Mac Miller
Balloonerism
(Warner Records)
4/5
Mac Miller was an American rapper who has five studio albums. Miller died of an accidental overdose in 2018 at only 26 years old. Balloonerism is the second studio album that has been released after his death.
Balloonerism is a heavy listen. Miller delves into his problems with addiction and being a public figure.
The record leans heavily into jazz and rap, and is quite experimental. Miller’s lyrics are reflective and tragic in retrospect. On “Manakins,” Miller raps “It feels like I’m dying/I’m dead,” and “Why is heroism so close to heroin?” The last song, “Tomorrow Will Never Know,” is 12 minutes, and it’s both calm and sad, which gives a sense of closure.
The album is quite heavy lyrically but not uncomfortable. On the contrary, it’s an experimental record that is enjoyable even if you don’t know who Miller is.