Video: Seattle Rapper Macklemore Brings Energy, Lyrics to 1,200 People at Sammamish Teen Fest 2011

Sammamish Commons turned into the hottest spot for young people on the Plateau Friday evening, as Seattle rapper Macklemore - and his DJ and producer, Ryan Lewis - brought music and moves to Teen Fest 2011.

The popular musician spun, moved and shared his lyrics with 1,238 teenagers from Sammamish and the area. The event was sponsored by the and the Boys & Girls Club of King County Redmond/Sammamish.

Among many songs, he performed "Hope" for the crowd - which is in the video clip above. One of his associates said that the song has yet to be released. In the clip, Macklemore also gives the city a nod of recognition - a shout out.

Organizers brought a big-name performer from Seattle to the Plateau - and teens bounced, clapped and swayed during the show. Macklemore has performed at Washington State University, the Sasquatch Festival and SXSW - South by Southwest.

He also has played at sold-out shows at the Showbox in Seattle. He has gained fans online, especially on YouTube, and written a rap in honor of Dave Niehaus, the late announcer for the Seattle Mariners.

In an April interview with KEXP, he talked about how connecting with his audience matters and called what he does an "oral tradition." 

"This is a language," he said in that interview. "If people aren't resonating with what I'm writing, then I'm not doing my job."

Editor's note: This video also can be watched on many smartphones, including the iPhone. Sammamish Patch has a photo gallery from Teen Fest 2011. Macklemore also is on Myspace. He has his own website, Bengal Yucky. Ryan Lewis, his producer and DJ, has his own website, as well. Macklemore and Lewis have posted many of their songs on YouTube. This story was revised on Monday, June 20 to reflect the total number of teens who attended.