It’s the second project which the late and great rapper’s estate have released posthumously, following his tragic death in 2018.
The 14-track album was ‘of great importance’ to the music star from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, according to his family.
It’s been released today (17 January) in tandem with a short film on Prime Video which is ‘based on the lyrics and music’ of Miller, with proceeds from all screenings going to the Mac Miller Fund.
His estate explained that dropping the album was a priority for the ‘Nikes on My Feet’ hitmaker, as he had already ‘commissioned artwork for it’.
“We believe the project showcases both the breadth of his musical talents and fearlessness as an artist,” the statement continued. “Given that unofficial versions of the album have circulated online for years and that releasing ‘Balloonerism’ was something that Malcolm frequently expressed being important to him, we felt it most appropriate to present and official version of the project to the world.”
And today, seven years after his untimely passing, listeners have finally been gifted with some new Mac Miller tunes.
It’s been music to the ears of longtime fans, who have applauded the late rapper for being so ‘ahead of the times’ despite recording the tracks over a decade ago.
But that is also the reason why people have been left so emotional after listening to Balloonerism.
Mac Miller’s posthumous album, Balloonerism, was released today (Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Throughout the album, Miller makes many references to both life and death – but it’s the latter which has tugged at the heartstrings of his supporters.
A lot of social media users have been commenting on how his lyrics are quite haunting in hindsight.
On ‘Funny Papers’, Miller says that he ‘didn’t think anybody died on a Friday’ – which is the day that he was found unresponsive at his LA home.
He died on 7 September, 2018, from an accidental drug overdose, with a toxicology report finding a mix of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol in his system
Miller’s track ‘Tomorrow Will Never Know’ is also littered with references to his eventual passing, with lines such as, ‘See living and dying are one and the same’ leaving an impression on fans.
Taking to Reddit to share their thoughts on the song, one person said: “You guys…this album. Absolutely incredible. And so gut wrenching. He talks about death so f**king much…and then the last freaking song gave me goosebumps.”
Another added: “Damn this song hits hard at the end. The silence is almost deafening after the last dial tone,” while a third wrote: “This song has me f**ked up. The phone ringing. It’s so haunting.”
Fans of the late star said they have left in tears by some of his touching lyrics (Robin Marchant/Getty Images)
Other poignant lines appear on Balloonerism on songs such as ‘Rick’s Piano’, where Miller asks, ‘Is there a heaven?’ and ‘What does death feel like?’
Other Redditors said they were left in tears after hearing these lines, with one saying they ‘felt like someone punched them in the stomach’ upon their first listen.
“About to cry to it now after the 100th listen,” another commented, while someone else wrote: “Fighting tears on the subway ride to work listening to this.”
Miller also dropped another tear-jerker with his track ‘Do You Have A Destination?’, which saw him rap: “I gave my life to this s**t, already killed myself.”
He then continues: “Am I okay? F**k no. Just so nuts, so, need to let the drugs go. Tryna find heaven, I get high but never come close.”
It’s safe to say that Miller – who first began recording his own music at the age of 15 – has managed to stir up some emotion among his fans with the posthumous project.
As well as hailing the rapper’s ability to perfectly articulate his thoughts and feelings, fans have praised him for being so blunt and raw with his bars.
But whether you’re ‘cheesin’ from cheek to cheek’ or crying while listening to Balloonerism, the album is definitely a reminder of what a huge loss the music world suffered after Miller’s death.
