Musicians remember Miller at benefit
Charitable fund named for rapper who died at 26
LOS ANGELES — Travis Scott pointed toward an image of a toothless Mac Miller as a child and called the late rapper a good-spirited person whose “soul will live forever.”
Scott and other performers, including Chance the Rapper, SZA and John Mayer, took the stage Wednesday night to remember Miller’s life and career during the “Mac Miller: A Celebration of Life” benefit concert at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.
The concert launched the Mac Miller Circles Fund and raised money for arts education in underserved communities.
“Thank you for the music you made, the opportunities you provided me with, but overall the friendships you built,” said Chance the Rapper, who performed the inspirational “Blessings” and “No Problem.”
Miller was declared dead after paramedics found the 26-year-old hip-hop star unresponsive in his home Sept. 7. The cause of death has not yet been announced.
Miller’s rap lyrics often dealt with his depression and drug use over the years. He released his fifth album, “Swimming” in August.
“If there’s no Mac Miller, there is no me,” said singer SZA, who performed “Weekend” and “Love Galore.”
Miller drew headlines for his twoyear relationship with singer Ariana Grande that ended this year. He and the singer collaborated on her first Top 10 hit, “The Way.”
Grande wasn’t in attendance at the concert.
Even though Miller did not have his own song enter Top 40 radio, his popularity translated into a strong following on streaming networks. His debut album “Blue Side Park” went No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart.
Ty Dolla $ign, Anderson Paak, Vince Staples, Miguel and Action Bronson each paid homage performing songs that featured them with Miller. Schoolboy Q said he wrote his hit single “That Part” while Miller sat with him in the studio.
Video messages were delivered from Pharrell, Donald Glover, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Pusha T, G-eazy and Tyler, the Creator. Actor Jason Sudeikis and NBA player Karl-anthony Towns also offered messages via video.