Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Drop ‘The Heist’ Album: Today in Hip-Hop

On this day, Oct. 9, in hip-hop history...

2013: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis drop their debut album, The Heist.

The album was three years in the making for Seattle's Macklemore. Propelled by the sleeper singles "Thrift Shop" and "Can't Hold Us," the album painted a comedic, triumphant picture of the indie rap duo. Macklemore, a former XXL Freshman, showcased his rap acrobatics perfectly amid Lewis' jazz heavy beats. Other songs on the project tackled more pressing social issues. "Same Love" discussed gay marriage rights while "Wings" uncovered Mack's addiction to Jordans and the thralls of consumerism. The album debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200, moving 78,000 its first week. Though snubbed by some hip-hop fans, the album went on to be certified platinum by 2016.

In reviewing The Heist, XXL's Adam Fleischer commended both Macklemore's lyrical range and astute observation of social issues and Lewis' layered production, calling the work "a truly beautiful album that challenges musical boundaries."

In 2014, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' The Heist won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, beating out Drake's Nothing Was the Same, Jay Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail, Kendrick Lamar's Good Kid, M.A.A.D City and Kanye West's Yeezus.

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