Macklemore Credits Blackalicious For Bringing Him “Closer To God”

Macklemore is coming fresh off his four Grammy wins—for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance and Best New Artist—and is riding high following more than a year of unparalleled success, but he hasn't forgotten the power of the music that spurred him to where he is now.

"Growing up listening to Blackalicious—the words of Gift of Gab really put me on a certain path," says Macklemore in an interview with mtvU, the rest of which will air later tonight (Jan. 30). "It brought me closer to God. What I didn't get from church or what I didn't get through organized religion, I got through music. I know that power."

Though Macklemore has reached some fantastic professional highs this year, his past struggles with prescription drug addiction has been well documented. He'll be participating in mtvU's "The Other Side" series alongside selected college students to bring awareness to issues stemming from prescription drug struggles. The rest of the interview will air at 5 pm EST on mtvU.