Macklemore

Macklemore is a rapper, songwriter, and activist known for his independent spirit and socially conscious lyrics. He became interested in hip-hop as a teenager and began recording and performing under the name “Professor Macklemore” in the early 2000s. While navigating addiction and the challenges of a competitive music industry, he independently released his first album, "The Language of My World," in 2005, introducing his introspective style and setting the foundation for his career.

In 2009, Macklemore partnered with producer Ryan Lewis, a collaboration that would bring both artists to global prominence. Their debut album as a duo, "The Heist," became a breakthrough hit, driven by singles like “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us.” They topped charts internationally and earned Macklemore and Lewis four Grammy Awards in 2014, including Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance. “Same Love,” another standout track, showcased Macklemore’s commitment to using his platform to address social issues, voicing support for LGBT rights and same-sex marriage.

Following the success of "The Heist," Macklemore continued to make waves in the music industry with the release of "This Unruly Mess I’ve Made" in 2016. The album reflected his experiences with fame, addiction recovery, and fatherhood. Macklemore’s solo project, "Gemini," further demonstrated his versatility, delivering hits such as “Glorious” and “Good Old Days” featuring Kesha. His third solo studio album, "Ben," was released in 2023.

Beyond music, Macklemore has become a vocal advocate for numerous causes, including addiction recovery, social justice, and racial equity. His openness about his own struggles with substance abuse has made him a powerful advocate for mental health awareness, partnering with community organizations and charities to support youth empowerment and social reform initiatives. He headlined Recovery Fest in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in 2018 to support charities working against opioid addiction and received the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award from MusiCares in 2019 for his support of the addiction recovery process. Macklemore has also been active in political and social causes, releasing the protest song "Hind's Hall" in May 2024 in support of the 2024 pro-Palestinian protests and canceling his October 2024 show in Dubai due to humanitarian concerns.