“The Divine Feminine” Mac Miller has feelings? So we think.

By KARISSA BIRTHWRIGHT
Staff Writer

With his new debut album “The Divine Feminine,” he decides to create an all new mantra to counter his past works such as “Donald Trump” swearing with everything he has against him, his album “Blue Slide Park” in 2011 that tells a story in a general park setting where Miller went to high school – with a party vibe and a carefree attitude. It’s even a change from his most recent preceding album, “GO:OD AM,” that was all about waking up in the wrong place, at the right time, with a little drugs here and there. It was hard to gauge what mantra Mac Miller was trying to pinpoint on his new album, until I read that Ariana Grande is the one he’s singing about; confirmed “dating” by any press that could write about it.

Take a look at the track list. Ten tracks, all with a common underlying tone; love (with a Mac Miller twist of course). The album opens up with a song called “Congratulations” that involves a grand, almost gospel like introduction. This dramatic opening seems to be modeled after recent works of Kanye West on his album “The Life of Pablo,” or Chance The Rapper’s “Coloring Book.” There was enough piano in this track to make it a soft opening, telling a story of a girl who has seemed to have changed him. It is to be noted that in this track “Love, Love, Love, (Sex)” seems to be repeated throughout. This foreshadows the entire album.

If you listen from start to finish, you hear a conflicted Mac attempt with everything he can to make the songs to reveal his soft side… But his old ways seem to have done everything but diminished. However, I believe “The Divine Feminine” provides a new outlook on the “You can have it all” lifestyle Mac Miller has always portrayed.

The next track, “Dang!” gives listeners a taste of Forever 21 background music meets browsing around for an outfit to go on a date. Once again, Miller suggested a catchy hook provided by Anderson .Paak “I can’t keep on losing you… Wait!” making the listener catch on a bit quicker than normal. If you are looking for a more closely related song to Mac Miller’s past works, this will do. Although it gives off a more contemporary vibe, it still will satisfy your taste for Mac Miller’s conversation styled rap.

A little ways down the list is the song “Planet God Damn,” which ties the album together in a sense. Being the sixth track, it is a little break that brings it all together. Looking for Mac Miller’s twist on R&B, here it is. Insinuating a dream, vocals from Njomza remind the listener of a time they first saw someone they were attracted to. And what better feeling than some butterflies, huh Mac Miller?

Speaking of integrating voices, Ty Dolla $ign brings a rap element in another typical track called “Cinderella.” The mix of instruments on this track provide an almost Rock meets Rap vibe. If you enjoyed the tracks on “Suicide Squad: The Album” such as “Sucker For Pain,” this is a good song to listen to.

Where does Ariana Grande come in? Second to last, but not even close to least. It was hard to anticipate the nature of the track at hand – until you listen to it. If you came to see Mac Miller’s soft side, here it is. The words in “My Favorite Part” describe his girl, the one who starts off the song by saying, “Don’t know why thinking of him makes me smile.” Mac Miller sings. He sings in this, with pride.

Ariana’s soft vocals in the background (and foreground), provide the feminine touch that Mac Miller seemed to want to include. Let Mac Miller make you feel his feelings? “Said, you know I know who you really are, ain’t need to lie. Said, the universe couldn’t keep us apart, why would it even try? Yeah, said, don’t let them hurt you ever, I know you far too smart. Before things come together, they have to fall apart.” Take it all in. It is essential to recognize Miller’s incorporation of people who seemed to have inspired him: Robin Williams’ voice on the track “Soulmate” referencing “Good Will Hunting.” He also includes words from his grandmother who gets to talk about her love story. The personal touch such as this adds a whole new layer to Mac Miller; the sensitive side.

What are the Billboard reviewers saying? The album has been out since Sept. 16, and since then Mac Miller is popular amongst his own fans and not really many others, it has been surprisingly successful as according to Billboard. It was inquired about the romantic nature of his track, and he replied that “…this is really the first album I have recorded with a happy ending” referring to “My Favorite Part” with Grande. Based on the name of the album, it’s nearly impossible to not make inference that Mac Miller is a feminist. When asked in an interview with Billboard, he replied, “I don’t know if I’m a feminist, but I know that I’m all for outspoken, powerful women.” So, there you have it.

Mac Miller, the rapper who shook the world with his love for shenanigans and staying out of the paparazzi, has made his jump from low-key to high-key. “The Divine Feminine” gave me a reason to turn my head sideways, and take me back to my favorite relationship I’ve ever been in. Mac Miller’s celebration of women who have been there for him along the way – is unmatched. The way he has mastered putting lyrics together to tell a story, celebrate a love and respect he has had since a young age, ultimately shatters any preconceived notions about the rapper being “unable” to produce meaningful work.

Take a night where you and a couple of friends are just vibing, and put this album on. Find yourself tapping your foot to “Dang!” or wanting to fall in love with someone you’ve never met with “My Favorite Part.” Available on Apple Music and Spotify, be sure to check out Mac Miller’s newest album, “The Divine Feminist.”