Macklemore, an American singer and rapper, gained fame as part of the hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Known for hits like ‘Thrift Shop’ and ‘Can’t Hold Us,’ the duo won multiple Grammy Awards during their successful collaboration. After more than eight years together, Macklemore and Ryan decided to pursue individual creative endeavors. Macklemore has since released mixtapes, EPs, and albums independently. Starting his musical journey in high school, he formed a hip hop group called Elevated Elements. Despite battling drug addiction, Macklemore has overcome his struggles and is now clean after attending rehab.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, Professor Macklemore
- Age: 40 Years, 40 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Tricia Davis
- Father: Bill Haggerty
- Mother: Julie Schott
- Siblings: Tim Haggerty
- Occupation: Rapper, Musician
- Height: 5’10” (178 cm), 5’10” Males
- U.S. State: Washington
- Ancestry: Irish American
- Notable Alumni: The Evergreen State College
- Education: The Evergreen State College
Childhood & Early Life
Macklemore, born as Benjamin Hammond Haggerty on June 19, 1983, in Kent, Washington, was raised in Seattle with his brother Tim. At the age of six, he discovered hip hop through the music of Digital Underground on the radio. He developed a love for East Coast underground hip hop and began writing lyrics as a teenager. In an effort to connect with the younger generation through his music, he joined a program called Gateways for Incarcerated Youth, where he organized music workshops. He attended Nathan Hale High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree from the Evergreen State College in 2009.
Career
In 2000, Macklemore made his debut as Professor Macklemore with the self-distributed EP “Open Your Eyes.” Five years later, he released his debut album, “The Language of My World,” which gained him a significant local following. He performed at the popular arts and music festival Bumbershoot in Seattle in 2008, 2009, and 2011. In 2009, he released “The Unplanned Mixtape,” which reached No. 7 on the iTunes Hip Hop chart. Macklemore officially teamed up with Ryan Lewis in 2009, and they released the EP “The Vs. EP.” They continued to create music together, releasing songs like “Irish Celebration,” “Wings,” and “Can’t Hold Us.” In 2012, they launched their debut album, “The Heist,” which reached No. 2 on the US Billboard 200 and sold over 78,000 copies in its first week. Their single “Thrift Shop” reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became a viral hit on social media. Macklemore continued to release solo singles and in 2017, he released his first solo single in 12 years, “Glorious.”
Major Works
One of Macklemore’s most well-known works is his debut studio album with Ryan Lewis, “The Heist.” The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single “Thrift Shop,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in 17 other countries. The album was a commercial and critical success.
Awards & Achievements
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have received numerous awards and nominations throughout their career. In 2013, they won two American Music Awards and in 2014, they won four Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album for “The Heist.”
Personal Life
Macklemore is a supporter of LGBT rights and same-sex marriage, which he expressed through his song “Same Love.” He has been open about his struggles with drug addiction and alcoholism and has sought treatment for his addiction. He got engaged to his girlfriend Tricia Davis in 2013 and they have a daughter named Sloane Ava Simone Haggerty, whom they welcomed in 2015. Macklemore is a devoted father and has built a recording studio in his home so he can spend more time with his daughter.