Macklemore is a name that needs no introduction in the world of music. The Grammy award-winning rapper from Seattle rose to fame in the early 2010s with hit tracks such as “Thrift Shop,” “Can’t Hold Us,” and “Same Love.” He quickly gained a massive following and became one of the most recognizable faces in hip hop. However, after a six-year hiatus from music, fans began to wonder what happened to Macklemore. Was he quitting the music industry? Was he taking a break to focus on other projects? In this blog post, we will delve into the life of Macklemore, his rise to fame, and what led to his hiatus from the music industry.
The Early Years of Macklemore
Born on June 19, 1983, in Seattle, Washington, Macklemore’s real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty. Growing up, he was always interested in music and began writing his own songs when he was just a teenager. In 2000, he began performing under the name Professor Macklemore and released his first mixtape in 2005. Despite his best efforts, Macklemore struggled to break into the mainstream music industry and had to work odd jobs to make ends meet.
The Rise to Fame
It wasn’t until 2011 that Macklemore finally made it big with the release of his single “Thrift Shop.” The song, which was produced by Ryan Lewis, quickly took the world by storm. It became an international hit, topping the charts in several countries and earning Macklemore mainstream success. He followed it up with more hits such as “Can’t Hold Us” and “Same Love,” which addressed issues of social justice such as homophobia and marriage equality.
In 2013, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis released their debut album titled “The Heist.” The album was a massive success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. This was a significant achievement for Macklemore, who had been an independent artist up until this point.
The Hiatus
Despite his success, Macklemore began to feel a sense of disillusionment with the music industry. In a 2016 interview with NPR, he stated that he had lost touch with the music he was making and needed to take a break from it. He also acknowledged that the pressures of fame had taken a toll on his mental health.
During his hiatus, Macklemore focused on his personal life and other projects. He became a father, and he and his wife, Tricia Davis, welcomed two daughters into the world. He also worked on a documentary titled “Prescription for Change,” which discussed the opioid epidemic in America.
The Return
Macklemore returned to the music scene in 2021 with the release of his self-titled album “BEN.” The album has been described as a deeply personal and introspective work and deals with issues such as fatherhood, addiction, and mental health. In an interview with Apple Music, Macklemore stated that the album was about him “trying to figure out what it means to be a father, trying to figure out what it means to be a husband, trying to figure out what it means to be a human being in general.”
The album has received critical acclaim and showcases Macklemore’s growth as an artist. It also features collaborations with several other artists, including fellow Seattle native Travis Thompson and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Anderson .Paak.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Macklemore’s journey from struggling independent artist to international superstar has been nothing short of remarkable. Though he took a break from the music industry, his return with the album “BEN” shows that he is still as relevant and talented as ever. It is clear that his experiences over the past six years have added a new layer of depth and insight to his music, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us in the future.
FAQ
What is the Thrift Shop song controversy?
In 2012, rapper Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis released a song titled “Thrift Shop” that quickly became a massive hit. The song features Macklemore rapping about his thrift store finds and turning them into fashionable items. The track was praised for its catchy beat and humorous lyrics, but it also sparked controversy.
One of the main controversies surrounding the song involves accusations of cultural appropriation. Critics argued that Macklemore was exploiting black culture by borrowing from the hip-hop and rap genres without fully acknowledging their origins. Some listeners also accused the rapper of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about low-income individuals who shop at thrift stores.
However, the most significant controversy surrounding the song came in 2014 after a performance by Macklemore at a Seattle concert. During the performance, he wore a costume that many members of the Jewish community found offensive. The costume included a curly black wig, glasses, and a large fake nose, leading many to see it as a caricature of Jewish stereotypes.
The ensuing backlash from the Jewish community led Macklemore to apologize for his actions, expressing regret for the offense he caused and stating that he never intended to mock or perpetuate stereotypes. However, many still criticized him for the performance and the insensitive nature of the costume.
Despite the controversy, “Thrift Shop” remains one of the most iconic songs of the twenty-first century, having topped Billboard’s list of the top 100 tracks in the history of the Hot Rap Songs chart. The controversy surrounding it serves as a reminder of the power and impact of music, as well as the need for artists to be mindful of their words and actions.
What did Macklemore recover from?
Macklemore is an American rapper known for his hit songs such as “Thrift Shop,” “Can’t Hold Us,” and “Same Love.” Behind the scenes, the rapper has gone through a lot including substance abuse and addiction. Macklemore’s addiction struggles started in his early twenties when he started using OxyContin and marijuana. He shared in an interview with Rolling Stone that his addiction got worse once he started using codeine and promethazine.
However, in 2008, Macklemore hit rock bottom and decided to seek help. He has been in long-term recovery since then and celebrates milestones such as his 694th day of sobriety in 2022. He is a strong advocate for addiction recovery and has shared his experiences with the public. He has opened up about his relapse during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he admitted to using drugs again after years of sobriety. In a TikTok video, he shared his experience, saying, “Addiction is a disease, and I’m 100% accountable for my relapse that happened last year.”
Macklemore recognizes the importance of sobriety and actively works to maintain it. He has shared that music has played a role in his recovery process, and he has used his platform to address issues related to addiction. In 2016, he released a song titled “Drug Dealer,” which tackles the issue of prescription drug abuse. Macklemore’s openness about his addiction struggles serves as an inspiration to many and helps to reduce the stigma associated with substance abuse and addiction.
Are Macklemore and Ryan Lewis friends?
Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, and Ryan Lewis have been close friends and creative collaborators for over a decade. They first met in 2006, when Lewis was a photographer and Macklemore was looking for help promoting his music career. From there, the two began working together on various projects, including Macklemore’s 2008 mixtape, “The Unplanned Mixtape.”
Their friendship grew as they continued to work together on music, with Lewis serving as producer and DJ for Macklemore’s albums. They hit mainstream success with their 2012 album “The Heist,” which featured the chart-topping single “Thrift Shop.” Macklemore and Lewis went on to win four Grammy Awards for the album, solidifying their place as one of the most successful hip-hop duos of all time.
While they have had their professional highs, they have also faced personal challenges together. In 2015, Macklemore opened up about his struggles with addiction and credited Lewis with helping him get sober. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Macklemore said, “Ryan has been a huge support system for me. He’s been there when I was going through it. He’s been there when I was getting out of it. He’s been there through that whole process.”
Despite their success and the challenges they have faced, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis remain close friends. They continue to collaborate on music and have been spotted attending each other’s personal milestones, such as Lewis’ wedding in 2017. Macklemore has even referred to Lewis as his “brother from another mother.”