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It hurts to know that someone people loved and adored so much was filled with so much pain. Mac made plenty of references to him possibly overdosing, but nobody wanted to believe that it would become his reality at the young age of 26. I am heartbroken that he got lost along the way. He addresses his issues and was trying to navigate himself out of them. Throughout the album, it’s like he’s trying to say he’s doing better, but is still being dragged down by internal conflicts. In the tragically ironic “Self Care” video, Mac is seen breaking out of a coffin and writing in Latin “memento mori,” meaning “remember death.” This provides even more of the contradiction “Swimming” seems to expel throughout its entirety. In “Come Back to Earth,” he sings, “And don’t you know that sunshine don’t feel right/ when you inside all day/ I wish it was nice out, but it looked like rain/ Grey skies and I’m drifting, not living forever/ They told me it only gets better,” and “I just need a way out of my head/ I’ll do anything for a way out/ Of my head.” In “Jet Fuel” he sings, “Now my head underwater but I ain’t in the shower and I ain’t/ gettin’ baptized.” A contradiction to where he previously says, “And I was drownin’, but now I’m swimmin,’” in “Come Back to Earth.” He illustrates that struggle with the imagery and metaphors he uses. The songs pull back and forth from themes of optimism to despair.
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Listening to it now makes for an eerie vibe. It’s arguably one of his most emotional and best-crafted albums to date. “Swimming” was his fifth studio album, released just 35 days before his death. People were celebrating the music he gave to us, and reminiscing about all of the memories and feelings attached to his work. Social media erupted with tributes to him, and the weekend he died, his music was being played everywhere. It comes as no surprise that people reacted so strongly to his death. Mac also produced music under the pseudonym of Larry Fisherman. He put out five studio albums, two live albums, three EPs, 13 mixtapes and countless singles. He didn’t seem interested in superficial success, but more-so focused on how he could expand creatively and try new things. He grew as an artist with each new project he created. He was such a down-to-earth, relatable musician and he truly felt like one of us in the way he told his stories with his art.
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Our generation grew up listening to Mac.įrom his break-out “K.I.D.S.” mixtape days, the iconic “Blue Slide Park” and “Best Day Ever,” to more mature projects like “Macadelic,” “Watching Movies With the Sound Off,” “GO:OD AM,” and “The Divine Feminine,” he always had loyal fans, and immense support. His passing, of an apparent drug overdose, impacted people my age in ways I have never seen or experienced before. A friend who would be with you through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. He was more than an artist to his fans he was their friend. He openly discussed his mental health struggles and battle with drug addiction, expressing himself through his lyrics. His vulnerability was one of the reasons why people connected with him so deeply. Mac Miller often referred to his relentless demons in his music, revealing all the dark things that his goofy smile hid brilliantly. But it wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies internally. He tried to make people happy, and a had a genuine heart.
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The Pittsburgh native gave off an aura of positive energy. The money raised from ticket sales will go to the newly-established foundation, which will allow underprivileged children to explore their talents and give them an outlet to express themselves through the arts, something Miller was passionate about. The show will honor Miller, who died on Sept. Proceeds will benefit The Mac Miller Circles Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation. Tickets are now on sale for the show, which, his family warns, will be the only official event. The family of the late rapper Malcolm McCormick, better known by his stage name Mac Miller, have announced a benefit concert/celebration of life, set for October 31 at the Greek in Los Angeles.
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