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First Time: Mac Miller
Rap/Hip-Hop
Written By: Jewels Alexandria
(3 Minute Read)
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In 2018, the music world lost a unique and inspiring MC. A rapper who marched to the beat of his own drum and made a mark in the early 2000’s that many MC’s try to emulate today. Mac Miller, was a Pittsburg native who dared to put his skills to the test whenever challenged. Which brings me to my first experience with the Pittsburg rapper. In 2009, I just moved to a new city, ready for the college life. A friend of mine said, “Jewels, have you heard any Mac Miller’s music?” He would be coming to my school for a performance and I had no clue who he was. The first song my friend showed me was, The Finer Things from his 2009 mixtape, The High Life. I was instantly taken aback by the relatable lyrics. Not to mention the beat he chose to rap over, Coolie High by Camp Lo. A Hip Hop legendary song, most would be afraid to try. But not Miller, “They tryna tell me I couldn't do this beat, you know what I said? I ain't say nothin' I just went in the booth and did it.” It was that kind of mentality that intrigued me to listen to more.
From 2009 until his untimely death, I listened to everything Mac Miller released. Relating with his music is ways I am too ashamed to admit. But that was the beauty of Mac Miller. He was able to tell his story and caught the tail end of when people actually listened to music. A good friend of mine once said, “we have forgotten how to listen to music… we move on so quickly that we can’t process what we’ve heard.” And I couldn’t agree more.
I was able to watch his progress for nine years and through those years, Mac Miller received praise for his talents from not just his fans, but from the legends themselves. He worked with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, CeeLo Green, J. Cole, Miguel and so many more. The staple for me would be his 2016, The Divine Feminine. An album he dedicated to his appreciation for the female being. This album has many fun upbeat songs like Dang! Featuring Anderson .Paak to sultry melodious tracks like We, featuring CeeLo Green. Something for every mood you may be in.
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What is your first experiencing of the late Mac Miller?
September 1, 2024