Macklemore Affirms That He And Eminem Are 'Guests' In Hip-Hop

Ever since The Beastie Boys infiltrated the hip-hop scene (Not taking anything away from them, very talented hip-hop artists) as white recording artists, it’s always been stated that since it’s a genre created for and by Black people, anyone else is a guest. Macklemore, who is a multiple award-winning white rapper, has recently stated that, even after being in the game for over 20 years, he, as well as Eminem are still just “guests” of the hip-hop culture.

The Seattle-raised recording artist posted a recent interview he did with former NFL player, Nate Burleson for CBS Mornings, on his Instagram account. The discussion centered around the talk of white rappers being guests in the genre of hip-hop.

Several white rappers before him were also given the role of guests during their careers. 3rd Bass, The Beastie Boys, Paul Wall, Iggy Azalea, Kid Rock, House of Pain, and of course, Eminem have all had to respond to questions about being considered a guest in their chosen field of music.

When the question was posed to Macklemore, who was also part of the GRAMMY and BET Award-winning duo, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, he agreed with the statement that he is a guest in hip-hop.

“One of my favorite interviews ever with @nateburleson… excited for you guys to see the whole thing 🪄”

“I think it is true. It is true and I agree. If you look at the origin of where Hip-Hop came from and what was happening in New York City, what was happening in the Bronx, and the way Black people and people of color have been treated historically in America from the jump — this was the music that was birthed out of oppression. Hip-hop is inclusive so there’s always been an open door to a certain extent. In certain moments it was a little bit harder to push it open, back in the 90s.

In acknowledging his “guest” status, he even mentions Eminem, who many consider being one of the best rappers to put lyrics to paper. Yet, he does state that although he is a guest, he belongs in hip-hop.

“But I’m a guest, Em’s a guest. Doesn’t matter how good we get. Doesn’t matter how great Eminem is. We’re guests in the culture. 100%. And that’s not to say that I don’t belong here. I absolutely belong here. But you still have to realize that this is not your house. And that you’re a guest. And take your shoes off and help with some dishes.”