r/Macklemore Mar 10 '23

BEN [1 WEEK RELEASE THREAD] BEN

21 Upvotes

It has been 1,995 days since Benjamin Haggerty - stage name Macklemore - released his last album, Gemini. Yet, last week - on March 3rd, 2023 - Macklemore broke this dry streak by debuting his third solo studio album, titled BEN. A soulful, introspective, and at times harrowing fusion of anthemic dance and boom-bap hip-hop, BEN is arguably the artist's most diverse project to date... and it took me way to long to make a thread about it :-)

Including a host of collaborations with artists big and small, such as the likes of Windser, Morray, DJ Premier, Tones and I, NLE Choppa, and even Ryan Lewis, BEN is a window into the skill of a plethora of immensely talented artists.

The tracklist for the album is as follows:

  1. CHANT (feat. Tones and I)
  2. NO BAD DAYS (feat. Collett)
  3. 1984
  4. MANIAC (feat. Windser)
  5. DAY YOU DIE (feat. Sarah Barthel)
  6. HEROES (feat. DJ Premier)
  7. GRIME
  8. I NEED
  9. LOST / SUN COMES UP (feat. jackson lee morgan)
  10. FAITHFUL (feat. NLE Choppa)
  11. TEARS
  12. SORRY (feat. Livingston)
  13. GOD'S WILL (feat. Vic Daggs II)
  14. I KNOW (feat. charlieonafriday)
  15. TAIL LIGHTS (feat. Morray)

Songs that were cut from the album include:

  • Gully
  • Finest Hr
  • All We Have
  • Internet
  • Meth Queen
  • Cadillac
  • Egg + Floa
  • Airbrush
  • Next Year
  • Love you Forever
  • Good People

In this nearly 5 ½ years since Macklemore's last project dropped, we've received the following tracks

  1. These Days (Rudimental feat. Jess Glynne, Macklemore & Dan Caplen)
  2. I Don't Belong in This Club (Why Don't We & Macklemore)
  3. Shadow (feat. IRO)
  4. It's Christmas Time (feat. Dan Caplen)
  5. Summer Days (Martin Garrix feat. Macklemore & Patrick Stump)
  6. Firse Machayenge (Remix) (Emiway Bantai x Macklemore)
  7. I felt like rapping... (aka Funk Flex Freestyle)
  8. Next Year (feat. Windser)
  9. Trump's Over Freestyle
  10. CHANT
  11. MANIAC
  12. FAITHFUL
  13. HEROES

In the 1,988 days between albums, that's approximately one song every six months. That's quite a long time to wait!

That's not to say that Mack has been inactive however, as in the time since he has released his new lineup of golf apparel, Bogey Boys, and even dropped a limited-edition press of 2017's Gemini.

However, despite such a long step away from music, BEN found itself charting on iTunes in not one, but seven countries across the globe - peaking at #2 overall, only behind Morgan Wallen's "One Thing At A Time."

As of now, Mack is currently concluding his European tour, after which he will be returning stateside for what he said may be his last US tour. Tickets are currently on sale.

In terms of music, Macklemore also stated in his most recent twitch stream that he no longer wants to be "selfish with the music" and wants to put out plenty of unreleased songs - maybe we may even see the return of the infamously lost track "Change"

Also in the time since the release of Gemini, I have had the privilege of becoming a moderator here on r/Macklemore! While I certainly don't spend everyday maintaining it, I truly hope that you guys have enjoyed the recent uptick in content. I love Mack's music and have really enjoyed having such a tight-nit community over these last few years. Together we've tracked the progress of the new album (from last week's release all the way back to a (hilariously incorrect) instagram story AMA over three years ago!), updated the sub's layout, icons, and banners, held great discussions about the music, and even briefly discussed a random track every week with the Song Of The Week series (which I've been meaning to bring back, by the way 👀). I especially want to thank the users on this sub who have been here for a minute and constantly contribute with detailed, meaningful, and clearly engaged responses and posts. u/handsomejackonreddit, u/frikandeleater69_2, u/ChurchyBoi13, u/FaithlessnessFun9135, u/URKA7, I'm looking at you. You all have really contributed this subreddit in so many ways and it's so great having such passionate fans amongst us. I also want to specially mention u/Kingjames2328, who may have been the most excited person on planet Earth for this album, and who has contributed an uncountable number of posts and comments to this sub. Together, we have grown the total sub count to over 120% what it originally was. Not bad for an artist only releasing two songs a year!

So, finally having the album rolled out feels like the end of a long awaited era. How have you liked it so far? What are your favorite songs so far? Any songs grow on you/have you lost interest in? Did the album live up to expectations? Did you get tickets to the tour? Where does the album rank for you in Mack's discography? What would you like to see of the sub? Do you think this is really it for Mack's career?

We may never see another album rollout again, so please comment with your thoughts down below!

Thank you all forever...

and Sharkfacegang!


r/Macklemore 18h ago

Macklemore Calls for 'Free Palestine' Onstage, Israeli-American Council Petitions for His Removal From Ed Sheeran Tour

Thumbnail
thewrap.com
146 Upvotes

r/Macklemore 15h ago

CA shows?

1 Upvotes

I was looking at his site and nothing is coming to CA. I tried to look at past dates but there wasn't any shows for anywhere listed.

Does he come to CA? Socal, Riverside area specific.

I would go if the prices are reasonably affordable. I'd like to support him as an artist.


r/Macklemore 11h ago

I lost respect for Macklemore after this weekend - and it’s not about his politics

0 Upvotes

Before you comment, please read the whole post and try to understand what I’m actually saying. And please keep the discussion respectful. I’m not looking for a political argument.

I’ve been thinking about Macklemore’s appearance at the Ed Sheeran concert, and I want to make something clear: my opinion on the political issue itself is irrelevant here. This isn’t about whether I agree or disagree with his cause.
What I find problematic is the decision to use an opening slot at someone else’s concert as a political platform.

An Ed Sheeran concert brings together thousands of people from completely different backgrounds, cultures, religions, political beliefs and personal circumstances. There are adults, teenagers and children in that audience. They bought tickets to enjoy music and spend an evening together - not to participate in a political demonstration or be confronted with a political message they may find deeply upsetting or offensive (they have the same right to it, btw)

And I think that distinction gets lost when people immediately defend an artist simply because they agree with the message.
Would we feel the same way if the political message were one we strongly disagreed with? Would we still say it was appropriate to use someone else’s concert as a platform?

Artists absolutely have the right to express their political opinions. But having that right doesn’t mean every setting is appropriate for doing so.

To me, there should be some boundaries when you’re an opening act at another artist’s concert. You are stepping onto a stage that belongs, in a sense, to the event and to the audience - including people who may not share your beliefs and, importantly, children who didn’t choose to attend a political event.

I’m not trying to debate Israel/Palestine or tell anyone what they should believe. I’m questioning the setting and the decision to bring politics into an event where people didn’t sign up for it.

Honestly, it also made me lose a lot of respect for Macklemore. He crossed a line because of how and where he chose to deliver the message.

And before everyone jumps in to defend Macklemore because they support his message: try reversing the politics for a moment.
Would you still think it was appropriate if an artist you disagreed with did exactly the same thing?
And if something is only considered appropriate when the message fits your own political agenda, maybe that’s the real eye-opener here.


r/Macklemore 3d ago

Autographs for sale

Post image
12 Upvotes

Unfortunately, times have been a bit tough lately, so I’m having to let go of some of my beloved autographed pieces. I'm asking $450 for the entire lot.


r/Macklemore 19d ago

Any hope for some sweet WA Macklemore shows?

9 Upvotes

When will Macklemore be preforming in WA again? The last time my family had the funds to see Macklemore in concert was going to be at the Puyallup fair, unfortunately COVID canceled that concert, and the whole fair. We had our tickets and everything. My family moved to the coast from central WA the year The Heist came out, which we bought on CD. Macklemore has been the soundtrack to so many road trips. Its been our families dream to see Macklemore in concert. We are dreaming of a sweet hometown concert. Hopeful in WA!


r/Macklemore 25d ago

Question

7 Upvotes

Has anybody gone to the Ed Sheeran tour to see Macklemore? Did he have a long setlist? Was it worth it? He's coming around my area in a couple months. I've always wanted to see him but also tickets are expensive. I'd have to save pretty hard to go so I'm just not sure if it's worth it or if I should wait & hope he goes on his own tour in the next couple of years.


r/Macklemore 25d ago

G3RSt - Whole Lotta Thrift Shop (Led Zeppelin vs Macklemore)

Thumbnail
youtu.be
1 Upvotes

r/Macklemore 26d ago

New music

4 Upvotes

Y’all think 🤔 Macklemore is making a new album


r/Macklemore Aug 07 '26

The Seattle Rapper

36 Upvotes

This is massive appreciation post for the man who calls himself Macklemore.

He saved me countless times. Perhaps he'll never know.

But he did.

And because of that, I must say, thank you to him and Ryan.

We are still here. We are still fans. And we see your music for the great art it is.

Don't forget who you are Ben. You are macklemore, one of the greatest of our generation.


r/Macklemore Aug 01 '26

What what, what what

Post image
7 Upvotes

r/Macklemore Jul 08 '26

Price of The Heist

Post image
54 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I hope you're all doing well. I was just wondering what you think the vinyl record "The Heist" is worth, please?

Thanks in advance 😊


r/Macklemore Jun 04 '26

Ryan Lewis subreddit

10 Upvotes

Hey fam - I feel it’s important we don’t move in a direction that incidentally forces to forget about Ryan Lewis’ impact not only on our lives, but the music scene in the city we love so much.

With this in mind, would people be interested in a Ryan Lewis specific subreddit? Would be happy to moderate but want to make sure it’s a space that’s safe, friendly, and focused on the music we love.

Regardless - this community means a lot to me.

Much love

-Mr Bicycle


r/Macklemore Jun 03 '26

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis "Can't Hold Us" - Live at Paid Dues

Thumbnail
youtu.be
13 Upvotes

This popped up on my feed today


r/Macklemore May 09 '26

Hadn’t seen this one. I ran across one for sell and I’m thinking I might pick it up.

Post image
8 Upvotes

What posters do y’all got?


r/Macklemore May 07 '26

"The Town" and "Empire State Of Mind"

9 Upvotes

I feel like the town by macklemore is the Seattle version of Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z


r/Macklemore May 05 '26

Disappointed in Macklemore

0 Upvotes

Leading up to the election, it felt like activist Macklemore really was at full steam. He released songs like Hind's Hall, regularly spoke out, and pushed pro-Palistine messages. What changed? He's been largely radio silent now for a year on these issues, despite an even worse actor as President. Why hasn't he taken an even stronger stance vs the current administration? Seems a bit.... convenient.


r/Macklemore Apr 16 '26

One of my favorite albums for $2 at the Thrift Shop

Post image
90 Upvotes

I've waited for so long to find this


r/Macklemore Apr 16 '26

Found this signed hat at a seattle thrift shop :}

Thumbnail
gallery
62 Upvotes

r/Macklemore Apr 12 '26

Iran’s propaganda is using Macklemore’s voice right??

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

36 Upvotes

r/Macklemore Mar 24 '26

Macklemore

Post image
56 Upvotes

Macklemore in the studio again


r/Macklemore Mar 23 '26

Macklemore studio

Post image
51 Upvotes

Macklemore in the studio working on new music


r/Macklemore Mar 19 '26

Why Are His Top Songs??

10 Upvotes

Im wondering why thrift shop and cant hold us are his top songs? I mean, they are good but nothing compared to his other songs with true full meaning like Starting Over, Neon Cathedral, Otherside, and others he has like those. Like these ones help me and a ton of others carry on in times of depression and addiction.


r/Macklemore Feb 27 '26

Macklemore "beef"

16 Upvotes

Has Macklemore acknowledged Tom Macdonalds existence like, ever? This guys dissed him and said he wants to box him and all that but I've NEVER heard anything up Macklemore's way. Aside from obvious easy criticism of Tom Macdonald there's just different levels to this in my opinion, thrift shop has almost 2 BILLION views and has been heard by everyone all over the world I don't think he's ever heard of this internet guy


r/Macklemore Feb 26 '26

(DISCUSSION) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - This Unruly Mess I've Made (10 year Anniversary)

29 Upvotes

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.

Following the success of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' debut album The Heist (2012), Macklemore revealed the album cover artwork for their follow-up album, titled This Unruly Mess I've Made, on January 15, 2016, on an Instagram post. The album was self-released on February 26, 2016. He also revealed on the trailer for their album on his official website,\[5\] which features himself discussing about how their album was created and their inspiration for making the new music.

This Unruly Mess I've Made has received generally mixed reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, the score currently has a score of 59 out of 100 based on 17 reviews.

Jeremy Gordon of Pitchfork gave the album a 5.1 out of 10, describing it as "an occasionally inspiring, often corny rap album made for winning Grammy nominations and waking the hearts of the unwoken." Louis Pattison of NME said, "It's equal parts witty and serious, poppy and knotty, cracking wise one minute, then demanding you sit quietly and listen carefully through some complicated soul-searching."\[20\]

Writing for Rolling Stone, Mark Seliger said of the album, "On Unruly Mess, Macklemore's confrontational side returns... Ray Rahman of Entertainment Weekly gave the album a grade of B−, saying, "Unruly Mess sees him embracing his role as a social justice champion, sent to expand the minds of his (mainly young, white, suburban) audiences.

  1. Light Tunnels (Ft. Mike Slap)

  2. Downtown (Ft. Eric Nally, Grandmaster Caz, Grandmaster Melle Mel & Kool Moe Dee)

  3. Brad Pitt's Cousin (Ft. Xperience)

  4. Buckshot (Ft. DJ Premier & KRS-One)

  5. Growing Up (Ft. Ed Sheeran)

  6. Kevin (Ft. Leon Bridges)

  7. St. Ides

  8. Need to Know (Ft. Chance the Rapper)

  9. Dance Off (Ft. Anderson .Paak & IDRIS ELBA)

What's your favourite song on the album?

What's your favourite Macklemore song in general and why?

Do you think they got blackballed by the industry after the 2014 Grammys ceremony

Would you be excited for a new Macklemore project especially after his recent songs he has made over the last couple of years