Easy Mac with the Cheesy Raps, better known as Mac Miller, began his rapping career at the age of 15 in 2007 with his first song titled, “Kick Push.” Miller’s lyrical subject matter and style shoehorned him into the growing subgenre known as “Frat Rap,” as his rapping style and lyrics reflected that of a teenager or college student solely focused on partying and having a good time. Projects such as K.I.D.S. and Blue Slide Park are evident reflections of this style and subgenre, however his songs seemed to heavily bleed into his own life as he began struggling with substance abuse which would impact his behavior, life choices and music. Starting in 2012, Mac’s music began to focus more and more on his struggle with substance abuse and his psyche during this difficult stretch in his life; such topics can be found on Watching Movies with the Sound Off and Faces. After this period in his life, Miller continued to struggle with his addictions and vices, but he became a more reflective and vulnerable artist as he expressed his regrets and shortcomings on his sister albums Swimming” and Circles. Mac Miller’s gradual growth and maturity in his music is a direct reflection of his own personal growth and maturity, as he began to recognize the significance of his life and his shortcomings. Tragically, Mac Miller passed away on September 7, 2018, only a month after the release of Swimming, leaving millions mourning his passing.
- Self Care – from Swimming (2018)
Our society has embraced the concept of self care, as it worships and idolizes methods to take care of oneself, but what happens when that self care bleeds into addiction and loss of oneself? “Self Care,” is the musical embodiment of this question, as Miller casually throws out lyrics alluding to his addictions and their impacts such as “Now I know the medicine be on call, yeah (Gimme, gimme, gimme),” and “Somebody save me from myself.” Each of these lines, upon first listen, can be overlooked due to the pace and flow that Miller utilizes alongside a smooth instrumental. Even though there are several songs from Miller that may sound “better” than “Self Care,” only one other song can compare to the subtle vulnerability and messages of “Self Care.”
- BDE Bonus – from Best Day Ever (2011)
If “BDE Bonus” was a dog, it would definitely be a golden retriever as both are very peaceful and can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whenever I play this song, I question whether or not my phone, my Airpods or the song is working due to the gradual and peaceful build up to the upbeat instrumental that is heard throughout the song. Despite “BDE Bonus” essentially being a “remix” of Best Day Ever, the bonuses’ instrumental elevates it beyond its original track. At this point in his life, Miller was only 19 years old and clearly living his best life, and best day(s) ever, as shown through the chorus of “No matter where life takes me, find me with a smile, Pursuit to be happy, only laughin’ like a child, I never thought life would be this sweet” (Only half of the chorus). “BDE Bonus” is certainly the best way to have the best day ever.
- 2009 – from Swimming (2018)
Reflecting on one’s life–and acknowledging one’s regrets and shortcomings–can be challenging for anyone. In the case of Miller, it had been nine years since he was truly honest with himself and where he was in his life. 2009, the year, marked the calm before the storm as it was the year prior to his significant growth in the music industry with the release of 2010’s, K.I.D.S.. “2009” the song, is the somber, melancholic, piano-filled culmination of Miller’s regrets, reflections and struggles in his life. The piano-based instrumental, and especially the strings (at the beginning of the song, make me emotional every time. This instrumental paired with Miller’s vulnerable lyrics have resonated with me so much over the years. His lyric of “And sometimes, sometimes I wish I took a simpler route, Instead of havin’ demons that’s as big as my house,” gets me everytime. Similar to a majority of Miller’s discography, I have grown such a connection to “2009” that it has become a part of my life, as I turn to this song when I am facing a challenging and reflective moment.
Mac Miller, no matter how much time passes since his death, will forever be missed by fans across the globe. The raw honesty, vulnerability and emotions that Mac displayed in his music allowed for me, as well as my fellow fans, to deeply resonate and appreciate his music. There will never be another Mac Miller, because no artist would be this vulnerable about their own self-destruction and faults. There will never be another Mac Miller, because no artist could reach the hearts of millions from around the globe who travel to his hometown for celebrations of him and his life. There will never be another Mac Miller, because no artist ever could ever come close to being my favorite.
