Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Perform ‘Downtown’ While Actually In Downtown L.A. At The 2015 MTV VMAs

When we premiered the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis clip for “Downtown” earlier this week, we had a sneaking suspicion the performance at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards would be just as big. And honestly, it may have been even bigger. Taking things quite literally, the duo took their act to downtown Los Angeles and they brought the whole gang with them. Grandmaster Caz, Kool Mo Dee, and Melle Mel, Eric Nally from Foxy Shazam, 80s style pop-lockers, streets erupting with streamers — all of it. Yes, we are aware that it started to sound like a Stefon-like party from Saturday Night Live near the end there. “This performance has everything.”

From their forthcoming new album, the first since 2012’s The Heist, the duo had to know that “Downtown” had to be big following such a long layoff. Thankfully, with this opener at the VMAs, they may just be back for good. Also, apologies to non-Macklemore fans, he may just be back for good.

Kanye West wasn’t impressed, though.

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