Mac Miller

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Mac Miller, whose real name was Malcolm James McCormick, was a proficient American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He gained immense popularity in the 2010s, primarily due to his mixtapes and albums. Miller was born on 19 January 1992 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Miller’s flair for music was evident from his early childhood when he taught himself how to play the guitar, piano, drums, and bass by the age of six. By the time he was 14, he was already rapping and even released his first mixtape “But My Mackin’ Ain’t Easy” in 2007 under the name Easy Mac.

Rise to Fame with Mixtapes and Early Success

He signed with Rostrum Records in 2010 and gained more popularity with his mixtapes “K.I.D.S.” and “Best Day Ever”. His debut studio album “Blue Slide Park” put Miller on the map when it became the first independently distributed album to top the U.S. Billboard 200 since 1995. His second studio album “Watching Movies with the Sound Off” showcased his artistic growth.

Establishing REMember Music and Collaborations

He founded his own label REMember Music in 2013 and also produced music for himself and other artists under the pseudonym Larry Fisherman. Miller worked alongside several renowned artists, including Ariana Grande, Ty Dolla Sign, and Kendrick Lamar to create exceptional music collaborations. Miller also hosted his own reality show “Mac Miller and the Most Dope Family” and he also starred in the film “Scary Movie 5”.

Transition to Warner Bros. and Continued Success

After leaving Rostrum Records, he signed with Warner Bros. in 2014 where he released four more studio albums: “GO:OD AM”, “The Divine Feminine”, “Swimming”, and the posthumous “Circles”. His album titled “Swimming” received immense critical acclaim and resulted in a posthumous Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Album.

Struggles with Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Miller struggled with substance abuse and mental health problems throughout his career, which he often addressed in his lyrics. He had a high-profile relationship with Ariana Grande from 2016-2018 which ended partly due to his addiction problems.

Death and Legacy

On September 7, 2018, Miller died due to an unintentional overdose of cocaine, fentanyl, and alcohol while at his residence in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 26. His music continues to inspire fans worldwide, and his legacy endures as a talented artist who left an indelible mark on the hip-hop and rap scenes.