Macklemore Parts Ways with Ryan Lewis, Announces Solo Album

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are parting ways.

The Grammy-winning duo behind The Heist and This Unruly Mess I’ve Made has decided to amicably cut musical ties for the time being, according to Mack, who just announced his yet-to-be-named solo album.

“After the last tour, Ryan and I agreed that some creative space would be good for the both of us,” he wrote in a lengthy Instagram caption. “Ryan Lewis is my brother forever. We have been working together damn near every day for 9 years and it felt like the right time. This decision came from a place of love for one another.”

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Macklemore continued, explaining that there is no bad blood between the longtime collaborators. “I’m the best man at his wedding next month,” he added. “There will be more M&RL music to come when the time is right. And you’ll be hearing from Ryan very, very soon (he has some incredible records that are about to drop with other artists).”

Fans will be hearing more from Macklemore too. In fact, the first single from his next album, “Glorious,” was released today. The triumphant banger features Skylar Grey and production by Budo and Tyler Dopps. “It felt like the right record to come back with,” the MC wrote. “Embarking on this new chapter of life.”

In 2012, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis dropped their platinum-selling debut, The Heist, which went on to spawn three multi-platinum singles, including “Can’t Hold Us,” “Same Love,” and “Thrift Shop.” The latter was the highest-seller, going 10x platinum.

The twosome returned to the spotlight in 2015 with This Unruly Mess I’ve Made. Despite two platinum-selling tracks (“Downtown” and “White Walls”), the album peaked at No. 4 and failed to go gold. It was also met with mixed reviews.

Macklemore’s next solo album will not be his debut. In 2005, years before blasting to superstardom, the Seattle MC released 2005’s The Language of My World.