He started as a boy from the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but grew to become a well-respected, Grammy-nominated rapper and performer. Mac Miller was more than just a rapper, he was a legend with a bright future ahead of him that was taken from this world too soon.
Mac Miller gained traction by posting his music on the internet and advertising his songs on social media. In 2011, Mac released Blue Slide Park. Within one week of its release, Blue Slide Park sold over 145,000 copies–this first album released by an independent artist to do so since 1995 when Dogg Food was released. Since the release of Blue Slide Park, artists like Chance the Rapper have followed in Mac’s footsteps and remained independent. Independent artists have total control over their music, from the creative vision and direction to the distribution, marketing, and artwork associated with it. By releasing an independent album that hit a number 1 spot, Mac Miller created a framework for contemporary musicians to build off of.
Mac Miller worked alongside some of the most popular musicians of our generation. While he did date Ariana Grande during her rise to superstardom, he also worked alongside her on her hit song “The Way” Aside from Ariana, Mac Miller worked with some big-time rappers like Kendrick Lamar, Juicy J, and Chief Keef. From his work with these rappers, Mac was able to reach a larger audience and share his rap-talents with so many. Time went on and Mac continued to grow his music empire and expand his sounds. He was given the opportunity to work with influential groups and artists like Maroon 5 and John Mayer on some tracks as well. Mac Miller was able to cross over genres and sounds to create his own music style.
Mac Miller was a real person with real struggles. In interviews, Mac talked extensively about his battles with various drug addictions. After he released his second album, Macadelic, and began touring, he started to smoke marijuana to cope with the stress of his newfound stardom. As he continued to gain popularity and make a name for himself, Mac began to use the drug cocktail commonly referred to as “lean”, which is a mixture of promethazine and codeine, to feel a sense of euphoria. In an interview with Complex Magazine, Mac said “I was not happy and I was on lean very heavy [during the Macadelic tour.] I was so f–ed up all the time it was bad. My friends couldn’t even look at me the same. I was lost” (Turnbridge). Eventually, the drugs took over. Mac Miller died of a drug overdose on September 7, 2018. His sudden death left so many grieving and at a loss for words as their idol had passed long before his time.
He started from nothing and became something. He broke down barriers and created his own style while always remaining true to himself and his vision. He was a real person with real problems. Mac Miller was far from perfect, and he admitted that. Mac Miller created music as a way to inspire other kids to follow their dreams, get a mansion, a jacuzzi, and a theatre to watch their movies.