About
Macklemore, born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty on June 19, 1983, in Seattle, Washington, is an American rapper and songwriter renowned for his independent approach to hip hop and his collaborations with producer Ryan Lewis.
Macklemore began his musical journey in the early 2000s, releasing his debut mixtape, Open Your Eyes, in 2000, followed by the album The Language of My World in 2005.
In 2009, he partnered with Ryan Lewis, forming a duo that achieved significant success with their debut studio album, The Heist, released in 2012.
The album featured chart-topping singles like “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us,” both of which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Thrift Shop” was particularly notable for its commentary on consumer culture and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 2014.
In 2017, Macklemore released his second solo studio album, Gemini, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
The album included hits like “Glorious” featuring Skylar Grey and “Good Old Days” featuring Kesha, showcasing his versatility and ability to collaborate with diverse artists.
After a six-year hiatus, Macklemore returned with his third solo album, Ben, released on March 3, 2023.
The album features collaborations with artists such as Tones and I, DJ Premier, and NLE Choppa, and delves into personal themes, reflecting his growth as an artist and individual.
Beyond his musical achievements, Macklemore is known for his advocacy on social issues.
His 2012 single “Same Love” addressed LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality, contributing to important conversations within the hip hop community and beyond.
In 2024, during his international tour, Macklemore performed a new protest song titled “Hind’s Hall,” expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and addressing political issues, demonstrating his continued commitment to using his platform for activism.
Macklemore’s career is marked by his dedication to independence in the music industry, his willingness to tackle social issues through his art, and his dynamic performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.
