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‘Balloonerism’: A First Look at Mac Miller’s Posthumous Album

The first single, '5 Dollar Pony Rides,' is already available on streaming platforms

Mac Miller’s long-lost project, Balloonerism, is finally about to see the light of day, with its release just a week away. The album is set to drop on January 17, just two days before what would have been his 33rd birthday.

For fans of the artist, who sadly passed away on September 7, 2018, this news feels like a special gift. The album comes from work Mac did back in 2014, around the same time he released his mixtape Faces. While some tracks from the project had already leaked online, this is the first time fans will get to experience the full collection.

The album cover was carefully chosen to reflect Mac’s style and personality. It features an illustration by artist Alim Smith, originally posted on Instagram in September 2018. Mac had commented on the artwork at the time, saying: “I need it.”

“This project meant a lot to Malcolm,” shared the artist’s estate. “It shows the range of his musical talent and his fearless creativity as an artist,” they added. The first single from the album is already out on streaming platforms. Called ‘5 Dollar Pony Rides,’ the song reflects on a complicated and emotionally distant relationship, blending feelings of nostalgia with empathy and tenderness.

The album includes 14 songs and features just two collaborations: one with Delusional Thomas, Mac Miller’s alter ego, and another with SZA. Mac and SZA worked together often during that period, producing two tracks that ended up on her third EP. Their bond went beyond music, as SZA once said Mac was the “first person who believed in her” before his passing.

‘Balloonerism’ Full Tracklist:

  1. Tambourine Dream
  2. DJ’s Chord Organ ft. SZA
  3. Do You Have A Destination?
  4. 5 Dollar Pony Rides
  5. Friendly Hallucinations
  6. Mrs. Deborah Downer
  7. Stoned
  8. Shangri-La
  9. Funny Papers
  10. Excelsior
  11. Transformations ft. Delusional Thomas
  12. Manakins
  13. Rick’s Piano
  14. Tomorrow Will Never Know

Along with the album, an animated film directed by Samuel Mason will also be released. Titled Balloonerism, the film is meant to accompany each song and give fans an even deeper connection to Mac’s creative world.