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Our Top 10 Mac Miller songs list looks at the songs of a brilliant musical artist who catered to the music genre of hip hop from 2009 until his passing in 2018 due to painkiller medication that brought about this tragedy. After the investigation into Miller’s death, it was learned he died from an accidental overdose due to the mix of alcohol, cocaine, and fentanyl. Arrests and convictions were made against three men that were in connection to delivering counterfeit oxycodone when Miller had requested the brand of Percocet, plus cocaine, and Xanax. In Miller’s will, he named his older brother and parents as his beneficiaries.
Mac Miller made it no secret he struggled with substance abuse, who also had a battle against depression. Quoted more than once how he hated sobriety, Miller openly admitted not long before his death that he was living as regularly as possible but not completely clean. Despite this struggle with his personal demons, Mac Miller’s ability to win over the fans and critics enabled him to enjoy a successful career as a rap artist. When he made his first big breakthrough in 2011 through his album “Blue Slide Park,” it peaked at number one on the US Billboard 200’s album chart. It also became certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and Music Canada (MC).
In total, Mac Miller had recorded and released a total of six studio albums, two live albums, two extended plays (EPs), thirteen mix tapes, and forty-three singles. The most commercially successful album from Mac Miller was the August 3, 2018 release of “Swimming,” which occurred just before his death of that same year in September. It earned Gold with Music Canada, Recorded Music New Zealand (RMNZ), British Phonographic Industry (BPI), and IFPI Danmark. As with the RIAA, the album earned Platinum.
Top 10 Mac Miller Songs
#10 – The Spins
The fourth mixtape “K.I.D.S.” coming from Mac Miller was originally released in 2010 but later commercialized and re-released on April 29, 2020. The song “The Spins” never did chart when it first came out in 2010, but it did achieve Gold Certification by the RIAA for having over 500,000 copies sold. All of K.I.D.S. showcases Mac Miller’s talent before getting signed with record producers that would help him become a world-class rap artist.
#9 – Party on Fifth Ave.
The single “Party on Fifth Ave.” comes from Mac Miller’s debut album “Blue Slide Park,” which was released in 2011. It reached fourth place on the US Billboard Heatseekers Songs chart and at sixty-fourth place on the US Billboard Hot 100. The amount of copies sold has so far been over 500,000, which makes it certified Gold according to the RIAA. This song features the main loop from the 1987 song “The 900 Number,” which came from DJ Mark and the 45 King. The original loop where DJ Mark got his inspiration from actually came from Marva Whitney’s 1967 song “Unwind Yourself.”
#8 – Loud (featuring Benny Banks)
Coming from the 2012 mixed tape “Macadelic” is the single “Loud,” which peaked on the US Billboard Hot 100 at fifty-third place. Since its release, the song has become certified Gold by the RIAA for having over 500,000 copies sold so far. Loud peaked at its best with the US Billboard Heatseekers chart at number one. There are three different digital downloads available for this song where one is classified explicit, the other clean, and the third includes the talent of Benny Banks.
#7 – Knock Knock
The first of Mac Miller’s songs to become certified as a single is “Knock Knock,” which came from the fifth mixed tape “K.I.D.S.” The tape was released on August 13, 2010, and the single appeared on the Canadian Hot 100 in seventy-first place. With the US Billboard Top 100, it placed as high as eighty-eighth place. While the song’s chart appearance doesn’t seem so stellar, the number of copies made it certified Platinum with the RIAA.
#6 – Weekend (featuring Miguel)
The single “Weekend” was a dual performance between Mac Miller and Miguel, which was released from Miller’s 2015 album “GO:OD AM” The album itself had since become certified Gold while the single sold enough copies to become certified Platinum, both by the RIAA. On the US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, Weekend peaked at forty-sixth place. Both fans and critics of Mac Miller seem to mutually agree this song seemed to serve as a subconscious cry for help from the artist as he continued to battle against substance abuse that he never was able to overcome.
#5 – Donald Trump
While the music charts may not have been so favorable with the single “Donald Trump,” the number of copies made the final say as it earned the RIAA’s Platinum Certification and the IFPI Danmark’s Gold Certification. This comes from Mac Miller’s sixth mixed tape recording “Best Day Ever,” which was released on March 11, 2011. Miller’s drive behind the song revolved around his desire to be as successful as the man who later became president of the United States in 2016.
For years, Miller and Trump feuded over the song where Trump felt he deserved royalties due to his name being the song’s title. Miller made it clear the song wasn’t about Trump at all as the name pick wasn’t important, pointing out he could have just as easily used the name of Bill Gates instead. It wasn’t about the person whom he was aiming to be as successful as, but rather the monetary achievement that was made.
#4 – Blue World
The most recent studio album “Circles” was released in 2020, a year and a half after Mac Miller’s death. The single “Blue World” was originally sent to rhythmic contemporary, which features a mix of various music genres with the exception of country and rock. On the charts, this song performed at its best with New Zealand’s Hot Singles as it placed in sixth. On the US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, it peaked at number twenty-two and with the US Billboard Hot 100 at thirty-eight.
#3 – Self Care
Mac Miller’s fifth studio album “Swimming” was released not long before his death in September 2018 that would stun the artist’s music fans and critics. The second of three official singles coming from this album proved to be Miller’s most successful as it reached triple Platinum Certification with the RIAA, as well as Silver Certification from BPI. “Self Care” came out July 2013, not long before the album itself was released in August. On the music charts, it charted to eighteenth on the US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and at thirty-third on the US Billboard Hot 100.
#2 – Good News
Coming from Mac Miller’s sixth and final studio album “Circles,” which was released on January 17, 2020, is the single “Good News.” Sung by what critics describe as a sullen Mac Miller, the lead single peaked at number one on Belgium’s Ultratop music chart. This internationally acclaimed was also placed as high as tenth with the US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hip Songs chart and with the US Billboard Hot 100 at seventeenth. The single sold enough copies to become certified Platinum by the RIAA. The album has already become certified Gold due to over 60,000 copies sold so far.
#1 – The Way -Ariana Grande feat Mac Miller
The duet performance with Mac Miller for the hit single “The Way” comes from Ariana Grande’s 2013 debut album “Yours Truly.” For both artists, this was the first single that would break into the top ten list on the US Billboard Hot 100, which peaked at ninth place. On the US Billboard Mainstream Top 40, it charted as high as twelfth. The Way charted globally, doing as well as an eighth place on the UK Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart and as low as sixty-sixth with Japan’s Hot 100. Sold as a single, The Way earned triple Platinum with the RIAA, single Platinum with Music Canada, as well as Gold with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), and Silver with the BPI. Despite this song’s success story, it doesn’t come without controversy. A copyright lawsuit was filed against Grande and Miller by a group known as Music Minder almost immediately after the song hit the radio waves. The matter was settled in 2015 out of court with minimal detail to determine a clear winner due to a confidentiality agreement both sides of the argument made.
Top 10 Mac Miller Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
