Whether most would like to admit it or not, Macklemore [and Ryan Lewis – sorry Ryan] has made his [their] stamp in the hip-hop market – whether good, or bad. The team of two have had their highs and lows within the music industry, and for Macklemore, an unfortunate low came in the form of a drug habit.

With a history of drug abuse, the “Thrift Shop” artist struggles on a daily to stay sober. However, in 2014, he admits that their was a relapse in his drug usage and regular habits.

Find out more down bottom.

JaaiR (JR)
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Macklemore and Ryan cover the latest issue of Complex magazine, where Macklemore explains how his actions make him feel like an adolescent. “I don’t feel like I’m grown up. I feel like I’m a kid,” he admits. “I feel like I’m the 15-year-old kid down the street, trying to escape, get out of class, smoke weed in the street, and kick it. And that’s a version of myself that I don’t feel that far removed from.”

Although he tried to stir clear of a release, it became easier with the neglect of 12-step classes as well as the day-to-day stressors.

“I was super-stressed. We weren’t sleeping—doing a show every day, zigzagging all over the country. In terms of the media I was getting put into a box that I never saw for myself. The pressure and the fame—everything. All the clichés, man—like not being able to walk around, having no privacy, and from this TV appearance to this TV appearance, and the criticism, and the lack of connection, and the lack of meetings—all of that put into one pie was just…I just wanted to escape.”

Not only did the stressors for him into a life of marijuana and sleeping pills, but Macklemore, real name Ben Haggerty, also admits that he excessively shopped – and it wasn’t thrifty. He would purchase jewels and kicks as if they were going out of style.

What forced his hand to stop this time? The pregnancy of his fiancée Tricia Davis, and his lack of making music while under the influence. Partner, Ryan saw that change making him curious for Mack’s lack of notable hard work. “Since I was a teenager and came across his name for the first time, there’s always been this sense of just trying to make honest music—trying to get the centerpiece of what he knows, what he thinks, how he feels,” says Ryan.

“Ben, genuinely, in his best form, uses music as his means to process his day-to-day life.” The lack of productivity made Ryan question: “Do you want to make this album? Because it doesn’t feel like you want to be here.”

Working with Ryan, and wanting to be the best version of himself for his upcoming addition, Macklemore is making things work.

Check out the pair – Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – in the gallery above.

Read Macklemore and Ryan’s entire profile over at Complex.