Macklemore

Macklemore, born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty on June 19, 1983, began rapping in his teens, releasing his first mixtape, "Open Your Eyes," in 2000. He gained widespread recognition with his 2012 album "The Heist," featuring the hit single "Thrift Shop," which topped the Billboard charts and earned multiple Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. Macklemore is known for his thought-provoking lyrics and socially conscious themes, as showcased in songs like "Same Love," which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. He has performed at major events, including the Grammy Awards (CBS, 2014), and his music has been featured in various films and shows, such as "Tammy" (2014), "Life in a Year" (2020), and "American Music Awards" (ABC, 2017). In 2023, he released the album "Ben" and continues to be a significant figure in contemporary hip-hop, both for his musical contributions and his advocacy work.