31 Best Mac Miller Songs

The name commands adoration and respect, but it also brings fans to tears. Mac Miller’s star burned brilliantly, and then he was gone at age 26. Since Miller passed away, his popularity as an artist has only grown, and his music streams have skyrocketed.

Even though he released music for 11 years, if you count the earliest mixtapes, Miller’s songwriting was prolific. He left the gift of six albums and thirteen mixtapes of over 600 songs of material for the world to pour over long after his passing. Let’s take a look at the best Mac Miller songs.

“Surf” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2020

Miller’s most stripped-down song on the list is also one of his best examples of something he repeatedly does in so many songs. He makes darkness and imperfections somehow sound sweet, relatable, and acceptable.

Even though Miller alludes to judging himself for being crazy in the song, his journey of pain and acceptance feels optimistic on “Surf.”

“Good News” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2020

Even though “Good News” was released posthumously, it is one of Miller’s most popular songs. When the video was released, it gathered millions of views in a matter of hours. The song itself is a gentle groove, and Miller visits familiar themes of his demons and self-doubt in the lyrics. 

Miller was painfully self-aware and knew that he was hard to be around at times, and he acknowledges this openly in “Good News.” The timing of the release was the hardest part, though, and it was difficult for fans to hear those lyrics after his death when they would give anything to have him back.

“My Favorite Part” by Mac Miller feat. Ariana Grande

Song Year: 2016

When it was good, it was so good. “My Favorite Part” captures Miller and Grande at the beginning of their very public relationship. The couple confirmed they were romantically involved just days after the song’s release.

Miller admitted that despite the extremely romantic lyrics and the duet, he didn’t write the song for Grande. The two had been friends before recording the song, but the work on the song it was brought them closer.

“Dang!” by Mac Miller feat. Anderson .Paak

Song Year: 2016

The smooth disco groove of “Dang!” and the powerful combination of two extreme talents like Miller and Anderson Paak is almost enough to distract from the real meaning of the song.

Miller said Paak wrote the refrain as a tribute to all the people in his life who had passed away. “Dang!” has an irresistible dance beat but repetitive lyrics that drive home Paak’s sadness of losing the people who meant the most to him and knew him best.

Miller and Paak met through direct messages on Twitter when Mac wanted to congratulate him for his work on Dr. Dre’s album. The two had an easy friendship, but they only made one song together.

“Self Care” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2018

“Self Care” is one of Miller’s most viewed videos and most popular songs in his catalog. About three minutes into the song, Miller completely changes gears, and it’s like stepping into a second song and giving fans a 2-for-1.

As the title suggests, the song isn’t exactly about Miller taking good care of himself. Instead, “Self Care” alludes to his substance abuse and mental health issues. But the song is about his acceptance of himself and his demons.

“The Star Room” by Mac Miller feat. Delusional Thomas

Song Year: 2013

“The Star Room” is one of Miller’s sharpest attempts to convey the two men that existed inside him. The song starts with Miller rapping as a high-pitched voice in his head.

He wanted the intro voice and the lyrics to sound harsh and crazy, but he busts through that voice to say what the real Miller has to say. The use of different voice effects in this song is meant to convey the inner voices in Miller’s headspace.

“Diablo” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2014

Miller catches listeners immediately in “Diablo” by kicking it off with a sample of Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. Miller raps about a familiar topic – the death of friends – but rather than a whole song or one line, he dedicates the entire refrain of the song to “dead homies.”

In “Diablo,” Miller also deals with his discomfort in social situations and admits he would rather be on drugs or dead to avoid having to fit into the A-list environment that fame brings. 

Miller released “Diablo” on Soundcloud, then on the Faces mixtape, and then a third version was released posthumously when the Faces album was released in 2021. 

“Objects in the Mirror” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2013

Mac Miller was great at writing love songs in his way: full of romance but also raw and real. In “Objects in the Mirror,” Miller gave us what seems to be a love song at first glance, but it contains deeper themes of obsession, insecurity, and sadness.

As it turns out, Miller was only using the imagery of love to talk about his addictions on “Objects in the Mirror.”  He liked telling the harder parts of his personal story by using themes everyone could relate to.

“Loud” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2012

There are plenty of Mac Miller songs that are perfect for accompanying the good times, but “Loud” is the ultimate party song in his catalog. The song was the first single from Miller’s mixtape Macadelic.

“Loud” was produced by Big Jerm and Sayez, who are part of the ID Labs studio crew where Miller recorded his debut album. The combination of artists and contributors on “Loud” makes it a true Pittsburgh gem.

“Smile Back” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2011

One of Miller’s most rock-infused tracks, “Smile Back,” features a fuzzed-out guitar riff over crisp trap beats. The song is also a middle finger to his haters, and Miller’s sometimes chill vibe is put aside to make way for the aggression that the song needs

Fans appreciate Miller because he burned brightly until the day he died and lived his life authentically for the world to consume. He makes a bold pledge to always live his life this way on “Smile Back,” and everyone can agree that he did.

“100 Grandkids” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2015

One of the biggest draws for Miller fans is his clever wordplay, and “100 Grandkids” is a celebration of those skills. Miller reflects on his choice to make his first hundred grand as a rapper in place of giving his mom grandkids.

The two life choices of being a family man or rapping are broken up into two distinct song parts that even had separate producers. “100 Grandkids” was the first single off Miller’s Warner Brother Records debut GO:OD AM.

“Small Worlds” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2018

Part of the reason Miller commands respect from musicians is that he made songs like “Small Worlds.” The lyrics of the song display Miller’s standard brutally honest self-awareness about the problems he creates for himself, but the piano part is the most special thing about it.

His use of minor chords and sevenths adds a jazzy quality to all his songs, including “Small Worlds.” Miller released the song after a very long and uncanny silence following the break-up with girlfriend Ariana Grande. 

“Weekend” by Mac Miller feat. Miguel

Song Year: 2015

Miller tells a relatable story on “Weekend.” He said the song is about making it through the week and living it up too hard on the weekend.

Miller was never one to hold back on detailing the unpleasant sides of life, and he uses the bare bones verses in “Weekend” as his confessional. The chorus rights the ship with Miguel and Miller’s catchy vocals. “Weekend” has the most streams of any Mac Miller song on Spotify. 

“Best Day Ever” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2011

The song “Best Day Ever” is the first track on the mixtape of the same name. Miller wanted to set off a vibe by bringing people into the entire mixtape experience with a trippy, feel-good flow.

The lyrics tell the story of Miller’s hard work and where it had gotten him up to that point in his life. He seems grateful for the opportunities, and he promises that no matter what life brings his way, he will keep smiling.

“Cinderella” by Mac Miller feat. Ty Dolla $ign

Song Year: 2016

Although fans wanted to believe some of Miller’s other romantic songs were about Ariana Grande, it turns out he wrote “Cinderella” about her. The song is more of a tribute to his physical love for her and gives glimpses into his love of her smell, touch, body, and all their physical interactions.

When Miller says he calls out her name, “Cinderella,” it works to replace the title with Ariana, and fans can imagine that he was calling out Grande’s name in the course of their relationship. The song breaks down from a slow hip-hop groove to a lush, piano-led confessional outro for the second half, and fans get two great songs in one experience with “Cinderella.”

“Knock Knock” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2010

Although Miller started recording and releasing mixtapes as a 15-year-old in 2007, “Knock Knock” is considered to be his official debut single in 2010. Miller and the ID Labs producers used “I’ve Told Every Little Star” by Linda Scott as an infectious sample to kick off the single.

“Knock Knock” is one of Miller’s most upbeat and catchy songs because he kept the lyrics short, fun, and repetitive. The hook is too irresistible in knock-knock not to sing along. 

“Donald Trump” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2011

Five years before Donald Trump became leader of the free world, Miller was rapping about sitting on stacks of cash one day when he was on his “Donald Trump shit.” When Trump ran for election, Miller made it clear he did not support him as a presidential candidate.

Although the song never got much airplay, “Donald Trump” was Miller’s first release that would eventually chart on the Billboard Top 100 at number 75.

“Senior Skip Day” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2010

“Senior Skip Day” is about that senior right of passage. Miller wrote the song while he was a senior in high school and released it on his K.I.D.S. mixtape.

While the video seems like he made the most of his senior skip day – hitting the grocery store, bowling alley, and mall – the song tells a very different story as he pleads to his friend to help him sleep until noon, be lazy on the couch, and never leave the house.

“Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2010

In Miller’s early releasing days, it was easy to find examples of him feeling good and going much easier on himself. On “Kool Aid & Pizza” he’s happy about where he is and where he senses his career is about to go.

The song has a perfectly chilled-out sample of Lord Finesse’s “Hip 2 Da Game,” but Miller and company got sued by Finesse in 2012 for using the song and had to settle out of court.

“Jet Fuel” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2018

Despite the title, “Jet Fuel” starts with a feeling that you’re on a beach in Jamaica with a sample of waves washing over the shoreline and another sample of Jamaican dancehall singer Cutty Ranks “The Stopper.”

“Jet Fuel” is a great example of Miller when he was in his best lyrical flow. By 2018, he was a man with a past. In this song, Miller slips effortlessly into an explanation of how life is starting to wear on him, and he uses drugs and alcohol to cope.

“Nikes on My Feet” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2010

Another electric track from his K.I.D.S. mixtape, “Nikes on My Feet” was one of the early songs that boosted Miller to superstardom. Miller’s lyrics paint a picture of his early pre-fame life as he’s beginning to take off.

The sneaker resell game was just starting to take off around the time this song was released, and Miller provided the early anthem for it with “Nikes on My Feet.”

“Blue World” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2020

“Blue World” is Miller’s most electronic-infused song. It was released posthumously on his sixth studio album, Circles. In the lyrics, Miller warns listeners to stay authentic and avoid selling out despite the demands of the modern world.

Fans of this song love the use of the chopped vocal quartet sample and the electronic components that set this song apart sonically from a lot of Miller’s other work. Guy Lawrence, an electronic artist, produced the track and lent his influence. 

“Hurt Feelings” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2018

When an artist becomes famous, there is the intention of how the artist wants the rise to fame to go and the reality of how it goes. “Hurt Feelings” is about Miller accepting the reality of his rise to fame and how it changed and didn’t change him.

Miller’s place in rap culture was solidified at this point, and he made no indications of slowing down on this song. J Cole collaborated with Miller for the first time to produce “Hurt Feelings.”

“2009” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2018

The intro to “2009” is a unique treat in and of itself. The song starts with a sad and beautiful composition on strings and piano – a nice stylistic departure for Miller – and it sets the tone for a poignant reflection.

The title of the song refers to the year before Miller released the first mixtape that shot him to early stardom, and he’s thinking back to the time when he didn’t know what life had in store.

“Colors & Shapes” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2014

Miller made no secret of his use of mind-altering substances. He rapped about every drug he ever tried and let his listeners know his struggles. The mood of his songs could vary depending on which drug was being discussed.

In “Colors & Shapes,” Miller gave us a trippy tribute to LSD. The opening sample is a Timothy Leary clip, and Miller goes on to give his description of the surreal landscape of a psychedelic trip.

“New Faces v2” by Mac Miller feat. Earl Sweatshirt and Da$h

Song Year: 2014

A heavy organ sample and electronic alarm sound provide the structure for this song that appeared on the Faces mixtape. Fans were treated to a remaster and re-release of Faces in 2021 and were happy to hear that “New Faces v2” slaps even harder on the remaster.

Miller brings in Earl Sweatshirt and Da$h to collaborate, and the three artists push each other and the track to its full potential.

“Come Back to Earth” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2018

For hardcore Mac Miller fans, “Come Back to Earth” might be one of the most difficult songs to endure. The song was released shortly before Miller’s death and it deals with his bad decisions and struggles with his mental health.

Miller always invited fans into his mind but pleads for a way out of his head in this song. In “Come Back to Earth,” he realizes his thoughts are what keep him isolated and that he’s reaching for drugs to escape his mental prison of depression.

“REMember” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2013

Miller dealt with the death of his friends in many of his tracks, but “REMember” was a song dedicated to one of his dearest friends, Reuben Mitrani. His friend childhood friend died suddenly in 2012 and Miller put his life on hold to be at the funeral.

Miller wrote the song for his friend and examined the difficult feelings surrounding his death. He asked listeners to prioritize their time over their money because life can be too short.

“Woods” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2020

“Woods” was released posthumously, and the song is part of the later work he was involved with at his passing. By this time in his career, the production of Miller’s song like “Woods” was super slick and pop-like.

The lyrics of the song deal with a common question that everyone faces: when is a relationship over? At some point, the involved parties have to decide that enough is enough, and Miller explores this theme in “Woods.”

“Frick Park Market” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2011

Miller pays tribute to his neighborhood deli in “Frick Park Market.” Growing up, Miller worked at the deli, and the video for the song was filmed at the real Frick Park Market. Thanks to the song, the deli went from a barely-known neighborhood market to an infamous spot.

The song was featured as a single from his debut album Blue Slide Park, and it debuted at #60 on the Billboard Top 100.

“Dunno” by Mac Miller

Song Year: 2018

“Dunno” is one of Miller’s most unassuming songs that works magic on its listeners. It’s the kind of song that you enjoy well enough while listening to it but can’t seem to get out of your mind later. There is also a stripped-down version of Miller delivering the song on the piano.

Miller’s lyrics acknowledge the romance he feels for this person but also the imperfections of their relationship. Most importantly, the refrain of the song is a question that all of us, in these difficult times, should remember and consider daily: Wouldn’t you rather get along?

Top Mac Miller Songs, Final Thoughts

Mac Miller was a raw and real rapper who was never afraid to let fans see him. He was willing to share the details of his deepest mental health lows and his experiences with drugs and alcohol-fueled nights to connect with fans through his music.

Miller was a sought-after rapper when he was alive, and he was able to make several collaborations, but his fame and notoriety have grown exponentially since his death. There are over 3 billion views on Miller’s YouTube channel because fans can’t get enough of what he left behind. There’s plenty of debate about Miller’s best songs, and we hope you enjoyed this list.