Tragic news broke on Sept. 7 that beloved rapper Mac Miller died from an apparent overdose at just 26 years old. Despite the fact that many of his friends and fellow music industry cohorts were shocked by the news, there’s no denying that there were many harrowing signs leading up to this untimely event, including many of the lyrics found on his new album, Swimming, that was released on Aug. 3. 

In May, Mac and his longtime girlfriend, Ariana Grande, unexpectedly ended their relationship after two years of dating. Shortly after that, Mac smashed his G-Wagon into a telephone pole and was charged with a DUI and fleeing the scene. Ari had expressed concern for her ex after his accident, tweeting at the time, “Pls take care of yourself.”

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By that point, it had become clear that Mac was having an incredibly difficult time coping with his heartbreak. A fact that was only exacerbated by songs lyrics from Swimming. The most compelling in particular are from a song titled “Dunno,” which many fans believe to be about Ariana: 

“Dunno”

“She do whatever she like / And that just don’t seem right, yeah / Make people so mad, yeah / And want her so bad.”

“Well I was busy when you hit my phone / But you miss me, tell me come back home, yeah / You don’t really like to sleep alone / But I’m takin’ too long, I’m always takin’ too long.”

“I wanna see them lips, kiss ’em ear to ear / I wanna hear your song / Ooh, I wanna feel just how you feel / Touch it one more time so I know you’re real / We could spin that wheel, wouldn’t you rather get along?”

In no way is it appropriate to suggest that Ariana is in any way responsible for this tragedy, but it is however worth noting that Mac was trying to cope through his art. A song titled “Self Care” is another prime example of that:

“Self-Care”

“I been losin’ my, I been losin’ my, I been losin’ my mind, yeah/ Get the f–k out the way, must be this high to play/ It must be nice up above the lights, and what a lovely life that I made, yeah.” 

“I know that feelin’ like it’s in my family tree, yeah/ That Mercedes drove me crazy, I was speedin’/ Somebody save me from myself, yeah.”

“Tell them they can take that bullshit elsewhere/Self care, we gonna be good/ Hell yeah, they lettin’ me go.”

Lastly, and perhaps the most chilling of all the lyrics are from a song titled, “Brand Name.” Now, “Brand Name” isn’t from Mac’s Swimming album… but they are sadly too coincidental not to include: 

“Brand Name”

“To everyone to sell me drugs/ Don’t mix it with that bullsh-t/ I hopin’ not to join the twenty seven club.” 

Rest in peace, Mac Miller. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family, and fans at this time. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).