The Death Of Mac Miller Shook The Hip Hop

The death of Mac Miller last September shook the hip-hop world to its core. Due to an
accidental dose of fentanyl laced cocaine and a series of unfortunate events, Mac succumbed
at the tragic age of 26. Just recently, his first posthumous release surfaced on the Internet. The
song is titled, “Benji the Dog” was recorded in 2015 and samples Valerie Simpson’s 1972 song,
“Benjie.”

This song is certainly bitter sweet for hip-hop enthusiasts but rather than focus on the despair
that came along with Mac Miller’s passing it is important to realize all that he brought to the
world. Not only just a force within the game of hip-hop, he was a person who empowered
everyone who ever came in contact with him. Never one to make others feel sorry for him, he
constantly lifted the spirit of his counterparts through humor, collaborative energy and an
outstanding demeanor.

https://soundcloud.com/zak-24-1/benji-the-dog
“Benji the Dog” is a familiar song for those in touch with the discography of Mac Miller. Just as
he always did so well, he is able to intertwine struggle and triumph brilliantly. On a song that
sounds rather light and playful, he deals with much heavier ideas and situations that stretch far
beyond the surface level. Throughout his career Mac Miller was curious, kind and highly
revered. He showcased terrific progression and introspection as he climbed the ranks of hip-hop
lore and consistently reinvented himself through sonic and thematic experimentation.

Since his demise, there have been a few glimpses of some of Mac Miller’s musical
contributions. His piano renditions of Billy Preston’s, “Nothing from Nothing” and “Dunno” at

Spotify Studios in NYC became available online about five months ago. He also was featured in
Alchemist’s “Bread EP Short Film” for a stint. He received a posthumous 2019 Grammy
nomination for his album, “Swimming” and there is a project exclusively recorded with Madlib
that will hit the airwaves one of these days. Until then, long live the one who always kicked
incredibly dope shit, Malcolm McCormick.

Written by: Ian Romaker