Raven Clemons

Mac Miller continues to earn accolades posthumously. Are we surprised? No, not at all.

Mac Miller’s posthumous album Circles has officially spent a full year on the Billboard 200, a milestone that underscores the lasting impact of his artistry. Released on January 17, 2020, the album debuted at No. 3 and has remained a chart presence ever since — a quiet triumph for the late rapper’s sixth and final studio project.

Curated by Miller’s family and producer Jon Brion following his untimely passing in September 2018, Circles was envisioned as a companion piece to his Grammy-nominated album Swimming. Brion, who worked closely with Miller during the recording process, confirmed that the two albums were part of a planned trilogy, a conceptual cycle that sadly remained unfinished.

The twelve tracks on Circles were recorded in 2018, with Miller exploring a more introspective, genre-blending sound. Brion’s cinematic production helped shape the album’s mellow tone, weaving elements of soul, indie pop, and lo-fi into Miller’s evolving musical identity.

By August 2020, Swimming had quietly carved out a two-year run on the Billboard 200, a testament to its lasting resonance. As of February 10, 2021, the album still held strong at No. 99, while Circles, Mac Miller’s posthumous release, sat at No. 124.

Long after their release, both records continue to find new life, standing not just as charting albums, but as deeply personal statements that fans keep returning to.

The late rapper continues to dominate the music charts as he earns plaques for his musical attributes.

Mac Miller has earned another certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as of February 2021. “Self Care” was released in July 2018 as a single from the rapper’s fifth project, Swimming. Miller’s single, “Self Care,” has officially sold two million units in the United States. This achievement has earned Mac Miller a double-platinum record. The single reached platinum, selling one million units back in May 2019.

Producer Jon Brion opened up in an interview with Zane Lowe that he had to lightly assure Miller about the greatness of the chorus on “Good News.” He wasn’t lying to Mac, not one bit. In March 2020, “Good News” earned gold certification status, 500,000 units sold. It has since continued to grow and sold one million units in October 2020. “Good News” is on track to become double-platinum soon. Fingers crossed for another certification for Mac.

Miller is not new to RIAA certifications

As of February 24th, 2021 – Swimming is RIAA platinum-selling one million units respectively. Swimming is Mac’s first platinum album. Circles is certified gold, selling 500,000 units.

New concert footage

Upon these new certifications, new footage had surfaced on the internet from the rapper’s last series of concerts back in 2018. Mac’s photographer Justin Boyd uploaded two new videos to YouTube from Miller’s 2018 concerts for the rapper’s birthday on Jan. 19th. Miller did a three-night series in Los Angeles, California, to promote his album, Swimming, in September of 2018, just days before his passing. Mac performed the series of concerts at The Hotel Cafe with one hundred sixty-five people max capacity. The venue allowed the three-night run to be more intimate as it was one of the smallest shows the rapper has done at this height of his career. The series of shows was also one of the few times Miller has performed with a live band rather than a DJ and backtracking. It made for a special evening with the rapper for the lucky ones who got to experience it, as little did the world know it would be his last three shows ever.

Although Mac Miller may not be physically here with us, his music, however, is, and it persists in crushing these RIAA certifications – as it should.

Check out the new footage from his last concert below. The new footage from 2018 definitely opened floodgates of nostalgia.

Are you ready?

Self Care

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