Mac Miller: An Artist Beyond Rap

Recounting the best moments from one of the greatest artist’s life.

In Sept. of 2018, hip-hop artist Malcolm McCormick, professionally known as Mac Miller, was found dead in his estate, overdosed on oxycodone and fentanyl. This would be the typical start of an article that one might read if they looked up Mac Miller nowadays, though there is so much more to this man’s legacy than just his tragic death.

From his introduction into the world of music with his breakout song “Donald Trump,” up to his magnum opus album “Swimming,” an incredible amount of growth can be seen throughout Miller’s career. Here’s a selection of some of my favorite moments from the incredible artist’s life.

“The Question” Live

I had always heard the live version of this song on Mac Miller’s live album and always thought the guitar solo on it was incredible. Then one day I saw the video of Mac performing it live. I was blown away to see that he was the one who not only played the guitar on the live version of the song, but goes on to play the solo behind his back, something you don’t see at rap concerts. This was a moment that showed Mac was more than just a rapper.

NPR Tiny Desk Concert

All of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts are incredible, though none stand out to me more than Mac’s. Opening the set with “Small Worlds” really sets the tone of the video as he goes on to play three beautiful songs off of his album “Swimming.” Seeing the stripped down live versions of the songs give a whole new appeal to them, especially “2009” with the inclusion of a live string section. Artist Thundercat even comes in to play the most infectious baseline of the past few years. Overall, this video is one I can go back to to put myself into a relaxed mindset, a beautiful thing very few artists can do.

GO:OD AM Album Release

Following the release of his drug-heavy, distorted mixtape “Faces,” seeing Miller come back to the scene with a new, clear state of mind was very refreshing to see. While “Faces” is one of Miller’s best works, “GO:OD AM” was the light at the end of the tunnel that showed that he was in a good place, sober and healthy. “GO:OD AM” is one of my favorite albums of Mac’s, so this project holds an especially close place in my heart.

“Ladders” Live on the Late Show

In my opinion, this is Mac spreading his wings and flying as a flourishing artist. Taking the lead of a whole jazz band and mixing rapping and singing to his incredible song “Ladders,” Mac showcases his skills and great fashion sense (I mean look at how cool that sweater is). The live version of this song always stuck out to me as you can see how much fun Mac has playing with the band.

Nardwuar Interview

Nardwaur is hands down the greatest interviewers of all time. The abnormal energy that he brings to his interviews (and the various gifts he brings too) was especially fun to watch when he had interviewed Mac. Seeing the young artist be blown away by the insane questions that Nardwuar pulled out of his plaid hat and the insanity of the video as a whole always sticks with me as a prominent point of his career, as it is definitely my favorite of his interviews.

FADER’s “Mac Miller – Stopped Making Excuses (Documentary)”

A lot of this documentary is quite chilling to watch, knowing the outcome of Mac’s life, but seeing the artist be as open as he is here adds a whole new layer to him as an artist and furthermore human being. The documentary recounts the tale of Mac’s come up, how he got through his struggles and where he’s at now. Seeing it is incredibly inspiring and every time I watch it, I’m in awe at the artistry that drove this man to do what he did.

Thanks Mac for being who you were.

Make sure to comment down below some of your favorite moments from the incredible artist’s life.