Malcolm McCormick, better known as Mac Miller, has died at the age of 26. TMZ reports that he was found dead in his San Fernando Valley home on Friday, from an apparent overdose. Hours before his death, he shared an Instagram Video of a record player playing his new song, So It Goes. The lyrics include the line, ""Nine lives, never, die, f*ck a heaven, I'm still gettin' high."
The rapper has struggled with substance abuse, following his break-up with Ariana Grande. Last May, he got in a car accident, smashing his G-Wagon into a utility pole. He fled the scene, but police officers tracked him down to his home, where he confessed. Mac blew two times the legal limit, and was arrested for a DUI, as well as a hit and run.
His family released a statement: "Malcolm McCormick known and adored by fans as Mac Miller, has tragically passed away at the age of 26. He was a bright light in this world for his family, friends and fans. thank you for your prayers."
It's devastating news for hip-hop fans. Mac released five critically acclaimed albums, including Swimming, which dropped just last month. On the song Self Care, he rapped about his perception since the highly publicized DUI and break-up. Ariana and Mac dated for two years, and she described the relationship as "toxic." Following the arrest, Ariana tweeted, "pls take care of yourself."
The accident happened after reports broke Ariana Grande was dating SNL comedian Pete Davidson. Some people blame Ariana for causing Mac's downward spiral, but she defended herself in an impassioned post. "I am not a babysitter or a mother and no woman should feel that they need to be," she wrote. "I have cared for him and tried to support his sobriety & prayed for his balance for years."
A few years ago, Mac recorded an interview for a documentary, and talked about his battle with addiction: "I'd rather be the corny white rapper than the drugged-out mess who can't even get out of his house. Overdosing is just not cool. You don't go down history bc you overdose. You just die." It's haunting to hear him predict his own death.
Mac grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and started rapping as a teenager. He built a buzz with his mixtapes, especially K.I.D.S., which included his first single, Knock Knock. His first album, Blue Slide Park, hit number one on Billboard, making it the first independently distributed debut album to top the charts in fifteen years.
Mac went on to release his second album, Watching Movies With The Sound Off, which featured more psychedelic production and introspective lyricism. In 2014, he signed with Warner Bros. Records, reportedly for ten million. On his major label debut, GO:OD AM, he rapped about trying to get sober and rid himself of depression. Critics praised the project, saying it proved Mac had layers, and could make more than party music.
On his fourth album, The Divine Feminine, Mac rapped about love, and what he's learned from his relationships with women. Some speculated the entire album was about Ariana Grande, but she said only one song was written about her - Cinderella. Last month, Mac released his fifth album, Swimming, where he finds inspiration from his public breakup, taking listeners on a journey from self-destruction to self-acceptance.
Less than twenty-four hours ago, Mac tweeted about how excited he was to go on tour. It seemed like he was finally bouncing back, after a rough year. Over his short career, Mac made a lot of great music and collaborated with some of the biggest names in rap, including Kendrick Lamar, Tyler The Creator and Snoop Dogg. He will be missed.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, contact Your Life Your Voice on 1-800-448-3000, or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline on 1-800-273-8255.
