Mac Miller has more mass appeal than oxygen.   If you were to ask hip-hop fans right now if they would rather breathe in a mouth full of air, or suffocate while listening to Mac Miller, 9 out of10 would opt for the latter.  The 19 year-old rapper from Pittsburgh has already achieved more in his career than most rappers do by 40.  Having laid down tracks with some of the most legendary producers in the game (DJ Premier, Just Blaze, 9^th Wonder), Miller was featured as one of XXL’s 2011 Freshmen.  Most of these accomplishments would overwhelm your average MC, but Mac Miller’s appeal stems from his ability to deliver.  He grew up as an underground rap fan, but has become a crossover artist whose style satisfies both commercial and underground listeners alike.  It’s a shame that listeners and critics tend to focus on his skin color.  He doesn’t take on an angry Eminem or Jedi Mind Tricks white guy flow, nor the well annunciated, zany Aesop Rock flow, another popular white rapper.  Mac Miller raps like Mac Miller.  He is very much his own MC and doesn’t often dwell on race in his music. 

Another reason for Mac’s appeal? How much fun he seems to be having.  His flow is a bit raspy, laid back, and generally optimistic.  He is like a swaggered out Beach Boy – always smiling in his videos, rapping about partying, living life, smoking weed, and getting girls.  Miller has some of hip-hop’s most important figures on his side, so he really has no reason to stress.  Wiz Khalifa, Wale, Phonte, and Chiddy Bang are just a few of the artists that Miller has shared a track or two with.  Just like when Americans (thought they) wanted a president who they could have a beer with, hip hop fans want a rapper they can have a blunt with.  The kid smokes more weed in one recording session than an entire crowd at Woodstock.   Miller has the support and talent he needs to be comfortable in the hip-hop game for years to come, and he’ll be rapping happy smoking weed until the world ends.