Mac Miller’s journey as an artist was as inspiring as it was tragic. From his teenage beginnings as a fun-loving rapper in Pittsburgh to his deeply introspective later work, Mac’s evolution was one of constant reinvention. He wasn’t just a rapper; he was a storyteller, a producer, and a genre-blurring innovator.
His early mixtapes like ‘K.I.D.S.’ introduced the world to his carefree spirit, while albums like ‘Watching Movies with the Sound Off’ and ‘Swimming’ revealed a thoughtful, introspective artist grappling with fame, addiction and self-discovery. Tragically, his career was cut short in 2018, leaving fans to mourn an artist who had so much more to give.
With the release of Miller’s second posthumous album, ‘Balloonerism’, which drops today, NME reflects on the rapper’s career through 15 songs that represent the multifaceted legacy he left behind – a blend of joy, pain and raw authenticity that continues to resonate.
This song served as a vibrant introduction to Miller, seeing him encapsulate that carefree spirit of adolescence. Appearing on his breakout mixtape ‘K.I.D.S’, where the world first met his relatable and down-to-earth persona, the bright-eyed newcomer innovated jubilant and hedonistic frat-rap into an exploration of youthful ambition and mischief. With a cool, retro-looking music video to go with it, ‘Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza’ went viral and became a breakthrough moment for Miller.
Miller propelled himself from underground favourite to mainstream star with the playful lead single from his ‘Best Day Ever’ mixtape. His fun-loving, bashful nature shines through as he embraces his newfound success, encouraging listeners to laugh at the haters with him. During this time, the industry finally took notice: Miller scored his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and signed with indie label Rostrum Records.
Miller ramped up his signature happy-go-lucky energy and showed off his pop appeal with this cheeky single inviting us to the hottest party in town. While staying true to his party-loving persona, he also weaves in a subtle appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Feel-good, upbeat moments like this (paired with deeper, pensive cuts) propelled his debut album ‘Blue Slide Park’ to Number One on the Billboard 200 – making it the first independent LP to debut at the top of the charts since 1995.
On his second album, ‘Watching Movies with the Sound Off’, Mac Miller began shedding his spunky teenage image, letting vulnerability take centre stage. ‘Objects in the Mirror’ found him grappling with his place in the world, swinging between emotional extremes (“I’m just lookin’ for a reason to live, yeah, I’m lookin’ for a reason to die.”), marking one of the first moments where Mac confronted the reality of his once-hedonistic lifestyle.
On the same album, Mac also broadened his musical horizon with songs like ‘S.D.S.’. This track experimented with off-kilter sounds, thanks to Flying Lotus, who produced the eccentric, futuristic song that would cement Miller’s evolution from an easy-going frat rapper to a bold innovator who can transcend genre boundaries.
Mac Miller had a few personas: first, he was Easy Mac – the carefree guy revelling in life’s pleasures. But, as Larry Fisherman, he brought lo-fi rap to the forefront – especially when he collaborated with Vince Staples on the experimental mixtape, ‘Stolen Youth’. Lead single ‘Guns & Roses’ candidly explored society’s complex issues over a quiet-yet-intense beat – proving Mac had an exceptional eye for spotting talent and trends way before they were popular.
Mac’s darkest persona, Delusional Thomas, emerged on ‘Larry’ as a twisted voice of nihilistic reason. On this grimy standout from ‘Delusional Thomas’, distressing infant cries, gunshots and Thomas’ pitched-up, eerie delivery contrast with the ominously chill production of Larry Fisherman, showcasing Mac Miller’s uncanny ability to blur boundaries. Themes of dark humor and existential dread dominate, pushing his experimental horrorcore style to new depths.
Miller firmly entered the pop world with ‘The Way’ – his chart-climbing collaboration with Ariana Grande from her debut album ‘Yours Truly’. The track wasn’t just a commercial hit, it was proof that Miller had come into his own and could effortlessly cross genres – a skill that only evolved over time. The duo’s palpable chemistry and infectious melodies created a timeless love song that resonated with both rap and pop audiences.
A hazy, jazz-infused journey that blends lo-fi production with existential musings and biting humour, ‘It Just Doesn’t Matter’ epitomises the rapper’s introspective and experimental vibe. Straying from mainstream rap norms, the song highlighted his artistic independence, offering a raw glimpse into his mind while embracing the imperfections that made his work deeply relatable.
Taken from his third album ‘GO:OD AM’, ‘Weekend’ was where Mac’s blend of deeply pensive rhymes with lofty production started to really catch on with fans. Released after a painful hiatus spent battling personal demons and undergoing rehab, both ‘Weekend’ and ‘GO:OD AM’ marked his emotional return to rap, fusing raw vulnerability with infectious joy.
‘Dang!’ from ‘The Divine Feminine’ signified a profound shift in Mac Miller’s career, blending funk, R&B and hip-hop into a fresh, soulful sound. The album – full of introspection and warmth – reflected his growth as both a man and an artist. It became a pivotal moment, blending light and darkness, marking Miller’s deepest evolution yet.
‘Self Care’ was a powerful breakthrough for Mac Miller, showcasing his vulnerability and self-reflection after a period of personal struggle. A standout from the 2018 album ‘Swimming’, the track features smooth, melancholic production that mirrors his journey toward healing and reclaiming his life. Mac candidly addresses his mental health and addiction, with a simple yet deeply resonant hook: “I’ve been through a lot.”
Mac’s first posthumous feature appeared on The Free Nationals’ self-titled debut album. Just months after his passing, Mac’s rhymes are effortless over Anderson .Paak and co’s breezy jazz production, despite him grappling with his shortcomings. It was a bittersweet moment that reflected his lasting impact, even in the wake of his death.
When ‘Circles’ – the title track from his first posthumous album – dropped, its melodic instrumentation and Mac’s soft vocals underscore his resilient tale, reflecting on his growth as an artist while embracing vulnerability and self-reflection. ‘Circles’ served as a poignant reminder of Mac Miller’s lasting impact and artistic potential, seemingly wrapping up the artistic evolution Mac started with ‘Swimming’.
Recorded just a day before Mac Miller’s tragic passing in September 2018, ‘Day Before’ stands as a powerful moment on Young Thug’s ‘Punk’ album. The track is a striking fusion of soulful, electronic-infused production with Mac’s introspective lyrics. It highlights his unwavering commitment to musical progression, even in his final days. It also showed the deep, heartfelt respect Mac commanded across the hip-hop community, with even the toughest embracing his boyish charm.
A sneak peek into ‘Balloonerism’, this track dives deep into self-acceptance and nostalgia. Mac – alongside Thundercat and others – crafted a suave and soulful instrumental that complements his unflinchingly honest, candid lyrics. If ‘5 Dollar Pony Rides’ is anything to go by, Miller was surpassing his own creative peak in his latter years. Had he been given more time, there’s no telling just how far his artistic vision would have taken him.
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