On January 17, 2025, Mac Miller released an album named Balloonerism, now becoming the second album released posthumously by his estate. Originally recorded in 2014, the album was shelved due to him working on different projects at the time. Now over a decade later, Balloonerism provides a glimpse into the latest rapper and producer’s life.
The release of Balloonerism stands out as a unique introspect into Mac Miller’s discography. During the time this album was being recorded and shelved, Miller was releasing another album named Faces, which had themes from mental health to his own addictions.
Balloonerism serves as a complementary piece in contrast to Faces, with songs that reflect him navigating through life, fame, his own identity, and even showcasing his creative evolution. This album bridges two eras of Miller’s music. It showcases his traditional music and style that came from Faces, and the more polished sound of GO:OOD AM which was another one of his albums that came out in 2015. Fans are saying that Balloonrism feels more intimate and raw, as if Millerwas writing and producing this album for himself and not for an audience. It makes the album seem like it was untouched by societal pressure to have it succeed, and by the pressure of meeting commercial or critical expectations.
This new album allows fans to see Miller’s growth not only as an artist, but as a person. Some of the songs on the track such as “Mrs. Deborah Downer” and “shangri- La” dive into themes of self doubt and escapism, showing fans the struggles he was battling at the time. The vulnerability Mac Miller shows is part of what makes the album so special to his fans, giving listeners a glimpse of where his mind was during this time in his life. Along with the album, a short 24 minute film directed by Samuel Mason has been released. It features visuals inspired by the themes and lyrics of Balloonerism, with all the proceedings going to the Mac Miller Fund, which supports youth art programs.
Beyond its musical significance, Balloonerism is a testament to the care and thoughtfulness of Miller’s estate in preserving his legacy. Rather than airing out archived tracks and rushing to release new music to keep his listeners entertained and engaged, his estate took their time in curating this album to show insight into his life outside of the societal pressures that the music industry created to succeed. It shows insight into his true and pure artistic journey.