In a revelation that has left music lovers questioning everything they thought they knew, chart-topping rapper Macklemore has exposed a common mispronunciation that fans have been making for over a decade.
The American superstar, known for global smashes like "Thrift Shop" and "Can't Hold Us," took to social media to correct a linguistic error that has persisted since his early career.
The Shocking Correction
During an Instagram Live session, Macklemore responded to a fan's question about his stage name, revealing that most people have been stressing the wrong syllable all along.
"It's mack-le-MORE, not MACK-le-more," the Grammy-winning artist clarified, explaining that the emphasis should fall on the final syllable rather than the first.
Fan Reaction Goes Viral
Social media platforms immediately erupted with disbelief as fans processed the news. Thousands took to Twitter and TikTok to express their shock, with many creating videos demonstrating their attempts at the correct pronunciation.
"My whole life has been a lie," wrote one devastated fan, while another commented: "I've been singing his name wrong since 2012 and nobody corrected me?"
Why It Matters
This isn't just about pronunciation pedantry - the correction reveals something deeper about artistic identity and how performers choose to present themselves to the world.
Macklemore, whose real name is Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, explained that the stage name's proper pronunciation reflects the musical emphasis and rhythm he brings to his work.
The rapper's clarification comes as he prepares to release new music, suggesting that getting the pronunciation right has never been more important for his dedicated fanbase.
