Rapper and musician Macklemore is known for his catchy hooks and inspiring lyrics but recently made headlines for his unique pregnancy announcement with fiancée Tricia Davis. The video featured the couple during an ultrasound and fans were able to hear the baby’s heartbeat and see images of their unborn child, who is expected to arrive in May. Macklemore has a history of changing social norms with his music and it is no surprise that the couple’s pregnancy announcement is creative and heartfelt.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis became mainstream successes in the music industry with hits like “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us.” The duo combined catchy beats with unforgettable melodies and lyrics that felt original in the hip-hop genre.
Image courtesy of Micelotta/MPI/INFevents.com
In honor of Macklemore and Davis and their heartwarming announcement, TheCelebrityCafe.com is counting down the top ten songs from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. This list features chart topping hits like, “Can’t Hold Us” and “Thrift Shop” but also recognizes the earlier career for Macklemore with singles like “And We Danced.” Did your favorite Macklemore single not make the list? Comment below and add your favorite.
[new page= Life is Cinema]
10. Life is Cinema
This is a track that is not as popular compared to others on this countdown but “Life is Cinema” shows the direction that this powerhouse creative team was going to head in for the rest of their music. It features original lyrics, catchy melodies and a feeling that they didn’t want to go in a direction that every other popular artist had. They made their own way musically and with how they acted in the industry; Macklemore isn’t known for his swearing or malicious lyrics, instead he motivates and inspires.
[new page=The Town]
9. The Town
“The Town” was featured on the 2009 release, The Unplanned Mixtape. It had more hard-hitting lyrics and highlighted Mackelmore’s ability to write a catchy song that has layers. Honoring this hometown roots this also introduced the world into a new style of rap that featured love instead of hate.
[new page=My Oh My]
8. My Oh My
“My Oh My” once again brings in Macklemore’s roots and highlights his upbringing. It is his ability to string together lyrics that are fast paced yet heartfelt that makes this record a stand out. Macklemore raps quickly but not in a way that makes it impossible to understand the words, it is a unique mix of fast paced lyrics and clarity.
[new page= Otherside ft. Fences]
7. Otherside ft. Fences
The music video for “Otherside” was filmed over a year and a half of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ career back in 2010 and 2011. Fans can see how the duo has changed and get a glimpse into their lives. Macklemore is always connecting with his fans and providing new ways for them to be a part of his musical movement. This music video is just another example of how Macklemore is going about the rap/hip-hop game differently.
[new page=Wings]
6. Wings
“Wings” was featured on The Heist which was released back in 2012 and created many chart topping singles. This song is more stripped down and builds as it goes on. The choice of instrumentals that surround Macklemore’s lyrics help to make this song feel fresh and modern, while dealing with some heavy lyrical matter.
[new page=And We Danced]
5. And We Danced
“And We Danced” was the first song from Macklemore that helped take his music from underground to mainstream. It also showcased the future of what pop music and dance music could become with Macklemore on the charts. Audiences didn’t have to wait long when songs like “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us” it was clear that “And We Danced” was the first chapter in their dance music history.
[new page=White Walls]
4. White Walls
“White Walls” is a fun track from the duo that shows off their party personality and carefree ways. The track was also featured on the popular album The Heist which was released back in 2012 at the height of Macklemore’s new found popularity.
[new page=Same Love]
3. Same Love
The rap industry has often been referred to as being slightly homophobic and not embracing the LGBT community. Macklemore took that stereotype and shattered it. “Same Love” was an LGBT anthem that everyone could support and relate to. It was powerful, timely and spoke to a generation that was not previously embraced by the rap/hip-hop industry. The track also featured the incredible vocal talents of Mary Lambert.
[new page=Can’t Hold Us]
2. Can’t Hold Us
After “Thrift Shop” took over the charts and most of the world, fans were left wondering how the duo could follow up such success and they did with the dance anthem “Can’t Hold Us.” This track took their dance melodies and hits and amplified it to a new level. The beat was insanely catchy and was stuck on playlists on repeat.
[new page=Thrift Shop]
1. Thrift Shop
“Thrift Shop” took over the radio airwaves, it concurred Spotify playlists and was even heard in clubs all around the world. This song inspired fans to wear animal hats and embrace thrift shops. This song seems simple on the surface, but Macklemore put his unique lyrical writing style and combined it with a beat that is memorable and modern. It was the perfect match of new and old coming together to create another chart topping hit.