Remembering Mac Miller
The music industry took a hit last year with the unexpected death of rapper, songwriter and producer Mac Miller.
Source: Instagram
In 2011, his debut studio album, Blue Slide Park, was the first independently distributed album to top the U.S. Billboard 200 since 1995. The self-taught musician was already in the spotlight with the release of popular mixtapes, K.I.D.S., Best Day Ever, On and On and Beyond and I Love Life, Thank You.
Miller was continuously praised for achieving a psychedelic, almost funky sound to his later work. On the more personal side of his life, he was well loved by many, including pop star Ariana Grande. Despite it all, Miller was candid about his depression and substance abuse. In January 2013, he opened up to Complex about his lean addiction, saying that his love for promethazine had caused changes in him that were so bad, “friends couldn’t even look at me the same. I was lost.”
Source: Instagram
Throughout his career, despite releasing music about love and life, Miller went through cycles of forced sobriety and getting back on drugs.
Source: Instagram
On September 7th, 2018, a month after the release of his fifth studio album, Swimming, Miller was found unresponsive in his home. He was pronounced dead at the scene from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, alcohol and cocaine. It is now, a year later, that law enforcement has found his drug dealer, Cameron James Pettit, guilty of Miller’s death.
Source: Instagram
Recently released text messages between Miller and 28-year old Pettit show the last final glimpses of Miller’s state of mind; asking for Percocet, cocaine, Xanax and a prostitute. Despite such a bleak last couple of days, Miller’s legacy still remains bright, especially amongst fans.
Source: Twitter
At Pittsburgh’s Blue Slide Park, hundreds of fans from around the world gathered to celebrate the late rapper’s life, blasting and dancing to his songs, surrounded by artwork dedicated to Miller.
Born Malcom James McCormick, he entered the music industry with an energy unlike any other. While he left too early, there’s no doubt he left behind such an important message- to treasure life and love, and to take advantage of all gifts you have.