Macklemore is a popular American musician and rap artist. He began his career in the early 2000s. But the artist gained real popularity only in 2012 after the presentation of the studio album The Heist.
The Early Years of Ben Haggerty (Macklemore)
Under the creative pseudonym Macklemore, the modest name of Ben Haggerty is hidden. The guy was born in 1983 in Seattle. Here the young man received an education, thanks to which he gained financial stability.
From early childhood, Ben dreamed of becoming a musician. And although the parents tried to support their son in everything, they spoke negatively in the direction of his plans.
At the age of 6, he got acquainted with such a musical direction as hip-hop. Ben came to genuine delight from the tracks of Digital Underground.
Ben grew up as an ordinary guy. In addition to music, his circle of hobbies included sports. He loved football and basketball. But still, music crowded out almost all of Haggerty's hobbies.
Haggerty wrote his first poem as a teenager. Actually, then the nickname Möcklimore “stuck” to him.
The creative path of rapper Macklemore
In the early 2000s, under the pseudonym Professor Macklemore, Ben presented the first mini-album Open Your Eyes. The record was warmly received by hip-hop fans, and therefore, elated, Ben began recording a full-fledged album.
Soon the musician presented a full-fledged studio album The Language of My World already under the name Macklemore.
Popularity suddenly befell the musician. Without expecting it, Ben woke up famous. However, recognition and recognition negatively affected the rapper's condition. Ben abused drugs, in connection with which from 2005 to 2008. he disappeared from the sight of the fans.
Back on stage
After returning to the rap industry, Ben began working with producer Ryan Lewis. Under Ryan's tutelage, Macklemore's discography is replenished with two mini-LPs.
But it wasn't until 2012 that Haggerty and Lewis announced to fans that their first full-length album was coming out. The collection was called The Heist. The official presentation of the disc took place on October 9, 2012. In support of the studio album, the rapper went on his first world tour. The Heist reached #1 on iTunes sales in the United States within hours of its release.
The release was recognized as one of the best albums of the year. The collection was released with a circulation of over 2 million copies. The Thrift Shop track became a worldwide hit, selling over 30 million copies worldwide.
Among all the tracks of the disc, the fans noted the song Same Love (with the participation of Mary Lambert). The musical composition is dedicated to the problems of perception of LGBT representatives in American society.
In August 2015, the rapper announced that he was working on a second album, This Unruly Mess I've Made. However, the release of the disc took place only a year later. The second studio album consisted of 13 tracks, including collaborations: Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz (Downtown song), KRS-One and DJ Premier (Buckshot track), Ed Sheeran (Growing Up song).
In addition, the disc contains the second part of the musical composition White Privilege. In the song, the rapper shared his personal thoughts on the topic of racial inequality.
Personal life
The rapper has been in a relationship with Trish Davis since 2015. Before marriage, the couple dated for 9 years. The couple have two daughters: Sloan Ava Simone Haggerty and Colette Koala Haggerty.
Interesting facts about rapper Macklemore
- In 2014, the singer received four Grammy awards, including the Rap Album of the Year nomination.
- Ben received his B.A. from Evergreen State College in 2009.
- The rapper has Irish blood in his veins.
- Creativity influenced the formation of the rapper: Aceyalone, Freestyle Fellow ship, Living Legends, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Talib Kweli.
Macklemore today
2017 began for fans of the rapper's work with good news. The fact is that the performer for the first time in 12 years presented a solo album GEMINI (“Twins”).
This is one of the rapper's most personal and intimate collections. In the musical composition Intentions, he speaks of the desire inherent in all people to change for the better. There was also room for lighter tracks on the disc. What are the songs How to Play the Flute and Willy Wonka worth.
From 2017 to 2020 the rapper did not release new materials, the exception is the song It's Christmas Time. Ben says that the time has come to pay attention to his family.
