Continued Explorations and Mac Miller's Path to Stardom

 

Mac Miller was born as Matthew James McCormick on January 19, 1992 to Karen and Mark McCormick. Raised Jewish, Mac Miller attended Catholic school to ensure he had a good education and good opportunities. 

Miller cared deeply about music, and taught himself how to play piano, bass, guitar, and drums. He started rapping at the age of 14, and when he turned 15, he "got serious" about his rapping career (Wikipedia). Originally, he went by the name Easy Mac (written as EZ Mac), and under this name he released his first mixtape But My Mackin' Ain't Easy in 2007. By 2009, the name EZ Mac had been scrapped, and Mac Miller took its place. It was in this year that he released not one, but two mixtapes: The High Life and The Jukebox: Prelude to Class Clown. 

In 2011, Miller released his first studio album with Rostrum Records, Blue Slide Park. This album had mixed reviews, but overall, it did very well, and was certified gold in the US and Canada. In 2013, Miller established the record imprint label REMember Music, named after a late friend. Later that year, Miller was featured on Ariana Grande's debut studio album, Yours Truly, in her song "The Way". "The Way" is Miller's highest charting performance, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was certified triple platinum by the RIAA. 

In 2014, Miller released his tenth album, Faces. In this album, Miller reflects upon his years of substance abuse and depression. He "ruminates over drug use, fame, and the past" (Wikipedia). In later interviews, Miller would note his drug use during the production of Faces. In August of 2018, Miller released what is widely considered to be his best work, Swimming. This album has influences of soul and funk rock, and was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 61st Grammy Awards.

But what people didn't realize was that there is more to a person than his music.

For years, Miller had been at least somewhat transparent about his drug use and mental health. Unfortunately, before anyone could see it coming, the end came too soon. A little over a month after releasing Swimming, Miller overdosed in his home on fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol, and was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Miller's death shook the entire musical and performing community. His music was fresh and impactful, and he had touched so many people in so many different ways. He was only 26.

One of the main reasons I chose to write about Mac Miller for my Continued Explorations project was because of his long list of discography. Before his death, Miller released five studio albums, two EPs, and thirteen mixtapes (among other types of discography). After his death, however, another studio album was released in his honor. Mac Miller's sixth and presumably final studio album, Circles, was released in January 2020, approximately 16 months after his death. 

Mac Miller is fascinating to study from an explorative eye because of his long history with music. One can very clearly see the distinct differences in style, tone, and genre of music from Miller's first studio album to his last. 

Here is a track off of Miller's first studio album called "Smile Back". This song is an upbeat, fast, and loud rap selection. It is in the key of D major and follows a time signature of 4/4.

Now take a look at a track off of Miller's most recent studio album. This song is called "Good News", and is a much more mellow tune than "Smile Back". It is in the key of C# major and follows a 4/4 time signature. 

When you listen to these two works side-by-side, it is very easy to note the multitude of differences between the two. I personally think Miller's music matured over the years. His songs in his more recent albums are more mature and calm, and they sing of a man who has been through hell and back. 

References

"Mac Miller." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 27 June 2021. Web. 02 Aug. 2021.