In an exciting turn of events, Mac Miller’s long-lost album Balloonerism is finally getting its official release, much to the delight of his devoted fanbase. The album, which has been shrouded in mystery and hype for years, was announced by the rapper’s estate on Thursday, November 21, with a confirmed release date of January 17, 2025.
The announcement follows a recent teaser during Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, sparking intense anticipation among fans. Balloonerism was a project that Mac Miller worked on around the same time as Faces in 2014, a period when he was pushing his creative limits. Although the album was never officially released, its existence has been well-known, with various unofficial versions circulating online for years.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, Mac Miller’s family revealed the deep personal connection he had with this project. “Many of Malcolm’s fans are aware of Balloonerism, a full-length album that Malcolm created around the time of the release of Faces in 2014. It is a project that was of great importance to Malcolm — to the extent that he commissioned artwork for it and regularly discussed when it should be released,” they explained. However, due to other priorities, such as GO:OD AM and future albums, Balloonerism was ultimately sidelined.
Despite this, the family believes that the album truly showcases the full range of Mac Miller’s musical prowess and artistic ambition. “We felt it was most appropriate to present an official version of the project to the world, as Malcolm frequently expressed that it was something important to him,” the statement continued.
The album, which represents a creative period where Mac was working on a slew of projects such as Watching Movies with the Sound Off, Delusional Thomas, and Faces, captures the raw, fearless artistry that made Mac Miller one of the most beloved figures in hip-hop and beyond. His family emphasized that this album was born out of his unwavering dedication to his craft, regardless of musical genre, showcasing a side of him that fans have longed to hear.
As part of the announcement, the estate also shared a captivating trailer for the accompanying film directed by Samuel Mason. The trailer features a series of animated vignettes that set the tone for the album’s visuals, building anticipation for both the audio and cinematic experience.
The album will be available in multiple formats, including digital, CD, cassette, and vinyl. Notably, the vinyl version will be a special two-LP release with exclusive variants that will be available only through Balloonerism’s official website. Fans eager to own a piece of Mac Miller’s legacy will no doubt be lining up for a chance to get their hands on these limited-edition releases.
This announcement comes after the surprise 2020 release of Circles, the posthumous album Mac Miller had been working on before his tragic passing in 2018. Circles, a companion piece to 2018’s Swimming, was a culmination of Mac’s artistry and was completed with the help of his close friend, musician Jon Brion. It received widespread acclaim and solidified his place as one of the most influential voices in contemporary hip-hop.
Now, with Balloonerism on the horizon, fans will once again be able to celebrate the life and legacy of Mac Miller through a project that’s as personal as it is groundbreaking. As his family notes, this album was “important to him,” and they’re thrilled to finally share it with the world in its intended form.
For those who’ve followed Mac Miller through his journey, from his early days as a Pittsburgh teenager to his evolution into a global superstar, Balloonerism represents the kind of artistry that transcends time and genre. It’s not just an album; it’s a testament to the passion and creativity that drove one of music’s brightest stars.
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