For many of us, this song was our first introduction to Mac, and it perfectly captures his blend of positive vibes and clever wordplay. Paired with an iconic video, this track gave us our first glimpse into Mac Miller’s personality. Playful, relatable, and funny, Mac delivers smooth bars over a sample of Lord Finesse’s "Hip 2 Da Game."
"The Question" truly captures everything Mac Miller is about. The trippy instrumental paired with Mac’s thought-provoking lyrics and Lil Wayne’s impeccable verse takes you on an existential journey, forcing you to wonder what life is really all about. If you ask me, introspective Mac is the best Mac, and this song proves it.
This song is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. As much as it feels like Mac’s farewell to our world, there’s also an unshakable feeling of hope, a sense that Mac is smiling down on us from the beyond, finally united with the peace of mind he always craved. Whether he found the answers to the questions that tormented him, or simply freed himself from their grasp, we will never know, but when he says “there’s a whole lot more for me waiting on the other side,” we have no choice but to take his word for it.
Although it could be interpreted as a sad love song, "Objects in the Mirror” is really about Mac’s addictions to drugs and music. Above all, this song stands out in Mac Miller’s discography as one of the most beautiful songs he’s ever made, with a melodic, bittersweet vibe that can get you through the worst of days.
This song takes the top spot because at its core, “2009” is Mac taking a look back on his career and reflecting on how much he’s grown, not just as an artist, but as a human being. “2009” is the story of Mac’s life, going from a wide-eyed kid caught up in a whirlwind of fame to becoming one of the greatest musicians of our generation. If you’re like me, you might be wondering what happened in the year 2009 that made it such a pivotal year in Mac’s life. Check out my breakdown of “2009”: The Story of Mac Miller to learn more about the meaning behind the song.