Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Last updated

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis at Sasquatch 2011.jpg
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis at Sasquatch! Music Festival 2011
Background information
Origin Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Genres
Years active2009–2016 [4]
Labels
  • Macklemore LLC
  • ADA
Past members
Website macklemore.com

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis were an American hip hop duo from Seattle, Washington, formed in 2009 by rapper Macklemore [5] [6] and record producer Ryan Lewis. In 2009, they released their first collaborative effort, an EP titled VS. EP. They later followed up with VS. Redux (2010), the Grammy Award-winning album The Heist (2012) and This Unruly Mess I've Made (2016). [6] [7]

Contents

Macklemore and Lewis' single "Thrift Shop" reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2013. [8] The single was soon dubbed the first song since 1994 to top the Hot 100 chart without the support of a major record label by Billboard , although Macklemore, in a slightly unusual recording contract, pays a nominal percentage of sales to use Warner Bros. Records' radio promotion department to push his singles. [9] [10] Their second single, "Can't Hold Us", also peaked at number one on the Hot 100 Chart, making Macklemore and Lewis the first duo in the chart's history to have their first two singles both reach the peak position. [11] Macklemore and Lewis released their debut studio album, The Heist , on October 9, 2012, which charted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200. The pair won four Grammy Awards at the 2014 ceremony, including Best New Artist, Best Rap Album (The Heist), Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance ("Thrift Shop"). Their second album, This Unruly Mess I've Made , was released on February 26, 2016.

On June 15, 2017, Macklemore announced that the duo were on an indefinite hiatus. [12]

Career

2006–2010: Career beginnings and The VS.

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis met in 2006, when Lewis worked on Macklemore's promotion as a photographer, and they soon became good friends. [13] Lewis produced Macklemore's mixtape The Unplanned, in 2008. [14] They performed together for the first time at Bumbershoot, at the Sasquatch Music Festival in The Gorge Amphitheatre and at the Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco. [15] [16] In 2009 they formalized the duo as Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and released the debut extended play, The VS. EP. The latter reached No. 7 on the iTunes Hip Hop chart. They also released "Irish Celebration" in December 2009 in anticipation of the release of The VS. EP. [17] In March 2010, the duo released a free download, "Stay At Home Dad", a track that didn't quite make VS. [18] In October 2010, they released the VS. Redux EP. Macklemore and Lewis used his experience with substance abuse as the inspiration for the mixtape's critically acclaimed song "Otherside", which samples the Red Hot Chili Peppers song of the same title.

2011–14: Breakthrough with The Heist

In 2011, they released the single "My Oh My" as a tribute to deceased Seattle Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus, which received extensive coverage in Seattle media. [19] [20] [21] [22] On April 8, 2011, they performed the song at the 2011 Mariners Opening Day to a sold-out crowd of nearly 48,000 attendees. [23] [24] [25] "Wings" was released on January 21, 2011, and charted on Billboard 's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles at number 12, and was followed by "Can't Hold Us" featuring Ray Dalton on August 16, 2011. "Can't Hold Us" eventually became the duo's second number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 18, 2013, and stayed there for 5 weeks. In February 2011, they kicked off a multi-city tour in Pullman, Washington, which included three sold-out shows at Showbox at the Market, a Seattle music venue. [26] That same year, the rapper appeared at several U.S. music festivals including Bumbershoot, Outside Lands, Lollapalooza, Rock the Bells, SoundSet, Sasquatch, and Bonnaroo. His album The Heist was released in October 2012. Previously released singles "My Oh My", "Wings", and "Can't Hold Us" were announced to be included on the album – as was the song "Make the Money". "Can't Hold Us" was used as the soundtrack for a Miller beer ad in the UK and Ireland in June 2012, increasing Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's recognition in Europe.

"Same Love" was released on July 18, 2012, and later peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The songs "White Walls" featuring ScHoolboy Q and "Jimmy Iovine" featuring Ab-Soul were confirmed to be included on the album. "Thrift Shop" was released on August 27, 2012, and charted at number 1 on 24 charts worldwide, including topping the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, giving them their first number 1 hit in the US. The Heist debuted on the US Billboard 200 at number 2 of the week dated October 27, 2012, selling over 78,000 copies. On October 30, 2012, Macklemore and Lewis appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show performing their single "Same Love" and then again on January 18, 2013, performing their single "Thrift Shop", which they had sung previously on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on December 11, 2012. "The Heist World Tour" began in August 2012 to promote The Heist. [27] On October 8, 2013, they released their fifth and final single from The Heist, "White Walls", which charted at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. On January 26, 2014, they performed "Same Love" at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, where Queen Latifah read marriage vows for 33 couples who lined the aisles. [28] "This is a love song, not for some of us but for all of us," she said, followed by an appearance from Madonna singing "Open Your Heart". [28]

2015–2017: This Unruly Mess I've Made and hiatus

In January 2015, Macklemore announced via Twitter that the duo's second studio album would be released sometime in the second half of the year. [29] On August 5, 2015, Macklemore released a song as a free download, titled "Growing Up (Sloane's Song)", which featured Ed Sheeran. [30] On August 27, 2015, the duo released "Downtown", the first single of their second studio album, which they performed at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards on August 30. It charted at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. [31] On November 22, 2015, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis debuted the song "Kevin" at the American Music Awards with Leon Bridges. [32] On January 22, 2016, the duo released "White Privilege II", the second promotional single on This Unruly Mess I've Made . [33] "Spoons" was released as the third promotional single on February 14, 2016 but did not appear as an official track upon the album's release. [34] "Buckshot" & "Kevin" were released as the fourth and fifth promotional singles on February 23, 2016. [35] [36] "Dance Off" was released as the second single from the album on February 25, 2016. [37] Their new album, This Unruly Mess I've Made, was released on February 26, 2016. It charted at number 4 on the Billboard 200.

On June 15, 2017, Macklemore announced via his official Instagram that the duo were on hiatus. [38] [12]

Public image

The duo was in the Unsigned Hype in The Source in early 2012 and was also on the cover of XXL magazine as part of the Freshman Class of 2012. Rolling Stone called Macklemore and Ryan Lewis an "indie rags-to-riches story". [39] "Thrift Shop" was voted #1 in Australian radio station Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2012. [40] Their song "Same Love" also featured highly, coming in at #15 in the countdown. The Hottest 100 is the world's largest music poll held every year on the last Saturday of January, and currently attracts over one million votes from within Australia and around the world. There was a three-page article on Macklemore and Lewis's career in the February 8, 2013, issue of ESPN the Magazine .

They received seven Grammy award nominations at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, which included Best New Artist, Album of the Year, Song of the Year ("Same Love"), and Best Music Video ("Can't Hold Us"). [41] On January 26, 2014, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis won four Grammy awards including those for Best New Artist, Best Rap Album (The Heist), Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance ("Thrift Shop"). [42] Some rap critics took issue with Macklemore's win over Kendrick Lamar for Best Rap Album. In an interview with The Source, Macklemore said that Lamar had a better rap album, and acknowledged that the hip hop community would be justified in feeling that Kendrick was robbed that year. [43]

Discography

Tours

Awards and nominations

See also

Related Research Articles

Hot Rap Songs is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States. It lists the 25 most popular hip-hop/rap songs, calculated weekly by airplay on rhythmic and urban radio stations and sales in hip hop-focused or exclusive markets. Streaming data and digital downloads were added to the methodology of determining chart rankings in 2012. From 1989 through 2001, it was based on how much the single sold in that given week. The song with the most weeks at number one is "Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar, with a total of 25 weeks.

Northwest hip hop is hip hop or rap music that originates from the Pacific Northwest of North America, encompassing major cities such as Portland (Oregon), Seattle (Washington), and other towns. Northwest hip hop music mixes elements from various genres of music to form a sound different from its southern neighbor, West Coast hip hop. For many years the scene existed mainly as an underground genre, but recently Northwest hip-hop has seen more and more mainstream acceptance, with artists such as Macklemore gaining nationwide attention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macklemore</span> American rapper (born 1983)

Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, better known by his stage name Macklemore, is an American rapper. A native of Seattle, Washington, he started his career in 2000 as an independent artist releasing: Open Your Eyes (2000), The Language of My World (2005), and The Unplanned Mixtape (2009). He rose to international success collaborating with producer Ryan Lewis as the duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (2009–2016).

<i>The Heist</i> (album) 2012 studio album by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

The Heist is the debut studio album by American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. It was released on October 9, 2012, by Macklemore LLC, distributed under the Alternative Distribution Alliance. The album was independently self-produced, self-recorded and self-released by the duo, with no mainstream promotion or support. After the album's release, the duo hired Warner Music Group's radio promotion department to help the push with their singles for a small percentage of the sales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Lewis</span> American musician and producer

Ryan Scott Lewis is an American musician and record producer based in Seattle, Washington. Along with producing his own album, Instrumentals, Lewis produced the albums The VS. EP (2009), The Heist (2012), and This Unruly Mess I've Made (2016) as part of the duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. He also directed 12 Macklemore & Ryan Lewis videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thrift Shop</span> 2012 single by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz

"Thrift Shop" is a song written and performed by American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring vocals from American singer Wanz, released in 2012, as the fourth single from the former's debut studio album, The Heist (2012). The lyrics tell of Macklemore's esteem for going to thrift shops and saving money, rather than flaunting expensive items like many rappers. The song was met with universal acclaim, with various music reviewers praising its humorous lyrics and social critique.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Same Love</span> 2012 single by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

"Same Love" is a song by American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, released as the third single from their 2012 debut studio album, The Heist. The track, featuring vocals by Seattle-based singer Mary Lambert, talks about the issue of gay and lesbian rights and was recorded during the campaign for Washington Referendum 74, which, upon approval in November 2012, legalized same-sex marriage in Washington State. The song reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, number 1 in Australia and New Zealand, and the top 10 in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom. The song was nominated at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards for Song of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wanz</span> American singer

Michael "Mike" Wansley, better known by his stage names Wanz and TeeWanz, is an American singer, songwriter and rapper. He performs in various genres, including rock, R&B, soul, hip hop, and pop. He was featured on fellow Seattle-based duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' international hit single "Thrift Shop", which received two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can't Hold Us</span> 2011 single by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

"Can't Hold Us" is a song written and performed by American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring American singer Ray Dalton, originally released on August 16, 2011, as the second single from the duo's debut album The Heist (2012).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White Walls</span> 2013 single by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Schoolboy Q and Hollis

"White Walls" is a hip-hop song by an American hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, taken from their collaborative debut studio album The Heist (2012). The song's hook is performed by singer Hollis, while American rapper Schoolboy Q, performs a guest verse. "White Walls" was released to American contemporary hit radio on October 8, 2013 as the fifth and final single from The Heist. The song debuted at number 100 and has since peaked at number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and has sold 1,000,000 copies as of January 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macklemore & Ryan Lewis discography</span>

The discography of American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis consists of two studio albums, two extended plays, 17 singles and 15 music videos. Macklemore and Lewis' single "Thrift Shop" reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2013. The single was soon dubbed the first song since 1994 to top the Hot 100 chart without the support of a major record label by Billboard, although Macklemore, in a slightly unusual recording contract, pays a nominal percentage of sales for the usage of Warner Bros. Records' radio promotion department to push the releases of their singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hollis (singer)</span> American singer

Hollis Wong-Wear, known mononymously as Hollis, is an American singer. She is best known for featuring on "White Walls", a song by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, which also featured Schoolboy Q. Hollis is also a spoken-word artist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Downtown (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis song)</span> 2015 single by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

"Downtown" is a song by American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring fellow American musicians Eric Nally of Foxy Shazam, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, and Grandmaster Caz. The song was officially released on August 27, 2015, as the lead single from the duo's second studio album This Unruly Mess I've Made (2016). A music video for the song was uploaded to Ryan Lewis' YouTube channel on the day of the song's release.

<i>This Unruly Mess Ive Made</i> 2016 studio album by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

This Unruly Mess I've Made is the second and final studio album by American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. It was released on February 26, 2016, by Macklemore LLC and Alternative Distribution Alliance. Following the success of the duo's hit album The Heist (2012), which earned them their first Grammy wins, the duo delved into lyrical themes that tackle political and social issues, including white privilege, fame and the scrutiny of the media and tabloids. The album was supported by two singles: "Downtown" and "Dance Off", along with "White Privilege II" featuring Jamila Woods, which was released as the album's promotional single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White Privilege II</span> Single by American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

"White Privilege II" is a song by American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis from their second album This Unruly Mess I've Made (2016). The song, a sequel to Macklemore's solo song "White Privilege" from his first album The Language of My World (2005), discusses white privilege and the social movement associated with Black Lives Matter. According to the duo, "this song is the outcome of an ongoing dialogue with musicians, activists, and teachers within our community in Seattle and beyond. Their work and engagement was essential to the creative process." The song's lyrics span around nine minutes and 1,300 words. One of the project's collaborators is Chicago singer Jamila Woods, whose voice is featured on the track. "White Privilege II" was released as promotional single on January 22, 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dance Off</span> 2016 single by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Idris Elba and Anderson .Paak

"Dance Off" is a song by American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring British actor and musician Idris Elba and fellow American musician Anderson .Paak, released in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and selected European countries on February 25, 2016 as the second single from the duo's studio album This Unruly Mess I've Made (2016).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brad Pitt's Cousin</span> 2016 promotional single by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Xperience

"Brad Pitt's Cousin" is a hip hop song by American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring American rapper Xperience from their third studio album This Unruly Mess I've Made (2016). The song was released as a promotional single on April 12, 2016, only in Australia and New Zealand.

<i>Gemini</i> (Macklemore album) 2017 studio album by Macklemore

Gemini is the second solo studio album by American rapper Macklemore. It was released on September 22, 2017, via Bendo & distributed by Warner Music. The first album he released without producer Ryan Lewis since his 2005 solo effort The Language of My World, Gemini is devoid of any political subject matter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Rawlings</span> Musical artist

Joshua Robert Rawlings is an American pianist, songwriter and record producer. His band, The Teaching, wrote and recorded the song "Bom Bom" for the Macklemore album The Heist, which became a multiple GRAMMY winning album.

References

  1. ↑ Talbott, Chris (June 3, 2015). "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis shake up hip-hop paradigm". Associated Press . Retrieved July 18, 2021– via timesleader.com.
  2. ↑ Menyes, Carolyn (December 6, 2013). "Grammys Nominations Program includes performances from Lorde, Macklemore, Katy Perry and more". Music Times. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  3. ↑ Barnes, Tom (January 27, 2014). "Macklemore's Wins Prove the Grammys Don't Care About Real Rap". Mic.com. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  4. ↑ "Instagram post by Ben Haggerty • Jun 15, 2017 at 6:25pm UTC". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021.
  5. ↑ "Macklemore Biography – Facts, Birthday, Life Story – Biography.com". August 22, 2019.
  6. 1 2 Trust, Gary (2013) "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' 'Can't Hold Us' Makes Hot 100 History", Billboard , May 8, 2013. Retrieved January 8, 2014
  7. ↑ Bernstein, Ian (2013) "MTV VMAs: The Year of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis", The Hollywood Reporter , August 23, 2569
  8. ↑ "Thrift Shop, Macklemore". Billboard .
  9. ↑ "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Crash Radio With 'Thrift Shop'". Billboard. January 8, 2013. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  10. ↑ Feeney, Nolan (January 25, 2013). "Macklemore's 'Thrift Shop' Is First Indie Hit to Top Charts in Nearly Two Decades". Time. Retrieved May 23, 2013.
  11. ↑ "Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Can't Hold Us" Makes Hot 100 History". Billboard .
  12. 1 2 "Macklemore Parts Ways with Ryan Lewis, Announces Solo Album". Rap-Up.
  13. ↑ Jabari Presents: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (Documentary). YouTube. Retrieved on December 30, 2012.
  14. ↑ Macklemore talks Otherside, Lil Wayne, Substance Abuse, Seattle Hip Hop and more. YouTube . April 23, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  15. ↑ We Interview: Macklemore! Archived October 1, 2011, at the Wayback Machine . Seattlest (March 28, 2008). Retrieved on December 30, 2012.
  16. ↑ "The Song Show at the Triple Door: Macklemore". City Arts Magazine. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  17. ↑ "Macklemore – "Irish Celebration"". thatsthatish.com. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  18. ↑ "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – "Stay At Home Dad"".
  19. ↑ "Seattle rapper Macklemore records Niehaus tribute | Seattle Mariners blog – seattlepi.com". Seattle Post-Intelligencer . December 23, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
  20. ↑ Kuglin, Jenny (January 13, 2011). My oh my: A tribute to Dave Niehaus. komonews.com
  21. ↑ "Rapper Macklemore's new song pays tribute to Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus | KING5.com Seattle". King5.com. December 23, 2010. Archived from the original on March 19, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
  22. ↑ Baker, Geoff (December 23, 2010). "New song about Dave Niehaus by Seattle rapper Macklemore". The Seattle Times.
  23. ↑ "Hip-hop's rising star Macklemore is inspiried by Seattle sports". ESPN. February 5, 2013. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  24. ↑ "Seattle Mariners 2011 Opening Night Sold Out". April 8, 2011. Archived from the original on January 10, 2014. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Games of April 14, 2009". USA Today . November 30, 2007. Retrieved September 15, 2011.
  26. ↑ Corsiglia, Gina (February 23, 2011) Seattle Sends Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Out on a National Tour Archived October 1, 2011, at the Wayback Machine . Seattlest. Retrieved on December 30, 2012.
  27. ↑ Ryon, Sean (October 6, 2012). "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis "The Heist" Album Stream". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on April 29, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  28. 1 2 Dan Avery. "Macklemore, Madonna, Queen Latifah Host Gay Weddings". newnownext.com. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  29. ↑ Jason Lipshutz (January 2, 2015). "Macklemore Promises New Album Coming in 2015". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on September 7, 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2015.
  30. ↑ Reed, Ryan (August 5, 2015). "Macklemore Returns to Celebrate Daughter's Birth With Joyous New Track". Rolling Stone.
  31. ↑ Nolan Feeney (August 27, 2015). "Macklemore and Ryan Lewis 'Downtown' – New Song". Time . Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  32. ↑ "Watch Macklemore, Leon Bridges Debut Emotional New Song 'Kevin'". Rolling Stone. November 22, 2015.
  33. ↑ Stuart, Tessa (January 22, 2016). "Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Drop New Track 'White Privilege II'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  34. ↑ Ryan Lewis (February 14, 2016). "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Spoons (feat. Ryan Bedard)" – via YouTube.
  35. ↑ Ryan Lewis (February 23, 2016). "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Buckshot (Feat. KRS-One, DJ Premier)" – via YouTube.
  36. ↑ Ryan Lewis (February 23, 2016). "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Kevin (Feat. Leon Bridges)" – via YouTube.
  37. ↑ "LUKAS GRAHAM MAKE IT A HAT-TRICK WITH '7 YEARS'". ARIA.
  38. ↑ "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Announce Decision to Part Ways". BallerStatus.com. June 15, 2017.
  39. ↑ Knopper, Steve (October 17, 2012). "On the Charts: Mumford & Sons Slip, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Impress". Rolling Stone .
  40. ↑ "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' 'Thrift Shop' Tops Triple J's Hottest 100". Pedestrian TV. January 26, 2013. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
  41. ↑ "Grammy Awards 2014: Full Nominations List". Billboard.com. December 6, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  42. ↑ Fekadu, Mesfin (January 26, 2014). "LOS ANGELES: At Grammys, Daft Punk, Pharrell dominate with 4". MiamiHerald.com. Archived from the original on January 29, 2014. Retrieved January 27, 2014.
  43. ↑ Osorio, Kim (January 7, 2014). "Macklemore Graces The Cover Of 4th Annual Source Magazine 'Man Of The Year' Issue". The Source .
  44. ↑ "The Heist Tour w/ Macklemore & Ryan Lewis November 23rd 2012 @ The Sound Academy". The Come Up Show. January 26, 2013. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
  45. ↑ "Macklemore + Ryan Lewis Announce 2013 World Tour Dates". Pop Crush. January 26, 2013. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
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