In October 2014, he created his own label called “REMember Music” with Warner Bros Records. Mac spent the early part of his career with Rostrum Records until he left on the first month of 2014, becoming an independent artist. He had multiple alter-egos, most notably his producer alias Larry Fisherman and his sick and twisted pitched-up persona (à la Quasimoto,) Delusional Thomas. Mac’s credibility in the rap game increased ten-fold and resulted in a slew of quality releases, including 2012’s Macadelic mixtape, his second studio album Watching Movies With The Sound Off, and his critically-acclaimed 2014 mixtape Faces. Since releasing his first mixtape at just 15 years old, he became one of the leaders of the new school of young and highly talented “weirdos.” 7, 2018), who performed as Mac Miller, was an American rapper and producer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He’s giving listeners a window into the chaos that is growth and reflection - it’s messy and unapologetic.Malcolm James McCormick (Jan. But there’s something admirable about Miller, in the middle of this very public storm, refusing to hide.
Nearly one hour long, there’s plenty of filler on Swimming. He raps, “You was coughin’ when you hit my weed, But I’ve never seen you feel that free,” trying to spin his well-detailed substance abuse into an endearing, romantic moment. The album’s snoozy second-half does have one highlight - “Dunno.” Assisted by Parson Brown’s gloomy but catchy instrumentals, Miller is at his most candid, feeling nostalgic and bitter about his failed relationship. Despite hitting on some interesting ideas about his life since becoming famous, the track gets muddled. On one of the project’s closing songs, “2009,” Miller reflects on his success as bittersweet. But a song like “Ladders” shows that he could have benefited from a guest bringing livelier vocals to compliment the cheerful production. Miller is content with taking over singing and rapping duties. Similarly, “Ladders” suffers from a weak chorus. “Wings” aims for optimism but ends up being a sleepy misfire. Unfortunately, a good chunk of Swimming is dull and repetitive. Almost capping out at six minutes, the listener is taken through a woozy downward spiral that descends into Miller singing about “oblivion.” Another collaborative highlight is “Self-Care,” a trippy, spaced out song featuring Dreamville signee J.I.D.
The standout track - “What’s The Use?” - has Uncle Snoop Dogg and electro-funk musician Thundercat breathing charisma and groove over a funky bass-line. Some of the best work on Swimming is when guests come in to help Miller flesh out his ideas. Cole, the track is rich with soulful textures and vocal layering. On the following song, “Hurt Feelings,” Miller comes off as defiant as he acknowledges his recent woes.
But these musical constraints are perfect for conveying his struggles. “I was drowning but now I am Swimming.” His voice is raspy and lacks range. The somber album opens up with “Come Back To Earth” - a lush track that introduces the overarching theme. At its best, however, Miller’s latest project succeeds at being cathartic and is more lyrically mature than his previous work. Though the subject matter is enticing, Swimming does occasionally tread boring lulls. On Swimming, his follow up to his overlooked The Divine Feminine, Miller tackles these issues head-on. He’s endured a very public break-up with Ariana Grande and then got arrested for a DUI in May. It’s no secret that Mac Miller has been going through a tumultuous year.