It wasn’t an obvious diss to the late Mac Miller but some say it was disrespectful. West Coast rapper REASON’s new album New Beginnings has a song called “Fall” in which he name-drops the late Pittsburgh artist. And some of Mac’s fans don’t like it.
REASON Name-Drops Mac Miller To Make A Point
On the song “Fall,” REASON exposes the ugly side of the music industry, from drugs to mistreatment of women to toxic elements that artists have to deal with. He says:
“Look, you said you wanna be an artist / Well, we gon’ turn you to an addict / Get rid of the n***as that you got on with / Then give you the tools to dig your own sh*t / Surround you with some wack n***as / Some yes men that’s gon’ tell you that your raps iller / A couple cars, some jewelry, make your stacks bigger / Then one day you could become the next Mac Miller.”
While the name-drop doesn’t sound like it was meant to insult Miller, who passed away in 2018 from a drug overdose, REASON has been under fire for being disrespectful and tasteless.
Bringing up someone who is no longer with us — or even making a subtle reference to them — is always a touchy subject in hip-hop. Artists toe the line when it comes to the likes of Tupac, Biggie, Nipsey Hussle and Mac Miller who still have loyal fans. Wiz Khalifa experienced this recently in regards to Mac Miller…
Wiz Khalifa Rejected Album Title Out Of Respect For Mac Miller
Over the summer, Wiz Khalifa went on Twitter to let fans know he was trying to come up with a name for his new project.
“I got 13 songs ready. Just need to name that b*tch. Bout to smoke and come up wit one. Be right bacc” -Wiz Khalifa’s Twitter
After a fan asked Wiz to name it after fellow Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller, he shut down the request out of respect. Wiz even went as far as to admit he considered giving the project a name inspired by Miller’s legacy.
“I wanted to but out of respect for Mac I decided against it,” Wiz replied to an initial ‘MACC SAUCE’ title suggestion.”
Mac Miller’s Mixtape Debuted On Billboard 200
In 2020, Mac’s breakout mixtape K.I.D.S. finally debuted on the Billboard 200 after a decade of availability. Released via Rostrum Records, the tape landed at #112 on the prestigious Billboard chart back in May. At the time, the late rapper had two other albums charting, Circles and Swimming, at #120 and #153 respectively.
Last year, Rostrum Records founder Benjy Grinberg announced that the set would soon be made available on streaming all streaming platforms. “On this 9th anniversary of the first tape that Mac and Rostrum put out together, I’m excited to announce that K.I.D.S. will be available on all streaming services later this year!” Grinberg wrote on Instagram on K.I.D.S.‘ ninth anniversary. “After Macadelic came out, Mac asked if we could clear this one next. It has been challenging but we are getting through it. We miss Mac every day and we see our job as making sure his music lives on. We love you, Mac.” Grinberg first signed Miller to Rostrum in 2010, before later signing with Warner Bros. Records in 2014. (Billboard)
Some of Mac Miller’s most notable songs are featured on the K.I.D.S. mixtape.
The mixtape features some of Miller’s notable early tracks, including “Senior Skip Day,” “Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza” and “Knock Knock,” which reached No. 88 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2012. (Billboard)
Anderson .Paak Honors Mac Miller With Heartfelt Painting
Earlier this year, Anderson .Paak shared a must-see visual masterpiece. In the painting, he’s driving around living his best life alongside Mac Miller, who is flying from the passenger seat.
“My 5th and final Paint with Paak is dedicated to my brother Mac! gone way too soon but his legacy lives on. I like to also send out special thoughts and prayers to anyone who has lost a loved one during this time as well. Stay strong and stay safe y’all. Love you ❤️” -Anderson .Paak’s Instagram
