Macklemore, born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, is a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Seattle, Washington. He first gained popularity in 2012 with his collaborative album “The Heist” alongside producer Ryan Lewis. The album’s lead single “Thrift Shop” topped the charts in several countries and earned the duo several Grammy nominations and wins.
Macklemore’s music often addresses social issues such as addiction, homophobia, and consumerism, and he is known for his strong storytelling abilities and introspective lyrics. His second studio album, “This Unruly Mess I’ve Made,” released in 2016, explored themes of white privilege and racial injustice.
Macklemore’s style often features a blend of hip hop, pop, and indie rock, and he frequently collaborates with other artists such as Kesha, Ed Sheeran, and Mary Lambert. He is also known for his energetic and engaging live performances, and has toured extensively around the world.
Aside from his music, Macklemore is also an active advocate for social justice and LGBT rights, and has used his platform to speak out on various issues affecting marginalized communities. He has been praised for his honesty, authenticity, and willingness to address difficult topics in his music.
10. “Jimmy Iovine”
“Jimmy Iovine” is a song by Macklemore featuring Ab-Soul. The song is a tribute to Jimmy Iovine, the legendary record producer and entrepreneur who co-founded Interscope Records. In the song, Macklemore raps about his desire to succeed in the music industry and the struggles he faces along the way. He also references Iovine’s success in discovering and nurturing some of the biggest names in hip-hop, such as Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur, and Eminem. The track is a high-energy, lyrically impressive showcase of Macklemore’s skills as a rapper and his admiration for one of the industry’s most influential figures.
9. “Good Old Days”
“Good Old Days” is a nostalgic song by American rapper Macklemore, featuring Kesha. The track celebrates the good times and encourages listeners to appreciate the moments that shape their lives. The lyrics reflect on past experiences and highlight the importance of enjoying life to the fullest. Macklemore’s verses are heartfelt and introspective, while Kesha’s powerful vocals provide a soulful touch to the chorus. The song is driven by a catchy beat and features a melodic guitar riff. “Good Old Days” is a feel-good anthem that resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
8. “Brad Pitt’s Cousin”
“Brad Pitt’s Cousin” is a satirical hip-hop track by Macklemore that pokes fun at celebrity culture and the pressures of fame. The song features a catchy beat and witty lyrics that critique the excesses and absurdities of Hollywood life. Macklemore raps about his own struggles with fame and the idea of living in the shadow of someone as famous as Brad Pitt. He also takes aim at the shallowness of celebrity culture and the way it can dehumanize people. Overall, the song is a lighthearted take on a serious subject and a clever commentary on the perils of fame.
7. “Buckshot”
“Buckshot” is a rap song by Macklemore, featuring his longtime collaborator Ryan Lewis and singer-songwriter KRS-One. The song tells a story of Macklemore’s early days in music, when he would perform at small venues and sleep in his car while chasing his dream. He reflects on the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned, while emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and working hard. With a driving beat and catchy hooks, “Buckshot” showcases Macklemore’s signature style and powerful storytelling, as he raps about his journey to success and the struggles that come with it.
6. “Next Year”
“Next Year” is a reflective and nostalgic track from Macklemore’s 2017 album “Gemini”. The song features his signature honest and introspective lyrics, reflecting on his journey so far and his hopes for the future. The chorus features the catchy line “Maybe in the next year, you’ll love me” which speaks to the universal longing for acceptance and love. The beat is stripped down and minimal, allowing Macklemore’s lyrics to take center stage. It’s a poignant and uplifting song that encourages listeners to keep moving forward and chasing their dreams, even in the face of uncertainty.
5. “Wings”
“Wings” is a song by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, released in 2011. The song explores the idea of consumerism and how people often seek happiness in material possessions. Macklemore tells the story of how as a child, he wanted a pair of Nike Air Jordans because he thought it would make him cool, but soon realized that the shoes didn’t actually make him happy. The song also touches on the pressure to fit in and be accepted by society, and how it can lead to overspending and a lack of true happiness. “Wings” became a hit and helped establish Macklemore and Ryan Lewis as a socially conscious and introspective hip-hop duo.
4. “Glorious”
“Glorious” is a single by Macklemore featuring Skylar Grey. Released in 2017, the song became an instant hit and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is a soulful, uplifting anthem about finding joy and gratitude in life, even in the face of adversity. The music video features Macklemore’s 100-year-old grandmother, who takes him on a joyride around town and shows him how to live life to the fullest. The video ends with a heartwarming surprise party for her. The song’s message and catchy melody make it a favorite among fans, and it has become one of Macklemore’s most successful singles to date.
3. “Can’t Hold Us”
“Can’t Hold Us” is an energetic hip-hop anthem by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, featuring vocals from Ray Dalton. The song celebrates their success and determination, with Macklemore rapping about their journey to the top while Dalton delivers a powerful hook that drives the track forward. The beat is a combination of horns, electronic synths, and percussion that creates a dynamic and uplifting sound. The song became a massive hit upon its release in 2013, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and solidifying Macklemore’s status as one of the most exciting and innovative hip-hop artists of the time.
2. “Same Love”
“Same Love” is a powerful and socially conscious song by Macklemore that addresses the issue of same-sex marriage and discrimination. The song speaks out against homophobia and advocates for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. With its catchy hook and emotional lyrics, it became an anthem for those fighting for marriage equality. The song features Mary Lambert on the chorus, adding a poignant and emotional element to the track. Macklemore’s delivery is impassioned and heartfelt, making “Same Love” a song that is not only enjoyable to listen to but also carries an important message.
1. “Thrift Shop”
“Thrift Shop” is a hit single by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, featuring vocals from Wanz. The song was released in 2012 and became an instant success, topping charts in multiple countries. Its catchy beat and playful lyrics about finding great deals at thrift shops resonated with audiences, making it a fun and upbeat anthem of frugality. The music video features Macklemore and Wanz in outrageous outfits and dancing in front of piles of vintage clothing. The song earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance and a spot on Billboard’s list of “The 100 Greatest Songs of the 2010s.”
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
