September 7, 2022 marks the 4th anniversary of the passing of famed record producer, rapper, and mental health advocate Mac Miller. Miller, born Malcolm James McCormick, died at the age of twenty-six by overdose on cocaine, fentanyl, and alcohol. Miller’s meteoric rise to success stemmed from his relatability and acute knowledge of mental health issues, expressed through his music. 

To his peers, Mac was more than an inspiration. For example, Ariana Grande states when reflecting on his passing, “I’m so sorry I couldn’t fix or take your pain away. I really wanted to. The kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved.” From this statement alone we can see the effect McCormick had on others, not just as a famed musician, but as a human being. 

Even after his passing, Miller continues spreading positivity worldwide, releasing three posthumous albums. One of these albums, Circles debuted number three on the US Billboard 200, with 164,000 album units being sold in the first week alone. Apart from music, McCormick’s “Mac Miller Fund”, helps support up-and-coming artists with resources to reach their full potential. It also helps support Los Angeles homeless youth, through donations. 

This sorrowful death puts America’s issues of drug addiction and mental health in the spotlight. Miller’s passing is one of the many deaths in this country due to these problems, which should not be taken lightly. In his memory, I urge you to check up on one another because one can never know who is suffering in silence.

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