On Friday, September 7, 2018, the public was informed of the death of Mac Miller. Mac Miller (Malcolm James McCormick) is a well-known rapper, singer, and record producer born on January 19, 1992. Early in his career, he signed a record deal with Rostrum-Records in 2010. He recorded his debut album, Blue Slide Park, under this label which released on November 8, 2011. His album his number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. This accomplishment made his album the first ever independently-distributed debut album to hit the chart since 1995.
Prior to being a rapper, Mac Miller was just Malcolm James McCormick from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was Jewish and described himself as “the coolest Jewish rapper”. His first introduction to music was piano lessons at the age of six, however; as he grew older he found a love for hip-hop. He looked up to older hip-hop artist such as Lauryn Hill, Big L, Beastie Boys, Outkast, and A Tribe Called Quest.
For many Mac Miller was a part of their lifestyle through music choice. For others, he was the light at the end of the tunnel. For years, it was known that Mac Miller had his personal battles with substance abuse and mental health issues. In a profile published in Vulture, Mac Miller stated: A lot of times in my life I’ve put this pressure to hold myself to the standard of whatever I thought I was supposed to be, or how I was supposed to be perceived. And it creates pressure.”
At only 26 years old another life was taken to a drug overdose. It is said that Mac Miller died of a drug overdose on September 7, 2018, in his home. Around noon that day he was found unresponsive. A friend called for an “immediate dispatch” for a patient in cardiac arrest, according to the 911 call recording. Once proper authorities arrived Malcolm James McCormick was pronounced dead at the scene. For many fans, his death is a complete surprise. For celebrities, it is a shocker as well. Rappers like Wiz Khalifa, Chance the Rapper, Lil Yachty, and J. Cole have shared their heart felt emotions and empathy for the death of an industry colleague.
**Below are ten facts you might not have known about the late Mac Miller**
- He smoked for the first time in fifth grade.
- He started rapping at the age of 14.
- He aspired to be a singer and song writer prior to becoming a rapper.
- He used to sell stolen televisions and purses for money.
- He used that money for studio time.
- He dated Ariana Grande.
- He was a self-taught musician.
- Rostrum Records did not want to sign him at first.
- He was a chain smoker.
- He considered himself an underground rapper.