It’s been over two months since Mac Miller passed away, leaving behind a short lifetime of to-be hits. At just 26-years-old, the Pittsburgh-born rapper had impressed the hip-hop world with his authenticity, collaborating with Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Miguel, and Lil Wayne, as well as John Mayer, Thundercat, Robert Glasper, Flying Lotus, and so many more.
Mere weeks before he was found dead of an accidental drug overdose, Mac released his most impressive collection of songs to date with Swimming. In the months since his death, he’s been celebrated and honored extensively—essentially gaining a whole new audience of fans who never had the opportunity to support Mac while he was alive.
Today, fans get to experience yet another side of Mac Miller with the release of one of his final recordings, which took place in September (the month he passed) at the Spotify studios in New York City. The solo performance features Mac singing and playing the piano, a version of him that touched an audience beyond his rabid hip-hop fans and displayed the diverse musical roots that ran deep in his artistry. For the session, he played his original song, “Dunno”, from Swimming, as well as a cover of 1974’s “Nothing from Nothing” by Billy Preston (The Rolling Stones, The Band, The Beatles). An admirable cover choice, indeed.
While more unreleased material from Mac Miller will likely roll out in the coming months, it’s tough to swallow his creativity knowing it won’t ever age while it simultaneously passes the test of time. Like all good things, his music will eventually run out. It’s just a damn shame that it will happen so soon.
We miss you, Mac.
Mac Miller – Spotify Singles – 2018
On October 31st, the life and legacy of Mac Miller was celebrated at a tribute show that featured Action Bronson, Anderson .Paak, Chance The Rapper, Domo Genesis, Dyan Reynolds, Earl Sweatshirt, J.I.D, John Mayer, Miguel, Njomza, Schoolboy Q, SZA, Thundercat, Travis Scott, Ty Dolla $ign, Vince Staples, and more at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre. You can watch videos from that concert here.