SZA remembers Mac Miller with ‘Balloonerism’ release: “I miss my friend”

nme.com:

SZA has paid tribute to her late friend and collaborator Mac Miller.The ‘Drew Barrymore‘ singer shared a heartfelt tribute yesterday (January 17) following the release of the rapper’s second posthumous record, ‘Balloonerism’, and urged her fans to listen to the new album.“I love my friend I miss my friend,” she wrote on X/Twitter. “Grateful he saw something in me before most and treated me w love from day 1 .

Wish he could see how right ab everything he truly was . Please go stream Balloonerism RIGHT NOW.”The two artists were close, and SZA had shared another moving post in his memory when he tragically died of a drug overdose in 2018. “Forever a genuine friend,” she wrote at the time. “The most kind supportive person ever around.” She also joined an all-star line-up including Chance The Rapper and Travis Scott in honouring him at the tribute concert held in his memory, Mac Miller: A Celebration Of Life.SZA features on the song ‘DJ’s Chord Organ’ – you can see the full tracklist here.The album, which was accompanied by an animated short film, was reportedly of “great importance” to the ‘Small Worlds’ artist.

Miller had worked on it since 2014, and upon announcing its 2025 release, his estate said he had “commissioned artwork for it” and had regular discussions concerning its release.They continued: “We believe the project showcases both the breadth of his musical talents and fearlessness as an artist.

Given that unofficial versions of the album have circulated online for years and that releasing ‘Balloonerism’ was something that Malcolm frequently expressed being important to him, we felt it most appropriate to present an official version of the project to the world.”Friday’s release follows on from the rapper’s first.