Macklemore’s Harmony of Purpose: How Music and Philanthropy Drive His Passion for Giving Back
To truly understand the essence of Macklemore, known off-stage as Ben Haggerty, is to recognize a man whose passions are deeply interwoven with his identity. From his roots in Seattle, he champions his family – his wife and three children, including his newest arrival, Hugo, who joined the family in September – his beloved Seahawks, and, perhaps most profoundly, his unwavering dedication to helping others. This commitment to service isn’t just a peripheral interest; it’s a foundational pillar that permeates almost every facet of his life, from his creative endeavors to his personal journey.
Macklemore’s music, celebrated for its introspective lyrics and social commentary, often serves as a powerful vehicle for advocacy. Through tracks like his “White Privilege” series, he fearlessly shines a light on systemic injustices, fostering dialogue and critical reflection. More recently, his motivational single, “Next Year,” embodies a spirit of resilience and hope, urging listeners towards a brighter future. Yet, even as he wields his artistic platform for change, Macklemore firmly believes in the necessity of direct action – putting “boots on the ground,” or in this specific case, shoes.
During a candid conversation with HollywoodLife about his impactful partnership with Brooks Running, Macklemore articulated his philosophy on service. “I think that whenever you’re of service to other people, it’s the best opportunity to connect with humanity, get outside of yourself,” he explained. This sentiment speaks to a deeper understanding of altruism, positioning it not just as an act for others, but as a transformative experience for oneself.
His journey into service work began informally in his youth, participating in various community efforts. However, it was his immersion in the recovery community that cemented service as an indispensable part of his existence. “As a kid, we would do service work here, there, but as I got older and in particular became a member of the recovery community, a huge part of that is service work,” Macklemore shared. He elaborated on the common trap of modern life: “We get so caught up in our own world of work and family and ‘how do I execute this and that’ and all the busyness that we incorporate into our lives – when, really, the greatest way to get outside of that and be able to look down from a different perspective is to help others.” For Macklemore, service is a vital tool for maintaining perspective, fostering gratitude, and staying grounded amidst the pressures of a demanding career and personal life.
This authentic approach to helping others, he emphasizes, is an “opportunity to come from a real place, an authentic place, and tap into gratitude, which, it’s an amazing part of this human experience.” This holiday season, Macklemore is channeling this spirit directly into his hometown. Through his collaboration with Brooks Running, a Seattle-based company renowned for its environmentally conscious athletic gear and deep community ties, he is actively involved in distributing essential items to those facing hardship.
The choice of partner was deliberate and meaningful. “Brooks is a staple in the Seattle community,” Macklemore noted. “They reached out about doing some service work with Mary’s Place, which is an organization that I have supported and loved the work that they’re doing locally here in the community for a long time. So it was a perfect idea and a great way to give back in this holiday season.” Mary’s Place is a crucial non-profit that provides safe, inclusive shelter and services for women, children, and families experiencing homelessness in King County. This partnership exemplifies how local businesses and prominent figures can unite to make a tangible difference in their communities, directly addressing pressing needs during a time when support is most vital.
The initiative’s reach extends beyond Seattle, inviting participation from across the nation. Individuals can engage in Brooks’ broader philanthropic efforts by sharing stories about “someone that’s helped you out or someone that’s doing great work in their community, wherever that might be,” Macklemore explained. “Brooks is going to be picking some people and giving some surprises out. So it’s a cool way to engage and let people know the impact that they’re making.” This inclusive approach fosters a nationwide spirit of gratitude and recognition, highlighting the unsung heroes who uplift their communities daily.
Macklemore’s life often appears as a fascinating tightrope walk between two distinct worlds. On one side, there’s Macklemore, the Grammy-winning musician commanding sold-out arenas, a vibrant artist whose every release resonates with millions. On the other, there’s Ben Haggerty, a man who has navigated the profound challenges of addiction, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose and a fervent desire to contribute to a better world. This duality prompts a natural question: would he ever choose one path over the other? Would he consider abandoning his celebrated music career to dedicate himself entirely to philanthropic endeavors?
When faced with this query, Macklemore paused, thoughtfully considering his answer. “I think that I have to balance how I am best of service,” he concluded, acknowledging the intricate relationship between his personal aspirations and his desire to help. He also candidly admits, “And, of course, music is self-serving as well. There’s personal benefit and gain that comes from it.” This honest reflection underscores the complex reality of leveraging one’s career for greater good, recognizing that personal success can amplify philanthropic reach.
He firmly believes in the power of his platform. “I think that having a platform is a very valuable thing depending on how you use it,” he added. For Macklemore, his artistic success isn’t merely an end in itself; it’s a means to an even greater purpose. “There are ways to have a platform and utilize that to create more opportunity, to create more sources of revenue that can be donated to people that are in need.” His music career, therefore, transforms into a powerful engine for philanthropy. “So, a huge way for me and my quote-unquote ‘brand’ to be useful is to continue to make music and continue to be out there on tour and put out music that people resonate with. And then also in that same process, utilizing my leverage as an artist and social capital to be able to give back.” In this view, his music career isn’t just a passion; it’s a strategically chosen, highly effective tool for magnifying his impact and channeling resources towards those who need it most, illustrating that for Macklemore, the harmony between his art and his altruism is not just possible but essential.
This dedication to making a difference isn’t a byproduct of fame; it’s a deeply ingrained aspect of who Ben Haggerty has always been. Even before he achieved widespread recognition and financial success, Macklemore was actively involved in community work. “Even before I had any money myself, I had a studio, I had a microphone and a digital 8-track,” he recalled. “I used to work with incarcerated youth in Washington on recording them.” This early initiative highlights his belief in the power of creative expression and the importance of providing opportunities to those often marginalized. It wasn’t about celebrity; it was about connecting with individuals who needed a voice and a creative outlet. “That’s a big part of just the music community, but the community in general, there’s so many people that would love to get in the studio and record that don’t have the opportunity.” His past efforts underscore a consistent commitment to using whatever resources he possessed, whether modest or abundant, to empower others through music and mentorship.
Sometimes, though, unexpected opportunities for impact and engagement can arise in the most charming ways, often orchestrated by the youngest members of his family. Macklemore’s six-year-old daughter, Sloane, inadvertently became an internet sensation in October when he posted a video of her offering an hilariously candid critique of his new single, “Next Year.” The song itself is a reflection of the challenges of the past two years, with its hopeful chorus, “Next year’s gonna be better than this year.” However, Sloane, with her unvarnished honesty, didn’t quite resonate with her dad’s message.
“Not your best, but I still love ya,” she famously declared at the beginning of the viral video, a line that quickly became a fan favorite. Her critique only grew more “savage” from there, showcasing a child’s unfiltered perspective. With the video garnering over 600,000 views on Instagram, it begged the question: is Sloane destined for her own YouTube channel? Could she be the next big music influencer, following in her famous father’s footsteps?
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Macklemore, clearly amused and proud, chuckled when asked about setting up a channel for his daughter. “I’m not going to tell her that you said this,” he quipped good-naturedly. “I’m sure she would love her own YouTube channel. I have a built-in following where [fans will] watch what Sloane does.” He acknowledges the undeniable pull of her charm: “But, at this point, Sloane’s probably the most successful person on my Instagram page.”
He elaborated on the phenomenon, stating, “If I post a video or a picture of Sloane, the engagement is very good.” However, despite the potential for instant internet fame, Macklemore remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting his daughter’s childhood. “But I’m trying to keep her six and a half years old and not have her turn into an internet celebrity anytime soon. She’s already talking about, she wants a cell phone, which I was trying to hold off until she was at least 15.” This anecdote subtly reinforces his grounded approach to life and parenting, mirroring his careful stewardship of his public platform. Just as he thoughtfully uses his music career to serve others, he carefully manages his family’s exposure to the public eye, prioritizing their well-being above viral fame. For Macklemore, authenticity and responsible impact extend to every corner of his life, from global stage to family living room.
For more information on Macklemore’s impactful partnership with Brooks Running and their ongoing community initiatives, click here.