Benjamin Hammond Haggerty (born June 19, 1983), better known by his stage name Macklemore ( MAK-lə-mor; formerly Professor Macklemore), is an American rapper. A native of Seattle, Washington, he started his career in 2000 as an independent artist releasing Open Your Eyes (2000), The Language of My World (2005), and The Unplanned Mixtape (2009). He rose to international success collaborating with producer Ryan Lewis as the duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (2009–2016). Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's 2012 single "Thrift Shop" (featuring Wanz) became the first self-released song to top the Billboard Hot 100 in 11 years. Their second single, "Can't Hold Us" (featuring Ray Dalton), also peaked on chart, making Macklemore and Lewis the first duo in the chart's history to have their first two singles both reach the peak position. Their debut studio album The Heist (2012) peaked at number 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The duo entered into a slightly unusual three-month, one-album contract with Warner Bros.'s independent distribution arm ADA, which allowed them to retain control over their intellectual property and maintain their "artistic integrity". At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, the duo won Best New Artist, Best Rap Album (The Heist), Best Rap Song ("Same Love") and Best Rap Performance ("Thrift Shop"). The duo's second album, This Unruly Mess I've Made (2016), followed thereafter. In June 2017, Macklemore released the single "Glorious" (featuring Skylar Grey), which marked his return to the music industry as well as his first major single produced without Lewis since his mainstream breakthrough. Macklemore released his second solo studio album, Gemini, in September of that year, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard 200. On March 3, 2023, he released his third album Ben, which peaked at number 18.