It’s been one year since Mac Miller released “Swimming,” the last album of the hip-hop artist’s short-lived life. But while the 26-year-old may be gone, he has not been forgotten. Fans across the world took to Twitter to celebrate the album and highlight the impact Miller had on their personal lives.
Released on Aug. 3, 2018, “Swimming” was a 13-track album that seemingly detailed the singer’s struggle with heartbreak, mental health and drug addiction. Released several months after his break up with singer Ariana Grande went public, the album was distributed by REMember Music and Warner Records. The production of the album was handled by a collection of artists, including Miller, J. Cole, Dev Hynes and Snoop Dogg.
It’s strange to miss someone you’ve never met, but that’s how it is. I listen to your music every day and Swimming is an absolute masterpiece. #ripmacmiller you are a legend. pic.twitter.com/p9t0JjsCvY
— Steven D’Cruz (@StevenDCruz4) August 3, 2019
One year ago we got an album that showed the true growth of an artist. What this album was to me was the first big step of an artist from expanding past what he used to be, and it was one that really connected with me. Thank you Mac. #ripmacmiller pic.twitter.com/eXgx7snAuR
— Tylor (@t_winst97) August 3, 2019
Your music got me through a bunch. Can’t believe it’s already a year since one of your best work Swimming dropped. Sucks it got the attention it got after you were gone & couldn’t see the love it got. Your music will live 4ever. #EasyMac #RipMacMiller pic.twitter.com/F5UZUNWBcr
— #MrElite??”️: Loves All The Smoke (@MostDopePatsFan) August 3, 2019
Just listening to Swimming again #ripmacmiller pic.twitter.com/n4qjIVxnpB
— Definetly a Day 1 Nets Fan (@gumby_stan) August 3, 2019
Y’all still bumping Swimming? #ripmacmiller one of the goats of our generation! pic.twitter.com/SSTvdleCrZ
– Chiko ???? (@Just_Chiko) August 3, 2019
Man, Swimming turns one today. Thank you for that masterpiece Mac. #ripmacmiller pic.twitter.com/0LLCgRyRCR
– McLovin’ (@IAmLuke_M) August 3, 2019
Seeing #ripmacmiller trending pic.twitter.com/kqNpghNX04
– FatJesus (@hilton_zach) August 3, 2019
I wasn’t in the best place mentally and a year ago today I hit play on this album and it spoke to me. Listened to the whole album, fell in love with it and had it on repeat. Mac’s last album is truly special and I still listen to it 3-4 times a week. #ripmacmiller #Swimming pic.twitter.com/1xSpr6ztCC
– Eddie (@EddieSteamboat) August 3, 2019
Mac never got the credit he deserved. That man was a force and his talent got stronger with each album. Swimming is and always will be one of my favorites #ripmacmiller pic.twitter.com/wdN6RklhOP
– ✨??”???”???”???”???”???”? ??”???”???”? ??”???”???”???”???”?✨ (@happily_dazed) August 3, 2019
#ripmacmiller I wish you were here to celebrate with us and see all the beauty you’ve brought into this world with Swimming. A masterpiece from start to finish, your evolution was undeniable. Come Back to Earth. pic.twitter.com/9W3S3IIin8
– ??’? Alien ??’? (@alienxhenry) August 3, 2019
Waking up seeing #ripmacmiller trending pic.twitter.com/utAQ5TPL9b
– Scooter (@S_metz35) August 3, 2019
Overall, “Swimming” received positive reviews at the time of its release, with The Guardian describing it as “a patient record in sound and concept” and “an ambling 13-song journey towards self-acceptance, one that does not end in triumph,” and Rolling Stone magazine calling it the “most impactful album of his career.”
Miller, whose real name is Malcolm James McCormick, died at the age of 26 of an accidental drug overdose on Sept. 7, 2018. The rapper had struggled with substance abuse in the past, and told Rolling Stone in August 2018 that he was putting all that behind him. “If a bunch of people think I am a huge drug addict, OK. Cool. What can I really do? Go talk to all those people and be like ‘Naw man, it’s really not that simple? Have I done drugs? Yeah. But am I a drug addict? No.”