Irish American rapper, Macklemore, celebrates his 32nd birthday today. The Seattle native has should his pride in his roots over the years with his song “Irish Celebration,” turning up in an Colaiste Lurgan video speaking Irish and even praising his Irish fans for being so special.
Back in July 2014 Macklemore filmed a special video for Irish fans ahead of his “largest headlining show of all time” at Marlay Park, Dublin.
The Grammy-winning artist, who is one half of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, posted the video on YouTube to thank Irish fans for their support since his first show to 200 people at The Twisted Pepper venue, in Dublin, in 2011.
"We were playing our first time in Europe and for some reason we could not get a show in Ireland," he revealed.
"We were thought to be unknown and in turn no promoter would book us. Eventually a friend of a friend convinced a small little venue called The Twisted Pepper to let us perform."
The show sold out immediately, and Macklemore was also surprised by the response of the crowd to his performance.
"I had never experienced that level of energy the Irish brought to the show. May family's history comes from Ireland so to get that type of love felt like a homecoming, a community of people whose support for my music would only be rivalled by my own of Seattle, Washington. There was nothing like it."
Macklemore has returned to Ireland to perform every year since then, to increasingly large audiences and now the rapper thrilled to announce what will be his "largest headlining show of all time" performing to 35,000 people.
Showing his Irish pride again Macklemore and Ryan Lewis turned their hands to speaking Irish when they visited Coláiste Lurgan, in Galway, to take part in their cover music video of the hit “Can’t Hold Us," as Gaelige.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis skyrocketed up the charts with their charity shopping ode “Thrift Shop.” The unsigned duo, who are doing everything by themselves with some background management help, have continued to climb. Speaking to Nerdist, Macklemore said that while it’s hard work, their success drives them to continue.
He said, “It’s a what you always hope for when it comes to picking the independent path and it’s cool to see that that’s been a focal point. It’s not just “Thrift Shop,” it’s this kind of do it yourself attitude that’s in the midst of this....song.
“That these two dudes turned down the record labels, that the music industry is changing and its evolving.”
“Thrift Shop” made it to the Billboard Top 100 Chart but, even more tellingly, the tune has over 272 million views on YouTube. The song made Billboard history becoming the only rap song to spend 12 weeks at the top of the chart. As if that wasn’t enough, last week Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ “Can’t Hold Us” replaced “Thrift Shop” at the Billboard top spot.
Macklemore spoke to Rolling Stone about his success, he said, “We've been able to make music that resonates with people on a personal level, as well as having a work ethic – Ryan and I work 70-80 hours a week and we don't stop.
“That, and the fact that we have fans that believe in our dedication and the art we're making, that's the reason we're at where we're at."
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