Watch Mac Miller play “Small Worlds”, “What’s the Use? (Feat. Thundercat)” and “2009” at the Tiny Desk.
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Aug. 6, 2018 | Bobby Carter — There was a shift in Mac Miller’s boisterous demeanor as he started the third of his three-song Tiny Desk set. It’s the first time he’s performed tracks from his new album, Swimming, in front of an audience. On “2009,” he rubbed his chin with clinched eyes, looking like a young man who’s beginning to crack the code. Backed by a piano loop and a string quartet, he reflected on his journey’s peaks and valleys thus far.
I ain’t asking why no more
I know I’ll take it if it’s mine
I don’t stay inside the lines
It ain’t 2009 no more
Yeah, I know what’s behind that door
With nearly a decade under his belt at 26 years old, these words ring like an artist twice his age.
We were introduced to Mac Miller via 2011’s XXL Freshman Class, which featured a special crop of MCs such as Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill and YG, all of whom are now considered in the upper echelon of hip-hop. After his big splash, he’s been able to find a groove and consistently release quality rap records, ultimately keeping his name in the conversation with the other young greats. His 2011 album, Blue Slide Park, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the first independently distributed debut album to do so since 1995’s Dogg Food by Tha Dogg Pound. These consecutive triumphs amassed plenty of fame, fortune and insurmountable obstacles, causing a stumble here and there. Throughout the years, however, Mac has brushed himself off and put it in the music.
For this performance, Mac Miller invited frequent collaborator Thundercat, who graced the Tiny Desk last year and will join Mac on tour this fall. Thundercat put on a dazzling shaker routine and played the deep centerpiece bass line on “What’s The Use?” These Swimming iterations don’t veer far away from the recorded versions, but here, his lyrics seem easier to interpret under live instrumentation.
Set List
“Small Worlds”
“What’s the Use? (Feat. Thundercat)”
“2009”
Musicians
Mac Miller (Vocals), Thundercat (Bass), Justus West (Guitar), Klynik (Keys), Joe Cleveland (Bass), Kendall Lewis (Drums), Robin Fay-Massie (Violin), YaShauna Swan (2nd Violin), Lelia Walker (Viola), Melanie Hsu (Cello)
Credits
Producers: Bobby Carter, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, CJ Riculan, Beck Harlan, Khun Minn Ohn; Production Assistants: Catherine Zhang, Téa Mottolese; Photo: Eslah Attar/NPR.
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Can anyone tell me where I can buy his hat? Don't Trip
RIP MAC MILLER STILL a BIG FAN
miss u luv u mac ❤️
I never knew who Mac Miller was until today. I stumbled into an article about how he overdosed on bogus pills that had fentanyl in them. I was curious and ended up here. When the first song started I was wondering how he ever got famous. By the end of the first verse in "2009" I knew we lost something special. RIP Mac Miller.
Todavía me parte el alma que él ya no está. Mucho talento y calidad de persona, se nota a leguas. My heart will always be aching, once in a while, for him. I just know. I have bonded so much through his music and beautiful concepts.
R.i.p. angel
Rip Mac
5:34
All the comments talk about everyone comes back to watch this 🙂 RIP
all he wanted to do was make people happy making music. ❤️
love u mac
Being only a newer fan of Mac Miller, this recording of 2009 resonates the pain a lot more. I can't listen to the album version as this surpasses it by far the vocals are so much more raw
"I'm building up a wall till it break"
RIP MAC, U AINT GONNA CRY NO MORE
Whenever I am I come to take refuge here :c
20k dislikes are salty. Give credit where it’s due. This man was one of the few artistic geniuses.
The combo of Mac and Thundercat is beautiful
470th time watching this. 470th time I got tears. RIP MAC
7:45 DOPE
awwww he's an angel now x peace out x
My memento mori tattoo piece is over 2 years old now. Miss you mac
You can see the feeling in everybody during 2009. We all felt it.
i miss u
I miss you Mac.
sigh.. my interns introduced me to him 1 month ago.. I never knew about him.. I feel guilt! And here I am a month later listening to the same video and cant stop. talent from above! Cut short.
he was so talented
彼ご存命ですよ
築地に行きたいから芸能界やめたんですって
to whoever reads this comment. You matter !