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.
Ride Around
Mac Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rollin thru the city
Got the weed goin around
And the MOST dope with me, hey
Simply gettin high
Like its 1969
Imma be grindin
Till the kid a 160
Flyer then Santa's shoes
She bring her camera thru
Im playing crash bandicoot,
This be the bitch got some cock to serve her
Im'a rape the game no Roethlisberger, hey
Above the clouds seeing stars like L.A
Have your girl always coming back like Elway
Im'a be rich thats what they tell me
So let me start working with this paper like an essay, hey
Athleticism working game when I'm getting women
The freshed lennon like I'm spitting thru your television
In a day dream living while these minutes pass me by
Lean back and hang these Nikes out the ride
Just,
Roll the windows down, turn the system up
We just trying to ride around, cause we don't give a fuck
Got a full tank of gas and some shit to smoke
Hey lets just hit the road
Rocking cacky colored jeans, and a plain white T
Nike watch, Pow chain, spend a day like me, hey
Everyday like a movie scene
Smoking weed eyes glued to the computer screen, (I'm)
Super duper ski, riding in the Civic (uh)
Just got some speakers now I'm trying to get it tinted
Every dream vivid, talking how I live it
Up in the air playing 'quidditch', bitches
This is, once in a life time
They gunna put me in a flight no price line
Used to want to be a Marvel fighting crimes
Till I realized the boy had the nicest rhymes
Roll the windows down, turn the system up
We just trying to ride around, cause we don't give a fuck
Got a full tank of gas and some shit to smoke
Hey lets just hit the road
Mac Miller's song "Ride Around" is a depiction of a carefree and nonchalant attitude that embodies the idea of just enjoying life. The lyrics talk about driving through the city with the windows down, smoking some weed and listening to music. The lyrics convey a sense of freedom and living life on your own terms. The song talks about how he is just happy to be alive and enjoying the little things in life.
The hook "Roll the windows down, turn the system up", emphasizes the need to just let go of your worries and enjoy the ride. The song is not just about driving around, but it also touches on various aspects of his life. Mac Miller talks about the places he has been to and how he is always on the move. He also touches on his success as a rapper and how he is always working towards making it big.
The verse "Everyday like a movie scene, smoking weed eyes glued to the computer screen" highlights the duality of his life, where he is both living in the moment and working towards his future. The lyrics give us a deeper insight into Mac Miller's personal life and how he balances his artistic pursuits with his personal relationships.
Overall, "Ride Around" is a song that celebrates life and living in the present moment. The song is a testament to the joy of living life on your own terms and enjoying the journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Ridin with the windows down
Cruising with the car windows open
Rollin thru the city
Driving through the urban landscape
Got the weed goin around
Passing the marijuana joint around
And the MOST dope with me, hey
Referring to his hip hop crew and their record label, Most Dope
Simply gettin high
Enjoying the effects of the marijuana
Like its 1969
Referencing the heyday of hippie culture and drug use
Imma be grindin
Working hard to achieve success in his music career
Till the kid a 160
Referring to his goal of reaching 160 beats per minute in his music
New York, Atlanta too
Naming two major cities in the US hip hop scene
Flyer then Santa's shoes
Boasting about his high-flying lifestyle
She bring her camera thru
Referring to his female fans who take pictures with him
Im playing crash bandicoot,
Referencing a popular video game of the time
This be the bitch got some cock to serve her
Boasting about the women who are attracted to him
Im'a rape the game no Roethlisberger, hey
Using controversial language to say he will dominate the hip hop industry like a football game, without making light of sexual assault
Above the clouds seeing stars like L.A
Referencing the glamour and success of Los Angeles
Have your girl always coming back like Elway
Boasting about his ability to attract women
Im'a be rich thats what they tell me
Believing in his potential for wealth and success
So let me start working with this paper like an essay, hey
Using a pun to describe his dedication to earning money
Athleticism working game when I'm getting women
Suggesting that his physical attractiveness is a major factor in his romantic success
The freshed lennon like I'm spitting thru your television
Referencing John Lennon's classic look and his own success in music
In a day dream living while these minutes pass me by
Enjoying the present moment and not worrying about time
Lean back and hang these Nikes out the ride
Taking a break from his successful career and enjoying his comfortable lifestyle
Just,
Ending a verse with a pause
Roll the windows down, turn the system up
Inviting others to join him on a carefree road trip
We just trying to ride around, cause we don't give a fuck
Embracing a nonchalant attitude towards life
Got a full tank of gas and some shit to smoke
Preparing for a fun and carefree adventure
Hey lets just hit the road
Suggesting they start the journey right away
Rocking cacky colored jeans, and a plain white T
Describing his casual and fashionable outfit
Nike watch, Pow chain, spend a day like me, hey
Boasting about his style and encouraging others to emulate him
Everyday like a movie scene
Feeling like his life is a never-ending adventure
Smoking weed eyes glued to the computer screen, (I'm)
Enjoying marijuana while working on his music
Super duper ski, riding in the Civic (uh)
Jokingly describing his status as 'super' while driving a humble car
Just got some speakers now I'm trying to get it tinted
Investing in his vehicle's sound system and looks
Every dream vivid, talking how I live it
Welcoming others to dream and imagine big things for themselves
Up in the air playing 'quidditch', bitches
Referencing the fictional sport in Harry Potter while also boasting about his success with women
This is, once in a life time
Acknowledging how lucky he is to be enjoying his life and career
They gunna put me in a flight no price line
Expecting to fly first-class regularly in the future
Used to want to be a Marvel fighting crimes
Describing his childhood dream of becoming a superhero
Till I realized the boy had the nicest rhymes
Realizing his talent for writing and performing rap music was his true superpower
Contributed by Samantha S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@breamoore3200
Rip Mac Miller🙏🏽😪... this mixtape is the day I became a Mac miller Fan 🤞🏽
@Rich-cp4wo
Lol so since day one
@wazzo12
I love goin on a blunt cruise in the mornings pumpin' this song. . .
@gwalker123
Wherever you are dude, i hope you are still kicking incredibly dope shit✌️
@Simeautomatic100
Still remember when I started smoking weed in 2012, me & dawg would ride around new orleans to this all the time slowed down. Smokin & ridin our life away! Still know every word by heart!
R.I.P Mac Miller!
@gucciloafers3140
U ain’t no smoker...
@albmntjr
This was amazing to read
@aqua10133
That sounds peaceful
@negativearms
High school memories. Rest easy mac.
@eshea5050
Mac played a show at a local roller rink near Philly back in 2008/2009. Soon after he dropped KIDS and our lives were changed forever.