He was signed to Pittsburgh-based Rostrum Records and released his debut album Blue Slide Park on November 8, 2011, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 despite being released completely independently. He released five studio albums in his lifetime, which all peaked in the top 5, along with a posthumous album titled "Circles" with help from producer Jon Brion and Miller's family.
In 2013, Miller released his second studio album, "Watching Movies With the Sound Off". The album featured artists such as Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler the Creator, Ab-Soul, and long-time friend Schoolboy Q. The album took a more personal approach compared to his previous works.
In 2014, Miller released the 24-track mixtape "Faces". Considered by many to be one of his best works, he explores themes of drug use, employing and featuring collaborators of Mac from his previous album, including Schoolboy Q and Earl Sweatshirt, but also sees new faces such as Rick Ross.
In 2015, Mac released his third studio album, "GO:OD AM", his first with new label Warner Records. The album featured a more energetic and vibrant theme than "Faces" and "Watching Movies With The Sound Off", reflecting a more optimistic, redemptive angle on his personal life, while maintaining elements of his introspective and thought-provoking style from earlier works.
In 2016, Miller released his fourth studio album, titled "The Divine Feminine". He explores themes of love and femininity, largely influenced by his relationship with Ariana Grande at the time and featuring appearances from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Anderson Paak.
In August 2018, following major events in Miller's life, including his breakup with Ariana Grande, with Miller's drug addiction alleged to be a contributing factor, as well as a car crash incident in which McCormick was charged with a DUI, Miller released his fifth and final studio album during his lifetime titled "Swimming". Continuing the dive into his personal life, Miller explores his heartfelt struggles and grief in the past, but remains optimistic for the future. Swimming was nominated for Best Rap Album posthumously at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
Miller had struggled with substance abuse for a long time before his death. On September 7, 2018, he was found dead in his home in Los Angeles, California from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol, only a little over a month after the release of "Swimming". He was only 26 years old. McCormick was buried in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Miller's passing was largely unexpected and had a large impact on the hip-hop community as a whole, with many paying their respects to Miller. On October 31, 2018, a tribute concert, titled "Mac Miller: A Celebration of Life", featured renowned artists and many longtime collaborators of Miller including Travis Scott, Schoolboy Q, SZA, Chance the Rapper, and Earl Sweatshirt. The concert was a celebration of the late rapper's life and musical achievements, and all profits were donated to the Mac Miller Circles Fund, which provides young people from underprivileged backgrounds with opportunities to explore arts and music.
In January 2020, Miller's posthumous album titled "Circles", worked on in companionship with his album "Swimming", was announced on January 8 along with the single "Good News" and released later that month. Every track on the album was accompanied by a video of the same name, often with psychedelic imagery and images of Mac before his passing and throughout his life. With a more melancholic theme compared to his previous works, the album was well-received by fans and critics alike, renowned for the care placed in continuing Mac's artistic vision.
And, he did it all without a Drake feature.
Family First
Mac Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dealing with everybody's opinion, tryna to do me
Only down one, I'm in the final shooting threes
Like I don't give a fuck, music we fuck and switch the position up
We love the things that keep on bringin' out the kids in us
Been workin' all my life to do some different stuff
And people have the nerve to say I'm young and haven't lived enough
I'm on the road, my girl so sad, I'm gone
When she thinks I'm goin' Hollywood, I guess she probably should
It seems like people see the bad and don't acknowledge good
I feel the shade but I can see the sun, I'm cool
I got the time to feel the need to run, a fool
Is what I've become, young and I'm dumb
Been spendin' cake to get some bump in the trunk, drums with a pump
Like some Reeboks, see me from the treetops
They worry but they need not, heatin' like a teapot
Now I think I'm cool cause I got a pair of shoes
And more dough, a jacket with a Polo logo
My cup always filled with Henny, so no Four Loko
They should know, so I could go slow
You see that I'm smooth now
Used to ignore me, they study what I do now
With some help from Kweli, and it's Like on the Beat
It's cool to say that my cypher complete
[Verse 2: Talib Kweli]
Word, I'm so sick with the verbs I use, the words that heal us
They love how I kill it on stage, man, Murder theaters
No wonder they call it a bunk, I sleep in a coffin
Dead tired, exhausted from how often I be touring
So gangsta, like the occupation of Made Men
Creatin' chaos, my operation is Mayhem
The movie never stopped, the frame change over
We added Mac to the wolfpack, hangover
That Hen is not a friend, I'm on that Lagavulin
Whatever substance, I abuse it like a Grown man
You're not a kid no more, don't want to hold your hand
And Four Loko make you shoulder-lean like a Dro fan
Go ham, like Abraham readin' all the signs
Oh yeah, and don't forget to call your moms
Same thing I told Bow Wow last year
Take care of the fam, cause it's all we really have here
In the first verse of "Family First," Mac Miller starts by acknowledging how difficult it is to handle everyone's opinions and tries to stay true to himself. He then speaks about his desire to try different things in his music and how people judge him for not having enough life experience. Despite this, he remains optimistic and tries to balance his passion for music with his personal life. Miller also mentions feeling misunderstood but remains focussed on his goals. He is thankful for the support of his family and Kweli, which have helped him grow and stay true to himself.
Talib Kweli's verse on "Family First" elaborates on the theme of staying true to oneself. Kweli reflects on his own journey as a musician and how touring has affected him. He likens himself to a "Made Man" who creates chaos through his art. He also talks about how he uses substances to cope with the stress of his occupation. In the end, Kweli advises the listener to take care of their family because it is what matters the most.
Line by Line Meaning
Dealing with everybody's opinion, tryna to do me
I am trying to be myself and deal with others' opinions about me.
Only down one, I'm in the final shooting threes
I am confident in myself, even when I am behind in life.
Like I don't give a fuck, music we fuck and switch the position up
I express myself freely through my music and change things up often.
We love the things that keep on bringin' out the kids in us
We enjoy things that remind us of our youth and bring out our childish side.
Been workin' all my life to do some different stuff
I have been working hard to do things that set me apart from others.
And people have the nerve to say I'm young and haven't lived enough
Some people think I am too young to have experienced enough in life.
I'm on the road, my girl so sad, I'm gone
I am often on tour, and it is hard for my girlfriend when I am away.
It's hard when I can't even find the time to call my mom
I feel guilty for not being able to call my mom often due to my busy schedule.
When she thinks I'm goin' Hollywood, I guess she probably should
My mom worries that I am becoming too caught up in fame and fortune.
It seems like people see the bad and don't acknowledge good
People tend to focus more on my mistakes and overlook my accomplishments.
I feel the shade but I can see the sun, I'm cool
I am aware of criticism, but it does not affect me negatively.
I got the time to feel the need to run, a fool
Sometimes I feel restless and make reckless decisions.
Been spendin' cake to get some bump in the trunk, drums with a pump
I have been investing in my music career to improve my sound.
Like some Reeboks, see me from the treetops
I feel like I have gained more visibility and recognition recently.
They worry but they need not, heatin' like a teapot
People worry about me, but I am doing just fine and am passionate about what I do.
Now I think I'm cool cause I got a pair of shoes
I sometimes get caught up in material possessions and let them define my worth.
And more dough, a jacket with a Polo logo
I have been making more money and am able to afford luxury items.
My cup always filled with Henny, so no Four Loko
I prefer to drink Hennessy over Four Loko.
They should know, so I could go slow
Others should understand that I need to take things at my own pace.
You see that I'm smooth now
I have become more skilled and confident in my music.
Used to ignore me, they study what I do now
People used to overlook me, but now they pay attention to my work.
With some help from Kweli, and it's Like on the Beat
I received assistance from Talib Kweli and Like in creating this song.
It's cool to say that my cypher complete
I am proud to have collaborated with talented artists on this song.
Word, I'm so sick with the verbs I use, the words that heal us
I am skilled with language and aim to bring positivity and healing through my lyrics.
They love how I kill it on stage, man, Murder theaters
Audiences enjoy my performances and nickname me 'Murder theaters'.
No wonder they call it a bunk, I sleep in a coffin
I am constantly tired from my busy schedule and lack of sleep.
Dead tired, exhausted from how often I be touring
I get worn out from frequent touring.
So gangsta, like the occupation of Made Men
I feel like a hardened criminal, like a member of a mafia organization.
Creatin' chaos, my operation is Mayhem
I often cause chaos in my work and my career is chaotic.
The movie never stopped, the frame change over
My life is constantly changing and evolving, like scenes in a movie.
We added Mac to the wolfpack, hangover
I joined Talib Kweli and his team, like a new member of a wolfpack.
That Hen is not a friend, I'm on that Lagavulin
I prefer to drink Lagavulin whiskey over Hennessy.
Whatever substance, I abuse it like a Grown man
I am responsible for my own actions, even when it comes to substance abuse.
You're not a kid no more, don't want to hold your hand
As an adult, I do not want people to hold my hand and guide me.
And Four Loko make you shoulder-lean like a Dro fan
Drinking Four Loko can make you lean to one side, like a fan of rapper Young Dro.
Go ham, like Abraham readin' all the signs
I go hard at my work, like the biblical figure Abraham.
Oh yeah, and don't forget to call your moms
Remember to stay connected with family and call your mom.
Same thing I told Bow Wow last year
I gave the same advice to rapper Bow Wow in the past.
Take care of the fam, cause it's all we really have here
The most important thing in life is family, and we should take care of them.
Contributed by Scarlett S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Nicole-mi5hs
He was so talented, I would do anything to see how his songs would be now if he was here.
@ras121
I think this all the time🥺 at least we have something to look forward to - MacLib🫶🏼
@caleb9855
Hurts the heart every time I think about this
@Thecatcomment
Sometimes it hits me that Mac never got to grow old.
@beccatyler222
“Don’t wanna grow old so I smoke just in case” 😭
@justloveskins
He had the dream of having kids and he couldn't reach it. Thinking about this, and everything that he couldn't made, makes me really really sad
@odog3254
Forever young, a fixture within time we will never get back, him nor our old lives...
@blameitoncartman
“I ain’t tryin to grow up
‘Cause been old sucks
I just wanna go nuts!”
@AlphaMartin
We lost a lot of great young artists in the past 5 years but no death hit me like Mac’s. He inspired every song I ever made sincce
@farkzzy6757
W promo