The estate of late rapper Mac Miller announced a new posthumous album “Balloonerism” at the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles on Sunday, showcasing unreleased music recorded nearly a decade ago.
Miller, born Malcolm James McCormick, emerged from Pittsburgh’s hip-hop scene with his 2010 mixtape “K.I.D.S.” His collaborations with artists including Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, the Creator and Anderson .Paak helped establish him as a respected voice in hip-hop. His work with Schoolboy Q on tracks like “Gees” and “Friends” demonstrated his versatility across different rap styles.
The announcement featured a cinematic trailer with two previously unheard tracks: “The Song That Changed Everything” featuring SZA and “5 Dollar Pony Rides.” Artist Alim Smith created the album’s distinctive balloon-themed cover art, which holds special significance as Miller had expressed admiration for Smith’s work before his death in 2018.
Throughout his career, Miller worked extensively with producers like Pharrell Williams and collaborated with artists including Earl Sweatshirt, Ab-Soul and Vince Staples. His 2016 album “The Divine Feminine” featured appearances from Ariana Grande, CeeLo Green and Ty Dolla $ign, showcasing his evolution from indie rapper to mainstream artist.
Quentin Cuff, Miller’s former manager, described the project as “very zany” in “The Book of Mac: Remembering Mac Miller.” The album was recorded during an experimental week-long session in 2014, preceding Miller’s acclaimed mixtape “Faces.” Engineer Josh Berg collaborated with Miller to create what Cuff called uniquely “otherworldly” sounds.
“Balloonerism” follows Miller’s first posthumous release “Circles,” which producer Jon Brion completed after Miller’s passing. Released in January 2020, “Circles” served as a companion piece to “Swimming,” Miller’s final studio album before his death from an accidental overdose.
While the estate has not announced a specific release date, the trailer’s “Soon” message suggests an imminent launch. The project promises to showcase Miller’s innovative artistry and experimental approach to music creation, adding another chapter to his influential legacy in hip-hop.
The album’s unveiling at Camp Flog Gnaw, between performances by Sampha and The Alchemist, demonstrates the continuing impact of Miller’s work on contemporary artists and his enduring connection to the hip-hop community.
