Playlist: What Macklemore was listening to at 10, 15, 20, 25

"I was a huge Digable Planets fan," says Macklemore of the pioneering jazz-rap act. "[Seattle singer/rapper/producer] Lace Cadence and I even formed a Digable Planets group. We rehearsed at lunch. I was Ish." That's Ishmael Butler, former Garfield High School star point guard, Grammy winning rapper/producer with Digable Planets, and current Sub Pop Records artist with Shabazz Palaces. "At the time, I didn't know it was local."

"Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)," by Digable Planets

"'Do The Math' came out in 8th grade," says Macklemore of the local rap compilation, "and I got it early because I knew Vitamin D's sister." Seattle man Vitamin D played a major role in the production of the album and rapped on it with his group Ghetto Children. "Just smooth, relatable, personal music. I remember Vitamin was in [national publication] XXL Magazine, which was huge."

"Who's Listening?" by Ghetto Children

"This was the final era of the rap poet in Seattle," says Macklemore. "There were no fans then. It was artists performing for each other. A lot of open mics and poetry sessions. I was listening to Gabriel Teodros, Vitamin D beat tapes -- I don't know how we got those -- Source of Labor and Khingz [formerly Khalil Crisis]."

"Terrorist Opera," by Khalil Crisis

"It was an off time for Seattle hip-hop, but 'Bayani' was out. That was when Geo and Sabzi got on some rock star status, sold out back-to-back nights at the Showbox, stepped out nationally, signed with Rawkus Records. It made a big impression. And our country was at war, and Geo was rapping about it."

"Bayani," by Blue Scholars

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