Cross-posted at The Daily Music Break. Visit to hear great music, regardless of era or genre.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are popular rap artists who often perform and record together.
The top video is a rap called "Can't Hold Us" that the two perform on a New York City bus. I enjoyed it but am a bit skeptical of the spontaneity. That's a lot of camera angles, excellent video and very fast buy-in from the audience -- especially in New York City -- for a surprise appearance. "Wings," below, is a heartfelt rap about the dangers of consumerism in general and the sneaker culture around young kids in particular.
Here is the beginning of the Wikipedia entry on Macklemore:
Ben Haggerty (born June 19, 1983),[1] known by his stage name Macklemore (ˈmæk.ləmɔrmak-lə-mor)[2] and formerly Professor Macklemore, is an American rapper. Since 2000, he has independently released one mixtape, three EPs and two albums and significantly collaborated with producer Ryan Lewis.
Macklemore's and Lewis' single "Thrift Shop" reached number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2013.[3] It was the first time since 1994 that a song reached number 1 on the Hot 100 chart without the support of a major record label.[4] Their second single, "Can't Hold Us" also peaked at #1 of the Hot 100 Chart, making Macklemore and Lewis the first duo in the chart's history to have their first two singles both reach number 1.[5] Macklemore and Lewis released their debut studio album The Heist on October 9, 2012, which charted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The pair is nominated for seven Grammy awards at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, which includes Best New Artist, Album of the Year (The Heist),Song of the Year (Same Love), and Best Music Video (Can't Hold Us).[6] (Continue Reading...)
Here is AllMusic's profile of his partner, Ryan Lewis:
A frequent collaborator of rapper Macklemore, Seattle producer Ryan Lewis not only climbed to number two on the Billboard 200 album charts, but with little mainstream help, he and Macklemore debuted in the slot with their 2012 release, The Heist. Before climbing the charts, Lewis worked with producer/rapper Symmetry on the album LP, and released his own beat EP simply called Instrumentals, both landing in 2009. In 2010, his relationship withMacklemore began with the Vs. EP, and a year later, their collaborative Vs. Redux EP was released, which yielded the Red Hot Chili Peppers-sampling hit "Otherside." With Macklemore's wit meeting Lewis' inventive production, further hits like "My Oh My" and "Can't Hold Us" were spread throughout social media and video-sharing sites, setting the stage for a full-length release. That came in 2012 when The Heist dropped as a Macklemore/Ryan Lewis album, debuting at the number two spot on the Billboard 200. A tour of North America followed. (Continue Reading...)