Macklemore Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What is Macklemore’s net worth?

As an American rap artist and musician, Macklemore boasts a net worth of $25 million. Distinct in the music industry, he achieved rapid fame without the backing of a major record label. Instead of a typical music contract, he pays a small fee to Warner Bros. Records for radio promotion of his tracks. Frequently collaborating with producer Ryan Lewis, the duo has released many of Macklemore’s most successful songs together.

Early Life

Born in Seattle on June 19th, 1983, Macklemore’s real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty. From a young age, he immersed himself in rap music, becoming an admirer of the group Digital Underground. By 15, Macklemore was drawn to artists like Mobb Deep, Nas, and the Wu-Tang Clan, inspiring him to pen his own raps. In high school, he adopted the stage name “Professor Macklemore,” which was later simplified to “Macklemore.”

Early Involvement in Music

Shortly before finishing high school, Haggerty worked on a mixtape under the moniker Professor Macklemore. In 2000, he released this mixtape titled Open Your Eyes. While attending high school in Seattle, Macklemore teamed up with fellow students to create the hip-hop group Elevated Elements, which released one album before Haggerty moved to Santa Fe to study at the College of Santa Fe. Upon high school graduation, he put out a full-length album named The Language of My World under the name Macklemore. Although he wasn’t accepted into the College of Santa Fe’s music program, Macklemore noted that his time in the city greatly enhanced his rapping skills. Eventually, he returned to Seattle and graduated from Evergreen State College in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree.

Collaboration With Ryan Lewis

Macklemore had been acquainted with Ryan Lewis since 2006, but they only began collaborating as a musical duo in 2009. That year, Macklemore released a second mixtape titled The Unplanned Mixtape. While he hadn’t yet reached mainstream popularity, the mixtape did achieve a number 7 ranking on the iTunes Hip-Hop Chart, featuring tracks like “The Town” and “We Danced.” By 2011, after releasing several EPs and mixtapes with Ryan Lewis, Macklemore was performing in sold-out venues.

Breakthrough

His significant breakthrough came with the release of The Heist, Macklemore’s second studio album. Debuting at number two on the U.S. Billboard Top 200 in 2012, it sold 78,000 copies in its first week. This album included the hit “Thrift Shop,” which made history by being the first song since 1994 to top the Hot 100 Chart without a major record label’s support. Another single from The Heist, “Can’t Hold Us,” also reached the top of the Hot 100 Chart. Macklemore spent the following years collaborating with various artists, including Ed Sheeran and 2 Chainz.

In 2016, Macklemore returned with another studio album, The Unruly Mess I’ve Made, featuring songs like “Wednesday,” “White Privilege II,” and “Drug Dealer.” He announced a break from working with Ryan Lewis in 2017.

Later that year, he released Gemini, marking the first time Macklemore attempted to create hits without Ryan Lewis. The album included the track “Glorious,” featuring Skylar Grey, as well as “Marmalade,” featuring Lil’ Yachty, both produced by Budo. Additionally, “Good Old Days” was a collaboration with Kesha.

After releasing Gemini, Macklemore toured with Kesha until 2018. Some critics highlighted the album’s downsides, pointing to the absence of Ryan Lewis. They asserted that Ryan Lewis’s production created beats that matched Macklemore’s rapping style, which the producers for Gemini failed to achieve. Many also remarked on the album’s inconsistent theme and style.

Lyrics and Musical Style

Macklemore has addressed significant social and political topics throughout his career. For instance, “Same Love” discussed gay marriage, while “Thrift Shop” critiqued materialism in hip-hop culture. “White Privilege II” centered on the Black Lives Matter Movement. Known for his self-awareness, Macklemore often acknowledges his appropriation of black culture as a white MC. Before the duo’s separation, producer Ryan Lewis played a vital role in shaping Macklemore’s musical style, providing a “poppy” sound with bold, engaging choruses.

Personal Life

Macklemore has faced a long battle with drug addiction, which culminated in 2008 when he enrolled in a rehab center. Following three years of sobriety, he faced a relapse in 2011.

The rapper married his girlfriend, Tricia Davis, in 2015 after seven years of dating, following a two-year engagement. Earlier that year, they celebrated the birth of their first child, a daughter. In 2017, they welcomed their second daughter. The couple holds a minority stake in the Seattle Sounders, a Major League Soccer team.

Awards

Macklemore has received numerous accolades during his musical journey. For The Heist, he and Ryan Lewis secured four Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song. Additionally, Macklemore has garnered three MTV Music Video Awards.