Mac Miller Dies – Today in Hip-Hop
On this day, Sept. 7, in hip-hop history...
2018: One year ago today, the hip-hop community lost Mac Miller, a widely respected artist with top-tier craftsmanship, endless musical curiosity and plenty of positive energy.
On Sept. 7, 2018, the Pittsburgh, Pa. native, born Malcolm James McCormick, was found dead after an apparent drug overdose in his Studio City home in California. According to a toxicology report from the L.A. Coroner's Office, the late rapper died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol. He was only 26.
One year later, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration filed a charge of distribution of a controlled substance against Cameron James Pettit, a 23-year-old man whom they allege sold Miller counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl, which they say is up to 50 times more potent than heroin. If convicted, Pettit could face 20 years in prison.
While Miller's death left a hole in the hip-hop community, his legacy continues to live on through his friends, family and music.
By the time of his tragic passing, Miller had earned the respect of many across the world of hip-hop. A self-taught drummer, guitarist and beat-maker, the rapper began rising to national prominence with his 2010 mixtape, K.I.D.S. (Kickin' Incredibly Dope Shit). With a penchant for dexterous rhyming, agile flows and a willingness to experiment musically, Miller was someone who couldn't be boxed into any one category. While much of his earlier work had been haphazardly labeled frat rap, projects like his experimental 2016 effort, The Divine Feminine—an album with funky instrumentals and soft Miller vocals that mirror vulnerability and warmth—proved he had some serious thematic and stylistic range.
In 2018, just over a month before he passed, Miller dropped off Swimming, a tranquil, introspective LP that earned rave reviews for Miller's lyricism and dream-like production. The album became his first to earn a Grammy Awards nomination.
R.I.P. to Mac Miller, a talented artist who passed far too soon.
See Photos of Every XXL Freshman Ever Inducted Into the Freshman Class Over the Years