On November 8th, Mac Miller released his debut to the world outside of the 1m+ twitter followers and countless youtube viewers he’s racked up. He shortly thereafter became the first independent artist to hit #1 on the Billboard charts since 1995, a testament to the strength of his fanbase. The buzz he built without a major label is more impressive than label-mate Wiz Khalifa’s because the foundation was a series of very well received mixtapes and gradual ascent rather than a hit that found its way to the airwaves. And also because he has, you know, talent. Blue Slide Park is a deeper look into the mind of Malcolm McCormick, a young artist who has made his way into the limelight and the struggle to prove that he’s stayed true to his roots. The message is clear throughout the album–

| They thought the money shoulda changed it/Slide still blue why the world keep trying to paint it?/ When life around you changes/Try to keep your sameness/Try to keep your brain, maintaining through the lameness. |

He continues to use a smile or a thumb facing the sky to deflect anything that may steer you off the track you gotta be on. Musically he keeps his style of continuous rhythmic flow on point throughout the album with tracks like the title track and Of the Soul. No one can ever claim him to be the most technically sound or lyrically deep rapper but he’s got an undeniable ability to twist words in an alliteratingly entertaining way. He keeps it lighthearted and fun on Party on Fifth Ave, creates Donald Trump-esque anthems with Smile Back and Frick Park Market, and shows he’s graduated from strictly weed raps by going below the surface with Diamonds & Gold and Missed Calls. Loitering ended up being one of the surprising standout tracks on the album for me with a heavy hitting distorted beat coming courtesy of Young L. 16 tracks in all, a solid debut with room for improvement. At 19 and a seemingly relentless work ethic that doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon, the sky is the limit; look for the commercial success to soon follow along the likes of Big Sean and Wiz.

Tracklist

1. English Lane
2. Blue Slide Park ++
3. Party On Fifth Ave
4. PA Nights
5. Frick Park Market
6. Smile Back
7. Under The Weather
8. Of The Soul ++
9. My Team
10. Up All Night
11. Loitering +++
12. Hole In My Pocket
13. Diamonds & Gold
14. Missed Calls
15. Man In The Hat
16. One Last Thing