Welcome to the final Vox Populi for a tumultuous Term Three! This week, we invite Maia Macdonald (Year 11) to wax lyrical about the life and impact of rapper Mac Miller.

“Yeah, nine time out of ten I get it wrong/

That’s why I wrote this song, told myself to hold on.”

Mac Miller was an inspiration to many. His music ‘slapped;’ lively beats making for perfect party songs. But now, 4 years since his passing, the lyrics which illustrate Miller’s struggles are obvious - “I was drowning but now I’m swimming/ through stressful waters to relief”. In a world with immense pressure and the presence of mental health struggles, his music has provided a sense of security and safety, with his listeners realising that they are not alone.

His music rose above being a “stereotypical white rapper.” His was a voice who people with similar struggles found hope in. A voice who spoke, who touched people's hearts, who impacted their lives. Simply by saying ‘it’s okay to not be okay’. These words had great weight, coming from a rapper covered in tattoos.

We found peace in his words, comfort in the fact that we weren’t alone and most of all, he helped us to accept the ways of the society in which we have grown.

Only now Mac’s gone. No longer here, no longer facing his pain or his fear - but his music lives on. Only now when we hear it, we really listen. The lessons he taught us, putting the facade up, pretending to be happy, covering everything else up. We are met with this idea that much like his life, the happy, lively beats were in place to hide the lyrics which expressed his true feelings. His music had more purpose than we could ever have known.

“The kindest, sweetest soul with the demons he never deserved.”