
Melanie DePriester
Staff Writer
Mac Miller’s estate has released his long-awaited album, “Balloonerism,” on Jan. 17, almost two months after it was teased at Camp Flog Gnaw, during Tyler, the Creator’s set. This posthumous album, which has been anticipated since its creation around 2013-2014, carries the legacy of Miller’s artistic journey.
Malcolm James McCormick, known professionally as Mac Miller, was born in 1992 and quickly rose to fame in the hip-hop scene. With a rich discography that includes hits like “The Spins,” “Swimming,” and “Self Care,” Miller’s influence stretched far beyond his years as his music explored themes of growth, struggle, and creativity, a reflection of his own life.
After Miller’s second record, “Watching Movies with the Sound Off,” he signed with the label Warner Bros. This left old projects, such as “Balloonerism,” to be put into the vault and continuously be pushed back to the point where it became just a rumor. In 2018, Miller faced a tragic death, leading many to believe that any future projects were unlikely. However, on Jan. 17, 2020, Warner Records released “Circles,” later to be followed by after songs from “Balloonerism” leaking online.
“I prefer to listen to things as the artist intended. A lot of tracks were released in that leak all at once, and people started claiming everything was ‘Balloonerism.’ It’s nice to finally see what Miller had wanted it to be nearly a decade ago. I think his estate is doing an excellent job respecting his memory and artistry by only releasing things he had made tracklists for,” Spencer DePriester, an enthusiastic fan of Mac Miller said.
To promote the upcoming album, a single titled “5 Dollar Pony Rides” was released on Jan. 9, . This track served as a tantalizing preview of what fans could expect. The selection process for the album involved family members sifting through many previously written lists, choosing songs that represent the best of Miller’s vision.
“The first single that dropped was excellent, and I know that Mac Miller’s estate will do a great job with the project, as they have in the past with his other posthumous albums. They have done a great job at only releasing music he planned on releasing before his death, as well as finishing the songs without changing the original sound that Mac had captured,” junior Brady Heffernan said.
Miller was known for his ability to traverse different musical territories through various alter egos. Under the name Larry Fisherman, he showcased his skills as a producer. This pseudonym allowed him to explore new soundscapes and bring forth a distinct style in his production work.
Another notable persona is Delusional Thomas, characterized by a higher-pitched voice that Miller adopted to dive into darker themes. This alter ego first appeared on his album “Watching Movies with the Sound Off,” allowing him to express complex emotions and thoughts that diverged from his mainstream work. Many fans are buzzing about the direction these alter egos take in “Balloonerism,” especially with Delusional Thomas making a comeback after 10 years. He appears on two tracks, though he’s only credited on one.
“Balloonerism” has sparked excitement and conversations within the community. Fans often reflect on their first exposure to Miller’s music. Responses reveal how deeply his work resonated: “My favorite song is probably ‘Surf.’ I love the production on ‘Surf’ and the message about using your problems and trauma to help you grow instead of letting it consume you. I could not be more excited about the new album,” Heffernan said.
The recent release of the album “Balloonerism” has brought the spirit of Miller to life, igniting lively discussions about the legacy he left behind. Current listeners are eager to dive into the new tracks and discover what Miller truly has to offer.
Serving as a powerful reminder of his impact on the music industry, this album is not just a collection of tracks but a testament to his enduring spirit. As a trailblazer in every sense, Miller’s artistry connects with listeners on an intimate level, making this release a heartfelt tribute following his untimely passing.