Mac Miller's posthumous album 'Circles': Release date, featured artists, and where to stream
The late Malcolm McCormick, aka the popular rapper Mac Miller still holds a special place in our hearts. He was a dazzling-white, bright light in the contemporary hip-hop scene, eloquent with his wordplay and ebullient with his catchy hooks, However, Mac Miller met with an untimely death in September 2018, following an accidental drug overdose at the age of 26. The former XXL Freshman star had all the talent in the world, all the beautiful girls (Ariana Grande reportedly broke off her engagement because she was still in love with him) and the respect of fans, peers and critics alike. Besides, he was actually a good-humored, good-hearted person, by all accounts. And boy, the boy could rap!
So when news broke that Mac Miller's estate would be releasing a follow-up record to his fifth and final album, 2018's 'Swimming', the world was overjoyed. In an official post on the deceased rapper's Instagram, his family said: “Here we are. The act of having to write this at all feels surreal. At the time of his passing, Malcolm was well into the process of recording his companion album to ‘Swimming’, entitled ‘Circles’,” adding that the idea was about “Two different styles complementing each other, completing a circle — Swimming in Circles was the concept.” So we think it just feels right, and highly appropriate, that things should come full circle with the release of this new album. His family certainly wanted it that way, saying “We simply know that it was important to Malcolm for the world to hear it.”
Here's all you need to know about Mac Miller's new album 'Circles':
When is it releasing?
Mac Miller's album will officially drop this Friday, January 17, 2020. It is being posthumously released by the rapper's estate.
Who will be on it?
Mac Miller will be the centerpiece on this record, obviously. We also know that Jon Brion will be producing it - he had previously worked with Miller on the rap star's last album, 'Swimming'. “After his passing, Jon dedicated himself to finishing ‘Circles’ based on his time and conversations with Malcolm,” said Miller’s family. “We are so grateful to Jon and to those who gave their best to the difficult and emotional task of putting out this body of work.”
What was done before this?
Mac Miller had put out five studio albums at the time of his passing, of which all but his fourth were certified gold - 'Blue Slide Park' in 2011, 'Watching Movies with the Sound Off' in 2013, 'GO:OD AM' in 2015, 'The Divine Feminine' in 2016, and 'Swimming' in 2018.
How will it sound?
Since it was conceptualized as a complementary companion to 'Swimming', we know that it will be different in style, yet close enough to the sensibilities of 'Swimming'. We also have an inkling of what it will sound like, thanks to the release of the first single off the new record last week, called 'Good News'. For a complete tracklisting of the album, click here.
Where can I listen to it?
Mac Miller's estate has proactively organized listening parties for the new album's release. The first is scheduled for Thursday in Sydney, Australia, and will be followed by listening events in his hometown of Pittsburgh on Friday and Saturday. The parties will be free of charge and phones will not be permitted. Merchandise will also be available at the events, with all proceeds going to the Mac Miller Fund.
You can also listen to the album when it becomes available on conventional streaming channels like Tidal, Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
