Mac Miller is the stage name of Malcolm McCormick, an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He also records and produces under the alias Larry Fisherman. Raised Jewish, he teaches himself music from a young age and begins releasing mixtapes in his teens, first under the name EZ Mac with But My Mackin' Ain't Easy in 2007.

Early mixtapes and breakthrough

Mac Miller releases a series of mixtapes before his albums, with K.I.D.S. arriving in 2010 and bringing him wide attention in hip-hop. The following year he releases Best Day Ever, which includes the single “Donald Trump”. He is signed to Pittsburgh label Rostrum Records, and his debut album Blue Slide Park appears in 2011. Released independently, it debuts at number 1 on the Billboard 200.

Studio albums

His second studio album, Watching Movies With the Sound Off, comes out in 2013 and features Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler, The Creator, Ab-Soul and ScHoolboy Q. It takes a more personal approach than his earlier work. In 2014 he releases the 24-track mixtape Faces, which focuses on drug use and includes returning collaborators such as ScHoolboy Q and Earl Sweatshirt, alongside Rick Ross.

In 2015 he releases GO:OD AM, his first album with Warner Records. It presents a more energetic and optimistic tone while keeping the reflective style of his earlier music. The Divine Feminine follows in 2016, centring on love and femininity and drawing on his relationship with Ariana Grande. It includes contributions from Kendrick Lamar and Anderson .Paak.

Later work and posthumous release

Swimming, released in 2018, is his fifth and final studio album during his lifetime. It continues his personal themes of grief and struggle while remaining hopeful in tone. The album is nominated for Best Rap Album posthumously at the 2019 Grammy Awards. His posthumous album Circles appears in 2020, completed with help from producer Jon Brion and his family and linked to the material developed alongside Swimming.

Death and legacy

Mac Miller dies in Los Angeles on 7 September 2018 from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol. He is buried in Pittsburgh. His death leads to a tribute concert, Mac Miller: A Celebration of Life, featuring artists including Travis Scott, ScHoolboy Q, SZA, Chance the Rapper and Earl Sweatshirt. Proceeds go to the Mac Miller Circles Fund, which supports young people from underprivileged backgrounds in arts and music.