History of Mac Miller in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 26, 2025

Mac Miller, born Malcolm James McCormick, was an American rapper who started his career in Pittsburgh's hip hop scene at age 15. He gained prominence after signing with Rostrum Records in 2010 and releasing mixtapes like K.I.D.S. and Best Day Ever. His debut album, Blue Slide Park (2011), was the first independently distributed debut album to top the Billboard 200 since 1995, marking a significant achievement in his early career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

2010: "Kool-Aid and Frozen Pizza" Release

In 2010, Mac Miller released the mixtape song "Kool-Aid and Frozen Pizza", which later led to a lawsuit over sampling issues.

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February 2011: Arrested for Marijuana Possession

In February 2011, while on tour in Upstate New York, Mac Miller and his friends were arrested for possession of marijuana and spent the night in jail. The case was later "settled".

July 2012: $10 Million Lawsuit Filed by Lord Finesse

In July 2012, producer Lord Finesse filed a $10 million lawsuit against Mac Miller, Rostrum Records, and DatPiff for the use of a sample of Finesse's song "Hip 2 Da Game" in Miller's 2010 mixtape song "Kool-Aid and Frozen Pizza".

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December 2012: Lawsuit Settled Out of Court

In December 2012, the lawsuit filed by Lord Finesse against Mac Miller was settled out of court, with the stipulations kept confidential.

2014: Release of Faces Mixtape

In 2014, Mac Miller released his mixtape Faces, which included the song "Therapy" that later led to a lawsuit.

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March 2015: $150,000 Lawsuit Filed by Aquarian Dream

In March 2015, the band Aquarian Dream filed a $150,000 lawsuit against Mac Miller for sampling their song "Yesterday (Was So Nice Today)" in the song "Therapy" from his 2014 mixtape Faces.

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August 2016: Relationship with Ariana Grande Begins

In August 2016, Mac Miller began dating singer Ariana Grande.

May 2018: Arrested for DUI and Hit and Run

In May 2018, Mac Miller was arrested for driving under the influence and hit and run after crashing into a utility pole and fleeing the scene. He was later released on $15,000 bail.

May 2018: Relationship with Ariana Grande Ends

In May 2018, Mac Miller's relationship with Ariana Grande ended.

August 2018: Charged with Two Counts of DUI

In August 2018, Mac Miller was charged with two counts of driving under the influence for the May incident. The charges were dropped after his death.

September 11, 2018: Vigil Held at Blue Slide Park

On September 11, 2018, thousands of fans held a vigil for Mac Miller at Pittsburgh's Blue Slide Park, which inspired his debut album title. The site continues to be a place of remembrance.

October 31, 2018: Mac Miller: A Celebration of Life Tribute Concert

On October 31, 2018, a tribute concert, Mac Miller: A Celebration of Life, was held at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Proceeds benefited the newly established Mac Miller Circles Fund.

November 5, 2018: Cause of Death Determined

On November 5, 2018, the Los Angeles County Coroner's office determined that Mac Miller died from an accidental drug overdose due to a "mixed drug toxicity" of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol.

January 2019: Mac Miller Circles Fund Raises Over $700,000

By January 2019, the Mac Miller Circles Fund had raised over $700,000 to support youth arts and community-building programs.

May 2019: Mac Miller Fund Issues First Grants

In May 2019, the renamed Mac Miller Fund issued its first grants, including $50,000 to MusiCares to launch their Mac Miller Legacy Fund for young musicians with substance abuse issues.

September 2019: Three Men Arrested in Connection to Miller's Death

In September 2019, three men were arrested during an investigation into Mac Miller's death. Cameron James Pettit allegedly sold Miller counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl two days before his death.