The best friendship between Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar

Leapice
10 min readMay 11, 2023

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Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar are two renowned names in the music industry who were known for their musical collaborations. Apart from their musical bond, the two also shared a close friendship that was admired by their fans. This essay examines the factors that made their friendship stand out and why it remains a source of inspiration to many fans.

The best friendship between Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar

Overview of the two artists, Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar

About Mac Miller

Mac Miller (also known as Malcolm James McCormick) was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter, who tragically passed away on September 7, 2018, due to a drug overdose. Miller’s rise to fame began with his mixtapes, which he released independently online, gaining a widespread following through social media and word of mouth.

About Mac Miller

He was known for his introspective and honest lyrics, which often touched on his struggles with substance abuse and mental health. In addition to his musical talents, Miller was also a skilled producer, often producing most of his own music. Despite his success, Miller’s life was cut tragically short at the age of 26 due to a drug overdose. His death left a significant impact on the music industry and his fans, who continue to celebrate his life and legacy through his music.

About Kendrick Lamar

One of the most gifted and significant hip-hop musicians of his generation, Kendrick Lamar is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. In a harsh neighborhood where gang violence and poverty were prevalent, he was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California. Lamar overcame early challenges to find a love for music and started composing and recording his own songs in his adolescent years.

→ Learn more: Mac Miller Silhouette

The debut album “Section.80” by Lamar, which was published in 2010, was well-received by critics and served as a career launching pad. He gained widespread recognition with his following albums, “good kid, m.A.A.d city” (2012), “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015), and “DAMN.” (2017), which all received widespread critical acclaim. Lamar’s music is known for its raw, introspective lyrics, and creative storytelling that often address themes of racism, poverty, and social injustice.

About Kendrick Lamar

Throughout his career, Lamar has won numerous awards, including 13 Grammy Awards, and has been recognized as one of the greatest rappers of all time by publications such as Rolling Stone and Billboard. In addition to his solo work, he has collaborated with other artists, such as Jay Rock and SZA, and has been involved in various charitable projects to support his community.

Despite his success, Lamar remains grounded and continues to use his platform to raise awareness about social issues and promote positive change.

Collaboration of Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar

About the song “Fight the Feeling”

“Fight the Feeling” is a song that was released in 2012 by the late rapper and hip-hop artist Mac Miller. The song was included in his mixtape “Macadelic” and was produced by I.D. Labs.

The song itself has a laid-back and nostalgic vibe, with Mac Miller rapping about his struggles with drug addiction, depression, and the pressure that comes with fame. The chorus, sung by Kendrick Lamar, encourages the listener to “fight the feeling” of negativity and to keep pushing forward

About the song “Fight the Feeling”

The lyrics of the song are deeply personal, with Mac Miller opening up about his feeling of loneliness, self-doubt, and the difficulty of finding true happiness in the face of success. The track has been praised by fans and critics alike for its honesty and vulnerability, as well as for its catchy hooks and smooth flow.

The collaboration of Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar

Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar were two of the most talented and influential hip-hop artists of their era. Though they had different styles and approaches to their music, their collaboration brought out the best in both of them.

Their first collaboration was on the song “Fight the Feeling” from Mac Miller’s 2011 mixtape “Macadelic.” The track was a standout on the tape, featuring a smooth jazz-influenced beat and reflective verses from both Mac and Kendrick. The chemistry between the two was evident from the start, with each rapper complementing the other’s flow and delivery.

The collaboration of Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar

Their next collaboration came on Kendrick’s 2012 album “good kid, m.A.A.d city.” Mac appeared on the song “Money Trees,” delivering a memorable verse that showcased his storytelling ability and unique voice. The song was a critical and commercial success, cementing both artists’ places in the hip-hop landscape.

The two continued to collaborate over the years, with Mac appearing on Kendrick’s song “God is Gangsta” in 2015 and Kendrick returning the favor on Mac’s 2016 album “The Divine Feminine.” On the latter project, Kendrick contributed a standout verse on the song “God is Fair, Sexy Nasty,” which showcased his lyrical dexterity and ability to switch up his flow.

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Fans’ reaction to the collaboration of Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar

In the world of hip-hop, collaborations between renowned artists are often eagerly anticipated. The announcement of a team-up between Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar, two of the biggest names in the industry, garnered a lot of attention from their fans. The collaboration came at a time when both artists were at the peak of their careers, with Miller releasing his critically acclaimed album “Swimming” and Lamar being hailed for his latest project “DAMN”.

Fans’ reaction to the collaboration of Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar

Many expressed their admiration for the unique styles and sounds of Miller and Lamar, hoping that their collaboration would result in a fusion of the two. Others voiced their hopes that the collaboration would highlight the similarities and differences between the two artists, ultimately producing a work that showcases their respective strengths.

Despite the high expectations, fans were not disappointed when the collaboration was finally released. The track, titled “GodisMDMA,” showcased Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar’s ability to seamlessly blend their styles while still maintaining individuality. The track featured a mellow, jazzy beat that perfectly complemented the introspective lyrics of both artists. The collaboration was a hit among fans, with many citing it as a highlight of both artists’ respective careers.

FAQs about Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar

Were Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar friends?

Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar were known to have a respectful relationship, but they were not particularly close friends. Both of them were highly respected figures in the music industry and had collaborated on a few tracks in the past.

Their relationship began as a mutual admiration for each other’s work. Mac Miller once referred to Kendrick Lamar as “The Greatest Rapper of All Time” in a tweet, and Kendrick had publicly praised Mac Miller’s music as well.

Were Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar friends?

Their first collaboration was in 2013, with Mac Miller featuring on the remix of Kendrick Lamar’s hit single “Don’t Kill My Vibe.” Later, in 2016, Kendrick returned the favor by featuring on the track “God Is Fair, Sexy, Nasty” from Mac Miller’s album “The Divine Feminine.”

After Mac Miller’s tragic death in 2018, Kendrick Lamar paid tribute to him on social media, saying that he was a “great musician, artist, and writer” and that his death was a “hot knife through the soul.” This showed that although they were not necessarily close friends, they held each other in high regard and had a deep respect for each other’s work and contributions to the music industry.

What are the songs of Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar?

Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar are two highly acclaimed and talented American rappers, known for their unique style and sound.

→ Read more: Mac Miller Jewelry

Mac Miller, who unfortunately passed away in 2018, started his career in the early 2010s and quickly gained a following with his laid-back and introspective rhymes. His discography includes five studio albums, with his most popular songs including “Self Care,” “Best Day Ever,” and “Weekend,” to name a few. Miller’s music often touches on themes of self-reflection, addiction, and mental health, and his lyrics have resonated with many fans around the world.

What are the songs of Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar?

On the other hand, Kendrick Lamar has been praised for his powerful and socially conscious lyrics, as well as his intricate flow and wordplay. Some of Lamar’s most iconic songs include “DNA,” “Swimming Pools (Drank),” and “HUMBLE.” Much of Lamar’s music is influenced by his upbringing in Compton, California, and addresses issues such as racial discrimination, police brutality, and the struggles of life in inner-city America. Despite their different styles and subject matter, both Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar have left an impact on the world of rap and music at large.

Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar: Kendrick paid tribute to Mac

The impact of Mac Miller on Kendrick Lamar

Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar are two artists who rose to prominence around the same time, with their debut albums both released in 2011. One artist who was greatly influenced by Mac Miller was none other than Kendrick Lamar himself.

Mac Miller’s music career began in 2010 with the release of his mixtape K.I.D.S which garnered him a strong following. Despite being only a year younger than Lamar, Miller seemed to approach his music with a more carefree attitude initially. He released upbeat and relaxed tracks like “Donald Trump” and “Best Day Ever” which helped to create a more positive image of him in the public eye. This, in turn, made him appealing to a much wider audience, including Kendrick Lamar.

The impact of Mac Miller on Kendrick Lamar

In an interview with MTV, Kendrick Lamar spoke about how Mac Miller’s music inspired him, especially during the making of his album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. He said, “I knew him before he even got into the music industry–just as a person, he always showed me love. When he came out with Blue Slide Park, that made me go back. It’s a great feeling knowing that somebody’s out there doing it and somebody’s out there representing for a certain type of people.”

In many ways, Mac Miller showed Kendrick Lamar how to make music that was universally appealing, yet personal and meaningful. Their music shared the same authenticity, honesty, and emotional depth which had a profound impact on their listeners. It was evident that both artists were unapologetically themselves in their respective styles of music, which allowed them to stand out in the crowded rap industry.

His music continues to inspire and influence many artists, including Kendrick Lamar. Their music was a reflection of their bond as artists and friends, and it is apparent in the way that Lamar honors Miller’s legacy in his own music.

Kendrick Lamar paid tribute to Mac Miller

Kendrick Lamar, one of the most influential rappers of our time, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Mac Miller during a recent concert. Lamar honored Miller’s memory by dedicating his performance of the song “Love” to the beloved rapper, who tragically passed away in 2018.

During the concert, which took place in Las Vegas, Lamar paused before launching into the song and addressed the crowd: “I want to dedicate this song to Mac Miller,” he said. “I don’t know if y’all got any love for Mac Miller, but if you do, make some noise right now.”

Kendrick Lamar paid tribute to Mac Miller

Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar were not only colleagues in the music industry but also close friends. Lamar even collaborated with Miller on a song called “God Is Fair, Sexy Nasty” in 2016, which appeared on Miller’s album “The Divine Feminine.”

He was only 26 years old at the time of his death and had already achieved considerable success during his career. Many musicians and fans continue to mourn his loss to this day, and Lamar’s tribute serves as a reminder of the impact Miller had on both the industry and the people he touched through his music.

If you also want to pay tribute to Mac Miller and dream of friendship like Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar, purchase Mac Miller merch in our store, Leapice. Here you can wear Mac T-shirts, Mac hoodies or even Mac hats to Mac’s legacy event. Put them into your stock right now!

Leapice and Mac Miller merch

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