Mac Miller Talks Working With Freeway, Just Blaze & Big K.R.I.T.

Yesterday (January 10) was a busy day for up-and-coming rapper Mac Miller as he hit up three studios in less than 24-hours, including Statik Selektah's Brooklyn basement to record with Freeway. XXLMag.com spoke to the Pittsburgh, PA native exclusively, to find out about the experience.

“The day consisted of some work with Ski Beatz and then we went over to Statik Selektah’s and I did a joint with Freeway,” he said. “And, then we went to Just Blaze's spot.”

Ski worked with Miller on a song that will feature a guest appearance by Mississippi artist Big K.R.I.T. Tentatively titled “So Cool."  “It started out as vibe music and then there’s a change in the beat right after my verse where the beat picks up  momentum and gets more hardcore,” he said of the beat. “I was like we need K.R.I.T. for this. That straight Southern style over a smooth ass beat...it’s going to be cool.”

After working with Ski Beatz, Miller migrated to producer Statik Selektah ‘s Brooklyn studio where XXLMag.com was live UStreaming their Statik-Free EP sessions. “He showed way more love than I thought he would which is really cool,” says the MC of working with Freeway. “He was definitely impressed when we did the jam. It was great to hear that especially from a dude like Freeway because he’s from Pennsylvania.”

Miller was particularly happy to show that Pittsburgh and Philly natives can get along because, “everyone thinks we don’t get along but hopefully this will set the record straight. Freeway had this hard ass line in a verse saying next year’s Superbowl will be Eagles vs. Steelers.”

Miller ended his night at Just Blaze’s studio where he ran into Kansas rapper XV.  “Just Blaze became a friend,” he says. “We started working on a couple joints last night.” After a busy night in New York City, Miller traveled back to his hometown before he heads to the West Coast tomorrow to kick off his solo tour. —Nicole LoPresti