Macklemore

Macklemore, born Ben Haggerty on June 19, 1983, in Seattle, Washington, is an American rapper who built his career on independent releases before achieving global fame through his partnership with producer Ryan Lewis. Known early on as «Professor Macklemore», he had been putting out music since the early 2000s, developing a socially conscious, often autobiographical style that tackled subjects like addiction, identity, and consumerism.

The duo's breakthrough came with their independently released debut album The Heist in 2012, propelled by the massive crossover hits «Thrift Shop» and «Can't Hold Us». The album's success was unusual for an act with no major-label backing, and it earned them a Grammy for Best Rap Album, a decision that sparked significant debate within hip-hop circles. Their single «Same Love», addressing marriage equality, became one of the most prominent mainstream hip-hop statements on LGBTQ rights of its era.

After a second album with Lewis, This Unruly Mess I've Made, the pair parted ways amicably around 2016, and Macklemore has since continued releasing music as a solo artist. His sound blends rap with pop, R&B, and rock influences, and he remains known for candid songwriting and genre-crossing production choices.