What Happened to Benjamin Hammond Haggerty?
Macklemore, born Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, is an American rapper known for his independent career, socially conscious lyrics, and breakthrough success with producer Ryan Lewis. After their Grammy-winning collaboration, he continued as a solo artist, releasing albums like "Gemini" (2017) and "Ben" (2023), while also being a vocal advocate for social justice and addiction recovery. Most recently, in September 2026, he was removed from Ed Sheeran's US tour following his pro-Palestine remarks during his opening performances.
Quick Answer
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, is an American rapper who rose to international fame with producer Ryan Lewis, achieving multiple Grammy Awards for hits like "Thrift Shop" and "Same Love." He has since continued a solo career, releasing albums such as "Gemini" (2017) and "Ben" (2023), which explored themes of addiction and recovery. As of September 2026, Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran's US 'Loop Tour' after making pro-Palestine statements and performing his protest song 'Hind's Hall' during his opening sets, leading to venues threatening cancellations.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Debut as Professor Macklemore
Benjamin Haggerty began his music career, releasing the 'Open Your Eyes' EP under the name Professor Macklemore.
Released 'The Language of My World'
Macklemore dropped 'Professor' from his name and released his first official full-length album, gaining a local following.
Partnership with Ryan Lewis Begins
Macklemore officially partnered with producer Ryan Lewis, a collaboration that would lead to international success.
Released 'The Heist'
The duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis released their debut album, which featured hit singles 'Thrift Shop' and 'Can't Hold Us.'
Two #1 Billboard Hot 100 Singles
'Thrift Shop' and 'Can't Hold Us' both reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making them the first duo to achieve this with their first two singles.
Won 4 Grammy Awards
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis won four Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance.
Released 'This Unruly Mess I've Made'
The second collaborative album with Ryan Lewis was released, featuring the lead single 'Downtown.'
Released Solo Album 'Gemini'
Macklemore released his second solo studio album, featuring hits like 'Glorious' and 'Good Old Days.'
Released Solo Album 'Ben'
His third solo album, 'Ben,' was released, with themes influenced by his struggles with addiction and recovery.
Released 'Hind's Hall'
Macklemore released a protest song supporting pro-Palestinian university protests, with all proceeds directed to UNRWA.
Controversial Remarks at Benefit Concert
At a 'Palestine Will Live Forever' concert in Seattle, Macklemore reportedly shouted 'F**k America,' leading to commercial backlash and partners distancing themselves.
Pro-Palestine Chants on Ed Sheeran Tour
While opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium, Macklemore chanted 'Free Palestine' and performed 'Hind's Hall,' sparking controversy.
Dropped from Ed Sheeran's US Tour
Macklemore was removed from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran's 'Loop Tour' after venues threatened cancellations due to his pro-Palestine comments.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, known professionally as Macklemore, began his journey in the hip-hop scene in the early 2000s as an independent artist. After releasing his debut album, "The Language of My World," in 2005, he gained local recognition in Seattle. His career trajectory significantly shifted when he partnered with producer Ryan Lewis in 2009.
The duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis achieved global superstardom with their 2012 album, "The Heist." This independently released project spawned massive hits like "Thrift Shop" and "Can't Hold Us," both of which topped the Billboard Hot 100, a rare feat for an unsigned artist. Their success culminated in four Grammy Awards in 2014, including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album. Their track "Same Love" also garnered critical acclaim for its advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Following their second collaborative album, "This Unruly Mess I've Made" (2016), Macklemore embarked on a solo career. His second solo album, "Gemini," was released in 2017, featuring popular tracks like "Glorious" and "Good Old Days." He continued to tour internationally and collaborate on various singles.
In March 2023, Macklemore released his third solo studio album, "Ben." This album was particularly personal, as much of its content was influenced by his relapse with alcohol addiction during the COVID-19 lockdowns, reflecting themes of recovery and vulnerability. Singles from the album included "Chant," "Maniac," and "Faithful."
Beyond his music, Macklemore has consistently used his platform for social and political advocacy. He is a vocal supporter of addiction recovery, social justice, and racial equity. In May 2024, he released the protest song "Hind's Hall" in support of pro-Palestinian student protests, donating all proceeds to UNRWA. This stance became a significant point of controversy.
Most recently, in September 2026, Macklemore opened for Ed Sheeran's "Loop Tour" at MetLife Stadium. During his performances, he chanted "Free Palestine" and performed "Hind's Hall," reiterating his support for Palestinian rights. These remarks led to a petition for his removal from the tour. On September 14, 2026, Messina Touring Group, the tour promoter, announced that Macklemore had been dropped from the remaining US dates of Ed Sheeran's tour, as venues had threatened to cancel shows if he remained on the lineup. Despite this, Macklemore has other scheduled performances, including festival appearances and solo dates, indicating his continued presence in the music scene.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Benjamin Hammond Haggerty made different choices?