The long-awaited Balloonerism, Mac Miller’s posthumous album, is finally on the horizon. Set to drop on January 17th—five years to the day after the release of Circles and just two days before what would’ve been Mac’s 33rd birthday—the 14-track project promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the late rapper’s boundless creativity and artistic fearlessness.
This marks the second album released in Mac’s memory since his untimely passing in 2018, and fans are already buzzing with anticipation. The unveiling of the Balloonerism tracklist offers a tantalizing glimpse into the vibrant, genre-defying world Mac crafted during the album’s inception in 2014.
A Star Feature And Familiar Alter Ego
The album features just one outside collaborator: SZA, who lends her soulful touch to “DJ’s Chord Organ”. The only other credited guest is Delusional Thomas, Mac’s eccentric, Quasimoto-inspired alter ego, who appears on “Transformations”. This rare feature lineup emphasizes the deeply personal nature of Balloonerism, showcasing Mac’s creative independence and unique vision. In fact, the first single, “5 Dollar Pony Rides,” is slated for release on Thursday, January 9th at 9AM PST, giving fans their first taste of this long-shelved masterpiece.
The Balloonerism Tracklist
- Tambourine Dream
- DJ’s Chord Organ (feat. SZA)
- Do You Have a Destination?
- 5 Dollar Pony Rides
- Friendly Hallucinations
- Mrs. Deborah Downer
- Stoned
- Shangri-La
- Funny Papers
- Excelsior
- Transformations (feat. Delusional Thomas)
- Manakins
- Rick’s Piano
- Tomorrow Will Never Know
Each title hints at the “zany, otherworldly, weird creations” that Mac’s longtime manager, Quentin Cuff, described in The Book of Mac: Remembering Mac Miller. The album reflects the playful yet profound artistry that fans have cherished for years.
A Labor Of Love And Legacy
In a statement, Mac’s family explained the significance of Balloonerism:
“Many of Malcolm’s fans are aware that Balloonerism, a full-length album that Malcolm created around the time of the release of Faces in 2014, was of great importance to him. He commissioned artwork for it, and discussions concerning its release were had regularly, though ultimately GO:OD AM and subsequent albums took precedence.”
The family emphasized that releasing Balloonerism was a decision rooted in honoring Mac’s wishes. Given that unofficial versions of the album have circulated online for years, they felt it was “most appropriate to present an official version of the project to the world”. The album not only celebrates Mac’s immense talent, but also showcases his fearless experimentation, blending genres and pushing boundaries in ways that continue to inspire.
A Special Collector’s Edition For Fans
For those looking to own a piece of Mac’s legacy, physical copies of Balloonerism are available for pre-order on his official website. Formats include CDs, cassettes, and vinyl. A limited-edition deluxe vinyl set features a 3D pop-up centerfold, a fold-out poster, and a 32-page booklet filled with photos and lyrics, making it a must-have for dedicated fans. More than just an album, Balloonerism is a time capsule of Mac’s unparalleled creativity during a pivotal period in his career. It serves as both a celebration of his artistry and a poignant reminder of his enduring impact on music and culture. Mark your calendars for January 17th. With Balloonerism, we’re not just revisiting Mac Miller’s music; we’re stepping into the kaleidoscopic world of an artist who dared to dream bigger and create fearlessly. With that being said, what track(s) are you most excited to hear? Let us know your thoughts on this long-awaited release!