Mac Miller has managed to carve out a more than respectable career in hip-hop. Even being somewhat of a pioneer in the indie, college realm. But in recent years he’s taken a more mature, serious approach to his music with The Divine Feminine showcasing a level of artistry I didn’t think he was capable of; Swimming is a direct continuation of that more soulful sound. However, where as that album was more romantic and idyllic in nature, Swimming is rooted in more personal struggles and shortcomings but always with his more positive, glass half-full, outlook on life. It almost feels like an act of catharsis as we go on his journey of coping with and overcoming the troubles in his life. The Divine Feminine was the album that really made me a fan of his and on Swimming Mac Miller takes those silky smooth soundscapes and themes to a whole new level. He’s clearly still growing as a person and his music along with it.
My eyes is gettin’ bigger, so the world is gettin’ smaller (smaller)
I’ve been gettin’ richer but that only made me crazy
Mama told me I was different even when I was a baby
That Mercedes through the PA when I pull up, soundin’ like a concert
Or a, or a monster truck, I’m trippin’ but I’m falling up
I always said I want it all, but it’s not enough– “Hurt Feelings”
Have you heard Swimming? What’d you think about it? Do you think it’s a more realized version of what he was trying to do on The Divine Feminine? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to leave your own ratings and reactions for the album.
