FANS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY PAY RESPECTS
Malcolm McCormick, known to rap music fans as Mac Miller, was pronounced dead in his Studio City home on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018 of an apparent overdose. The 26-year-old rapper came onto the music scene in 2010 when he signed with Rostrum Records, releasing his first studio album entitled “Blue Slide Park” in 2011. His noteworthy music career boasts of six studio albums, one live album, two extended plays, and twelve mixtapes. His most recent album “Swimming” was released on Aug. 3, just one month prior to his death. Since news of Miller’s passing, fans and well-known artists all around the world have been paying their respects to the late rapper, mostly through Twitter and Instagram.
I dont know what to say Mac Miller took me on my second tour ever. But beyond helping me launch my career he was one of the sweetest guys I ever knew. Great man. I loved him for real. Im completely broken. God bless him.
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) September 7, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bneu_dCHVdn/?taken-by=arianagrande
Even the Pittsburgh Penguins posted about Miller, a proud Pittsburgh native, on the team’s Twitter including this caption:
Yesterday we lost a member of our Pittsburgh family. @MacMiller was not just a part of music, he was part of our town.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fans.
Your friends on Fifth Ave will remember you fondly. pic.twitter.com/Qc4JgNQhQS
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 8, 2018
These tweets and posts just capture a glimpse of Mac Miller’s influence to this world.
MILLER’S STRUGGLE WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Miller publicly spoke about his struggle with substance abuse, which had been ongoing since his 2012 “Macadelic” tour. For years, he had been struggling with depression and would turn to drugs such as lean, marijuana and cocaine in order to numb his pain. In his Fader documentary “Stopped Making Excuses,” Miller stated that “overdosing is not cool.” The statement gives fans chills as they reflect on the very cause of his death.
ENCOURAGEMENT TO CHECK UP ON OTHERS
If there is anything that people are seemingly learning from Mac Miller’s sudden death, it is that people should take some time to look out for others.
https://twitter.com/Kehlani/status/1038179532077813760
This is a message for anybody in this game that’s going through something. If you don’t feel right, if you feel you have a substance problem, if you need a ear to vent to. If you uncomfortable talking to people around you. Please reach out to me.
— J. Cole (@JColeNC) September 7, 2018
In his song “Small Worlds” from his latest album, Mac Miller penned the words: “You never told me being rich was so lonely.”
It was apparent that this Pittsburgh rapper’s depression did not subside. Now, as friends and fans reflect upon his untimely death, they can be more encouraged to take time to see if those around them are okay. Furthermore, in the midst of life’s busyness, may we remember to extend our utmost care and kindness to those around us.
Mac Miller’s legacy
Though he was only 26, Miller left this world with plenteous music that illustrates his constant experimentation of genre blends. Miller’s style samples jazz and R&B beats to complement his original lyricism. Those who are unfamiliar with his music may remember Miller for his notable collaboration with then-girlfriend Ariana Grande in her song “The Way.” Nonetheless, it is without a doubt Mac Miller left an imprint in the music world and that he is already missed by many.
Take some time to listen to these choice tracks:
Last but not least, Miller’s NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert has been a fan favorite since its release one month ago. Enjoy:
