Album of the Month

Mac Miller was a Pittsburghian rapper, producer, and songwriter who was a self-taught musician that began rapping in his early teens. He tragically passed away in 2018 following an accidental overdose, a loss that deeply affected the music community. On October 24, the tenth anniversary edition of his 2015 album, GO:OD AM, was released with three new bonus tracks. The album chronicles his journey through fame, addiction, and recovery, emphasizing his efforts to find sobriety and a positive state of mind. The title is a stylized take on “good morning,” symbolizing a new beginning while also representing overdose (“go OD”).

Throughout the album, Miller examines the emptiness of material wealth and the depression that comes with success. Although the album has a darker double meaning, it still has a more optimistic sonic palette compared to his past albums, especially 2014’s melancholic mixtape. The three bonus tracks are “Royal Flush” (featuring Vinny Radio), “Cable Box,” and “Carpe Diem.” As an avid music listener and musician who appreciates many genres of music, Mac Miller has impressed me with his versatility, prowess, and the emotion that he pours into his songs. Although it is tragic that we lost him, I am grateful that he has left us with music that stands the test of time—from his unreleased library especially. The song that stands out the most to me is “Cable Box.” The song is seen as a reflection on his rise and the emotional cost of success. In the lyrics, he juxtaposes material gains with poverty (“Never had a lot, but I made a lot… Them extra channels, that cable box”) and shows internal struggle (“That money good, but that pain is not”) to highlight how wealth doesn’t heal deep wounds. “Carpe Diem,” which translates to "seize the day” in Latin, is the second bonus track and emphasizes the album's theme of a fresh start. Lastly, “Royal Flush” features Vinny Radio, a fellow rapper from Pittsburgh, who adds an additional dynamic to the track. In the track, Miller compares his life to a poker game which displays themes of self-reliance and determination but also risk taking in order to reach his ideas of success.

Overall, the album is incredible and offers a haunting beauty with each lyric and melody resonating more deeply knowing that it comes from an artist who is no longer with us. The album also offers an interesting look into Miller's emotional state. There's a rawness to the music because of his vulnerability in his lyrics; he was crying out to his audience that he was suffering and struggling with addiction. The revelation of the pain in his lyrics compared with his vibrant melodies and grooves is what makes his music truly special. Many modern day rappers express a repetitive idea of money and fame in their lyrics, while Mac Miller highlights the truth to his fans about how wealth and material possessions do not bring the happiness that is portrayed in the genre.