DISCLAIMER: These are my opinions about “The Heist.” Others may have different opinions; feel free to post them in the comments below.

In order to fully appreciate Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s  first album,The Heist, you need a little background information. Though he released his first mixtape in 2005, Macklemore was slow to release more music as he was battling drug addiction to cough syrup and alcoholism. In 2009 Ryan Lewis, a producer and collaborator  teamed up with Macklemore, and since then the two have been changing hip hop.

This album has been in the works for several years, but the end result is definitely worth the wait. A mix of heavy and fun styles, the album is a masterpiece that truly showcases both Macklemore and Lewis’s skills as a producer/beat maker.

On the heavier side of the album are “Neon Cathedral” which cleverly compares alcoholism with Christianity. “Starting Over” conveys the pain of Macklemore when he relapsed after two years of sobriety.

However, the lighter side of the album is just as good with unorthodox hits such as “Thrift Shop”. Lines such as “Ima take your grampa’s style, Ima take your grampa’s style. No for real, ask your grandpa, can I have his hand-me-downs?” show that Macklemore has a clever, funny side. Even better is the triumphant “Can’t Hold Us”. This song shows Macklemore’s true lyrical talent through a beautiful delivery. If you only hear one song of the album, it should be this one.

The best thing about this album and about Macklemore in general is the fact that he raps about things not often talked about in hip hop. For example, “Wing$” is a story about the evils of capitalism told through the eyes of a Nike-obsessed young Macklemore. Another taboo subject, gay marriage, is portrayed in a positive light. Not many rappers write songs not only defending gay people, but openly supporting the change he wants to see to end discrimination against them.

While not every track is perfect, the imperfections only enhance the beauty of the fact that he’s an unsigned artist, making all the music on his own with the help of Lewis. If only everyone in hip-hop could make music this good.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Essential Tracks: Wing$, Neon Cathedral, Can’t Hold Us, Make The Money
Buy The Heist on Itunes