#37: Macklemore Apologizes For Winning Best Rap Album
When: 56th Annual Grammy Awards, 2014
Despite reigning as one of hip-hop’s heavyweights in 2014, Macklemore grappled with the weight of his Grammy win for Best Rap Album. Feeling undeserving, he reached out to fellow nominee Kendrick Lamar, acknowledging Lamar’s rightful claim to the title. What could have been a noble act of humility took an awkward turn when Macklemore decided to make the private exchange public, sharing a screenshot of his text to Lamar on Instagram.
What was intended as a gesture of respect morphed into a performative display, prompting criticism from peers like Drake. The move was deemed more self-serving than genuine, casting a shadow over Macklemore’s attempt to right what he perceived as an injustice.