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.
Nothing from Nothing
Mac Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You gotta have somethin' if you wanna be with me
Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
You gotta have somethin' if you wanna be with me
I'm not tryna be your hero
'Cause that zero is too cold for me, yeah
I'm not tryin' to be your highness
Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
And I'm not nothin', believe you me
Don't you remember I told ya?
I'm a soldier
But ain't a war that I can see, yeah
Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
You gotta have somethin' if you wanna be with me, with me, with me
Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
You gotta have somethin' if you wanna be with me
Yeah, nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
You gotta have somethin' if you wanna be with me, with me, with me
Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
You gotta have somethin' if you wanna be with me
In the lyrics of Mac Miller's song "Nothing from Nothing," the repeated refrain "Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'" serves as a central theme emphasizing the idea that in relationships or any pursuit in life, one must bring something valuable or substantial to the table in order for it to be mutually fulfilling. The singer highlights the importance of having substance or worth, indicating that having nothing to offer or contribute will not lead to any positive outcomes.
The lyrics convey a sense of self-respect and self-awareness, as the singer asserts that they are not willing to settle for someone who brings nothing or lacks depth. By repeating the message that one must have "somethin'" to be with them, the singer establishes a clear boundary and standard for what they expect in a relationship. This insistence on reciprocity and mutual investment underscores the singer's value of authenticity and genuine connection.
The lyrics also reflect a rejection of superficial or empty relationships, as the singer expresses a reluctance to play a heroic or elevated role merely for show. The references to a "zero" and a "minus" suggest a disdain for individuals who may only offer a hollow image or false front without genuine substance. This refusal to engage with superficiality conveys a desire for meaningful and honest connections that go beyond surface appearances.
Overall, "Nothing from Nothing" can be interpreted as a declaration of the singer's refusal to settle for less than they deserve and a reminder that true connections require mutual effort and investment. The lyrics encourage listeners to value their own worth and seek out relationships that are built on authenticity, substance, and shared understanding. By emphasizing the importance of having "somethin'" to bring to the table, the song conveys a message of self-respect, mutual respect, and the pursuit of meaningful connections in both personal relationships and life in general.
Line by Line Meaning
Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
Starting with nothing will lead to nothing
You gotta have somethin' if you wanna be with me
To be with me, you need to bring something valuable to the table
I'm not tryna be your hero
I am not trying to be your savior
'Cause that zero is too cold for me, yeah
Being a zero does not interest me
I'm not tryin' to be your highness
I am not trying to be your royalty
'Cause that minus is too low to see, yeah
Having a negative impact is not something I desire
And I'm not nothin', believe you me
I am something, despite what you may believe
Don't you remember I told ya?
Do you recall me mentioning this before?
I'm a soldier
I am a fighter
But ain't a war that I can see, yeah
There is no visible battle for me to fight
You gotta have somethin' if you wanna be with me, with me, with me
For a chance to be with me, you need to bring something valuable with you
Nothin' from nothin' leaves nothin'
Starting with nothing will lead to nothing
You gotta have somethin' if you wanna be with me
To be with me, you need to bring something valuable to the table
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Billy Preston, Bruce Carleton Fisher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind