Mac Miller, the talented American rapper, had a net worth of $9 million at the time of his untimely passing in 2018. His journey to fame began in his teens when his skills caught the attention of Rostrum Records. Miller’s close connection with rapper Wiz Khalifa, who was signed to the label, played a pivotal role in his discovery. Throughout his career, Mac Miller not only focused on his own music but also lent his expertise as a producer to other artists. However, his struggle with addiction overshadowed his career, ultimately contributing to his death. Despite these challenges, Mac Miller’s musical legacy was recognized after his passing, with a posthumous Grammy nomination for his final album, “Swimming.”
Mac Miller’s Early Life
Born Malcolm James McCormick on January 19, 1992, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mac Miller grew up in a Jewish household alongside his brother. His mother was Jewish, and his father was Christian. Despite their Jewish roots, the Miller family chose to send both boys to a Catholic school, known for its athletic programs and academic excellence. Music became a passion for Mac Miller at a young age. By the time he was six years old, he had mastered various instruments, including the drums, guitar, bass, and piano.
Although Miller initially envisioned a career as a singer, his interests shifted to rapping at the age of 14. By 15, he was fully committed to pursuing a career in rap, even abandoning sports to focus on his musical aspirations. His first stage name was “EZ Mac,” but later he rebranded himself as “Mac Miller.”
Mac Miller’s Rise to Fame
Mac Miller’s career took off after he released several mixtapes during his teenage years. His breakthrough came with the mixtape “K.I.D.S.” after signing with Rostrum Records. In 2011, he dropped the mixtape “Best Day Ever,” which featured the platinum single “Donald Trump.” That same year, Miller independently released his debut album, “Blue Slide Park.” While the album achieved gold certification, it garnered mixed reviews from critics.
Following the success of “Blue Slide Park,” Mac Miller released “Macadelic,” and later founded his own record label imprint, REMember Records. Miller’s success wasn’t limited to music; he also made an appearance in the reality show “Mac Miller and the Most Dope Family,” which ran for two seasons. His creative projects expanded as he released a 2013 album of instrumental tracks under the name Larry Fisherman and collaborated with Ariana Grande on her hit single “The Way.” Later in 2013, Miller released his second studio album, “Watching Movies with the Sound Off,” which received positive reviews.
Miller continued his musical journey with the mixtape “Faces,” and eventually entered into a distribution deal between REMember Records and Warner Bros. Records. This partnership resulted in the album “GO: OD AM,” which sold 87,000 units and featured the platinum single “Weekend.” He followed up with the album “The Divine Feminine,” which saw him exploring his vocal abilities. His final album, “Swimming,” was released shortly before his death and included the hit single “Self Care,” which went on to peak at the 33rd spot on the charts.
Legal Struggles
Throughout his career, Mac Miller faced a number of legal issues. In 2011, he was arrested for marijuana possession and spent the night in jail. A year later, he found himself entangled in a lawsuit with producer Lord Finesse, who claimed Miller used a sample without permission. Though Finesse initially sued for $10 million, the case was eventually settled out of court. In 2015, another legal battle arose when the band Aquarian Dream sued Miller for $150,000, alleging he used a sample without authorization.
The rapper’s most serious legal issue occurred in 2018 when he was arrested for DUI and hit and run. Miller had crashed his car into a utility pole before attempting to flee on foot. The police traced the vehicle’s license plate back to Miller’s residence, where he was found and arrested. He was released on bail and faced two DUI charges, but he passed away before any legal proceedings could unfold.
Mac Miller’s Struggle With Addiction
Mac Miller’s battle with substance abuse began in 2012, as he struggled with depression. That year, he became addicted to promethazine and “lean,” a combination of cough syrup, soda, and hard candy. Over the next few years, his addiction was marked by cycles of sobriety and relapse. At times, Miller would go several months without using drugs, only to fall back into harmful habits. By 2017, his use of drugs became more regular, and he struggled to maintain control.
Mac Miller’s personal life was often in the public eye, especially his relationships. He met his long-term girlfriend, Nomi Leasure, during middle school. Throughout much of his adult life, the couple had an on-and-off relationship, eventually splitting for good in 2016. Later, Miller began a relationship with singer Ariana Grande. However, the couple ended things in 2018, just months before his death.
Mac Miller’s Untimely Death
Tragically, Mac Miller’s life was cut short on September 7, 2018. He was found dead at his home, and it was later revealed that he died from a drug overdose. The combination of cocaine, fentanyl, and alcohol led to his fatal overdose. Following his passing, the Mac Miller Fund was established to help support youth arts programs, community-building initiatives, and musicians battling substance abuse.
In 2019, three men were arrested in connection with Miller’s death. It was discovered that Mac Miller had unknowingly been sold fentanyl-laced pills when he intended to purchase Percocets. The fentanyl, an opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, contributed to his overdose. The men who supplied the drugs were charged with conspiracy and distribution of drugs resulting in death.
Mac Miller’s Career Earnings
Over the course of his career, Mac Miller earned an estimated $20 million before taxes and other fees. He was recognized as one of the highest-earning rappers, ranking in the top ten for three consecutive years from 2012 to 2014. During this period, he earned $6.5 million, $6 million, and $7 million, respectively, totaling $19.5 million.
Mac Miller’s Estate
After Mac Miller’s death, his estate was evaluated, revealing that he left behind $4.48 million in assets. This amount came from his bank accounts and 200 shares of Facebook stock valued at $32,000. Additionally, his estate included a collection of cars, collectibles, and artwork, bringing the total value of his estate to $9 million. In his will, Mac Miller named his mother, father, and brother as beneficiaries of his estate.
The rapper’s legacy continues to resonate through his music, his contributions to the music industry, and the ongoing work of the Mac Miller Fund.
