Drake dedicated his show last night (September 7) to Mac Miller, who died yesterday from an apparent overdose.
The Pittsburgh native, real name Malcolm James McCormick, was found Friday (September 7) at around noon in his San Fernando Valley home, and was pronounced dead at the scene, law enforcement officials told TMZ.
It’s been reported the 26-year-old emcee died from a suspected drug overdose, although at the time of writing, nothing has been confirmed.
Canadian rapper, Drake, paid his respects in front of an audience at his gig in Boston, describing Mac as a ‘friend.’
He said:
You know what? Tonight I wanna dedicate this show to my late friend, Mac Miller, who was always a kind man to me.
We about to go in for Mac tonight.
Miller first burst onto the rap scene with an array of mixtapes which started with 2007’s But My Mackin’ Ain’t Easy. He went on to follow this up with critically-acclaimed digital releases of The Jukebox: Prelude to Class Clown, The High Life, K.I.D.S and Best Day Ever.
He followed this up with the release of his first solo LP, Blue Slide Park, in 2011. The album reached number one in the United States and earned him a gold plaque.
Miller’s career was marred by substance abuse. In the wake of a recent break up, he wrecked his G-Wagon car, wrapping it around a utility pole in May. He was arrested for DUI and a hit and run.
He and singer Ariana Grande performed together at Manchester’s One Love concert. Shortly after, the couple called it a day after two years of dating.
Earlier this week Vulture published a candid profile of Miller, who addressed public perception of his lifestyle, saying:
You know what’s funny? I feel like the public perception of me varies on who you ask. But there’s a bit of a freedom in knowing that people are going to think all types of sh*t, no matter what.
It actually makes me less stressed about how my actions are perceived. It’s out of my control. I mean, to a degree … I could control it. I could live this squeaky clean life and everything. I could try to control the media. But I’ve been finding freedom in just living and letting people say whatever the f*ck they want.
He added:
Like, do I really care what Hollywood Life is saying? If I read a headline, and I’m like, ‘Wow, that’s completely untrue …’ I’m like, ‘That’s as far as it goes.
Okay, cool. So a bunch of kids now think that.’ Fine. As long as I have people that are hearing my music, and there’s still that relationship … all that [other] shit lasts a day.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mac Miller at this difficult time.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
