Unfortunately for frat-rapper-turned-hip-hop-icon Mac Miller, life really does imitate art. Disarmingly transparent about his longstanding battle with addiction and substance abuse, Miller often exorcized his inner demons on wax by spitting bars about finding solace in the bottom of a bottle. On the track "Brand Name" off of Miller's 2015 album GO:OD AM, the Pittsburgh-bred rapper eerily references his desire to not join the ranks of other artists who tragically died at age 27.
“To everyone who sell me drugs / Don’t mix it with that bullshit, I’m hoping not to join the 27 Club," raps Miller on the track, three years before an accidental overdose would claim his life.
Today would have been Mac's 27th birthday and while his musical legacy was undoubtedly cut short by his untimely passing, there's no denying that the "Small Worlds" rapper touched the lives of his industry mates with both his music and his infectiously positive energy.
Immediately after he was pronounced dead on the scene at his San Fernando Valley home from an accidental drug overdose, icons and celebrities alike flocked to social media to express their grief at Miller's passing. From reflecting on their shock at learning of Miller's death to sharing photos and memories of their time spent with the rapper, artists from G-Eazy to Snoop Dogg publicly worked through their grief on Instagram.
Take a moment to check out the gallery below and remember Mac Miller, not in death, but as he was in life - forever immortalized by those who knew and loved him best.
G-Eazy
"Completely devastated and heart broken I’m at a loss for words mac you were like a brother to me and were there for me in the hardest of times, especially this summer. I can’t believe this is real. Please tell your friends and the people you care about you love them life is so fucking fragile. You will be missed and your music will live on forever through the millions of people you touched. Thank you for all you gave us, love you bro," captioned G-Eazy alongside a candid snap of the two artists chatting.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BncSqt9nwIL
Will Dzombak
Naturally, one of the leaders of the Taylor Gang had to pay tribute to a fellow Pittsburgh legend.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BncYIH_BiIC
Karen Meyers
Mac Miller's mother Karen continues to share photos of her son on Instagram, touching on the love and warm energy he brought to her world.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqNLEABBCt5
Snoop Doogg
The perfect compliment to Snoop's laid-back personality, it's clear that the industry veteran had some serious love for Miller - both as an artist, and as a person.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BncPNNsgaCZ
Anderson.Paak
The "Bubblin" rapper touched on one of the most puzzling feelings that comes with losing anyone you're close with. "Almost tried to text you today. I miss my bro," he captioned a lovely photo of him and Mac.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn4ZIwkH8l8
MadeinTYO
MadeinTYO didn't hesitate to express his love for Miller and call him his brother after his passing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BncF22bBwYO
CyHi the Prynce
Featured alongside Miller on XXL magazine's Freshman cover of 2011, CyHi the Prynce was well-acquainted with the rapper's undeniable musical talent.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BncFmk_lnOs
Spitta Andretti
Clearly, Miller earned his stamp of approval from one of the OG members of Young Money Entertainment.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BncLsL6FncD
From "I Just Wanna" to "Cut The Check," Keef and Miller clearly knew how to vibe together both on and off wax.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BncR9s3FFZk
DJ Jazzy Jeff
RIP To Mac Miller, a "young guy with an old soul."
https://www.instagram.com/p/BncMmy3FvVK
Finally, the woman that had Mac's heart. Ariana shared this image of her ex just after his passing and we think it's safe to say that there's no caption needed.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bneu_dCHVdn
