs
  54. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis NFC Championship Halftime
  55. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis to Perform During NFC Championship ...
  56. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/average-setlist/macklemore-and-ryan-lewis-3db0107.html?year=2013
  57. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis bring 'The Heist' to Eastern
  58. Macklemore Setlist at Lollapalooza Berlin 2023
  59. VSQ Performs the Hits of 2013, Vol. 1 - Album by Vitamin String ...
  60. Cover versions of Thrift Shop by King the Kid - SecondHandSongs
  61. Performance: Thrift Shop by Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox
  62. https://www.postmodernjukebox.com/blog/historyofpmj/
  63. Johnny Costa - Thrift Shop (ukulele, acoustic cover) - YouTube
  64. Thrift Shop - Pentatonix (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis cover) - YouTube
  65. Thrift Shop - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz - WhoSampled
  66. https://soundcloud.com/madukdnb/macklemore-ryan-lewis-thrift-1
  67. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - "Thrift Shop" (Live On The Ellen ...
  68. Sophia Grace And Rosie Cover 'Thrift Shop' By Macklemore & Ryan ...
  69. Macklemore's 'Thrift Shop' a Halloween hit for Value Village
  70. Value Village TV Spot, 'Halloween Costumes' - iSpot.tv
  71. Seattle's Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featured in All-Star Game video
  72. Macklemore NBA ad with Wings: Is the rapper a sellout?
  73. Macklemore parodies 'Thrift Shop' on Sesame Street - CNN
  74. Gift Shop Thrift Shop Parody - YouTube
  75. 'Thrift Shop' parody turns Macklemore hit into geek anthem
  76. Mr.M's Class Rules song (Thrift Shop Remix) - YouTube
  77. ANCIENT ROME song by Mr. Nicky - YouTube
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