Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – The Heist
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis LLC.
Bottom Line: I heard so many good things about this album that I had to play it for myself before releasing the Top 10 Underground Albums of 2012. I’m glad I waited. Macklemore gets on the mic from a seven year hiatus where he struggled with substance abuse problems. On the record, he gives us an account of what he has gone through in that time, and what he has done to move past it. Ryan Lewis laces him with production that fits in perfect with Macklemore’s flow and concepts. The live instrumentals are what puts the album over the top, and makes it hard to deny a top ten spot.
Top 5:Â “Ten Thousand Hours”, “Thrift Shop”, “Same Love”, “Jimmy Iovine”, “Starting Over”
Download:Â “Jimmy Iovine” (feat. Ab-Soul)