Introduction
Mac Miller left behind a legacy of music that brought comfort through relatability and nostalgia to his listeners and fans. Yet, even 7 years after his death, his music continues to inspire and grow others.
Before his untimely death, Miller recorded his seventh studio album, “Balloonerism,” which was officially released in January 2025, nearly 8 years after its recording. While fans have had access to the tapes since 2020, after a leak, the Miller Estate has officially released the album posthumous as Miller wanted.
Paired with Miller’s timeless signature mix of Jazz and Hip-hop and the eerie themes that reflect Miller’s own life, the album has created shock waves throughout his fanbase. Alongside artists SZA and Delusional Thomas, Mac Miller musically crafts a story of his battle with drug addiction and depression through his final album. This beautiful yet haunting project encapsulates Miller’s perspective on life as he navigates a dark period in his life.
Companion Film
Alongside the album, Miller’s estate released an animated companion film, which was announced to be screened at select theatres across the world, with shows that sold out immediately (all proceeds went towards the Mac Miller Fund, which supports young musicians). The short film is now available to watch on Amazon Prime.
The film opens with a dramatic, abstract intro, accompanied by the second track on the album “DJ’s Chord Organ” ft. SZA.
The opening sequence feels like a Salvadori Painting coming to life, which sets the abstract tone for the rest of the short film. The plot begins with a group of friends playing on a playground when a magical organ falls from the sky, which transforms the children into creatures in a dark shadow world.
The children are chased by a giant turtle of time, and one by one, they’re picked off. With each of the songs from the album showcased, the children must navigate adulthood, dealing with themes largely centred around substance abuse, paralleling the battle Miller was facing at the time the album was written.
Within the short film, long-time fans can spot numerous references to Miller’s previous albums hidden within the animation, such as imagery from other albums such as pink clouds, a visual motif from “The Divine Feminine.”
Lyricism
When you sit down and listen to the album, it is filled with heartbreak as it is clear that during the production, Miller was focused on themes of dying young and the addiction battle he was facing.
“Yeah, somebody died today/ I saw his pictures in the funny papers/ Didn’t think anybody died on a Friday.”
This specific line from “Funny Papers” struck a chord with fans due to the tragic irony of Miller dying on Friday, September 7th, 2018.
“They tell you that you need to sleep, and suddenly you do/ Scared you gonna wake up as someone who isn’t you”
Many have interpreted this line from “Manakins” as Miller expressing how he feels more himself in an out-of-state mindset and afraid that if he were to confront his problems, he would no longer recognize himself. This line provides daunting insight into his mindset at the time and how he struggled with recovery.
“The dragons are flying south for the winter/ They don’t like cold weather either,”
I personally interpreted this line from “Shangri-la” as Miller shows that everyone, no matter how tough their exterior may seem, ultimately tries to run away from challenges—even beings as mystical and powerful as dragons.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this album is extraordinary and is especially potent with emotions when experienced through the short film, accompanied by the truly eye-opening craftsmanship of the animation and music.
This album is proof that even after his untimely death, Miller’s impact continues, as his fans, friends, and family continue to honour his music and art.
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