Seattle rapper Macklemore to run for mayor. Really?

A Seattle rapper has accomplished something in music that hasn’t happened for about 20 years and he’s looking ahead to running for Mayor in 2025.

It was the summer of 1992, the last time a Seattle artist had a platinum single in the music world.

Sir Mix Alot’s “Baby got Back” has been replaced. On Thursday, Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” – by the way parents, offensive language warning on that video – went platinum, which means there have been 1,000,000 downloads of the song.

If you’re familiar with Macklemore, it’s likely because you have a teen in your house or you might remember his tribute song to Dave Niehaus “My Oh My.”

His song “Same Love,” in support of same-sex marriage was recently in the news because a teacher was reprimanded for playing it in class.

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have quietly become a national success. Their album “The Heist” reached number one on iTunes, he’s playing sold out shows, and now he’s announcing political goals.

Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, says he’s running for Mayor of Seattle.

“I’m running: 2025 is the year,” he tells me after getting off a red eye flight back from a concert in Hawaii. “It’s time to fight for the city and stand up for the people.

It’ll happen in 2025, he says, because his rap career will probably be winding down by then and he’ll be able to focus on other goals.

“Politics is the new hip hop,” says Macklemore.

Cool phrase, but what does that mean?

“I’m going to make that the new phrase in 2025, and I’ll figure it out by then,” he says.

Haggerty, who grew up in Seattle and went to public schools here, says education needs to be embraced as the “engine of our robust economy.” He also supports gun control and wants affordable, safe housing for all.

There’s more.

“We need a modern transportation system. We’re a growing city we need to meet those needs, and hopefully that means hover boards,” he says.

Seriously?

“Yes,” Macklemore says with a smile in his voice. “In 2025 I’ll make sure all the kids in Seattle get hover boards.”

He’s gotten thousands of likes on a Facebook post about his plan to run for Mayor of Seattle. Some people even say they’ll move to the city if he’s in charge.

Others, think maybe he’s taking his New Year’s resolutions a little too seriously and is “going a little crazy on us.”

“Absolutely not,” he says. “I’m enjoying life.”

By LINDA THOMAS

Exterior photo courtesy Macklemore’s Facebook page