Who Performed With Macklemore At The VMAs?

I can’t think of a moment that I was looking forward to more than Macklemore’s performance at the 2015 MTV VMAs. This was mainly because of the 2014 Grammys — which, ICYMI, featured Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performing their hit song “Same Love” while gay, lesbian, and straight couples pledged their lives to one another. Talk about a statement performance — and a total tear jerker! So when I heard that Macklemore was performing at the 2015 MTV VMAs, I was pumped for a similarly moving and emotional performance. I mean, we’re talking about an artist who goes all out in his music and in his performances to deliver a message and move the crowd. Whether it be about issues like suicide, drug use, or human rights, this performer always delivers powerful statements about the subjects that matter most in today’s world.

And, then there was that whole moment when Macklemore and Ryan Lewis won their VMA in 2013, and took the stage to announce the importance of equal rights for all. “Gay rights are human rights,” Macklemore said. “There is no separation.”

So, was it any surprise when Macklemore and Ryan Lewis totally blew the roof off the stage at the 2015 VMAs with their super fun throwback rendition of their song "Downtown."

But, their performance also had me wondering: who were all of those people on stage during their performance? Turns out, some pretty awesome artists, that's who! The three guys who joined Macklemore in the street before he reached the stage were Kool Moe Dee, Grand Master Caz, and Melle Mel — three pioneers of hip hop from the late '70s and early '80s. You know, before hip hop was even a thing. This, of course, made Macklemore's performance even more awesome.

As for the guy with the fake freckles? That was none other than Eric Nally, the lead singer of Foxy Shazam, who unfortunately disbanded in 2014. Now you're totally prepared for all of that water cooler talk tomorrow morning. You're welcome.