By Vanessa Bensurto, Reporter Published January 28, 2020
American rapper, Malcolm McCormick, who is widely known as Mac Miller, released his last album titled “swimming” during his lifetime on Aug. 3, 2018. The world thought it would be his final album, but his posthumous album was released Jan. 17, 2020.
Before Mac Miller’s passing, he was in the process of writing another album as a companion for “Swimming,” which was named “Circles.” In an Instagram post, Miller’s parents wrote that the idea of both albums was; “Two different styles complementing each other, completing a circle — Swimming in Circles was the concept.” It was Jon Brion (producer/composer) who made this possible by finishing and releasing the album.
“Circles” was about Miller’s very own life story, experiences, and feelings that many young adults in our generation may be able to relate to. The lyrics he composed has quickly touched the hearts of his fans and has even brought some to tears. One of Miller’s fans on Twitter commented, “I’m gonna have to listen to it a few more times to fully take it in but this album is BEAUTIFUL! This is the perfect way to handle a posthumous album and it was somehow better than I expected.”
An anonymous student at NWCTA claims, “There is more singing than rapping, but it’s still worthwhile to listen to.” While it is true that Miller’s new album isn’t entirely rapping, it is combined with singing and is quiet and soothing. If you listen to his new album, you may be able to hear the voice of another popular artist who was once close to Miller.
As one of Miller’s fans said, “Circles feels like closure; the end of something you loved but must let go. A reminder that moving on isn’t forgetting, it’s taking that wisdom and building a better future.” For those who have not taken the time to listen to ”Circles, ” may be missing out on something great.
Student listens to "Circles" all the way around. Photo Credit: Vanessa Bensurto