The first single from Mac Miller‘s upcoming posthumous album Balloonerism has arrived — and it’s a reunion with Thundercat.
The duo were close friends and collaborator before Mac’s untimely passing in 2018 and were even scheduled to go on tour together prior to his drug overdose death.
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Titled “5 Dollar Pony Rides,” the single was originally recorded around a decade ago and also features contributions from Thundercat’s brothers Jameel and Ronald Bruner, who were part of The Internet and Suicidal Tendencies, respectively.
The dreamy, laidback song sees Mac Miller ruminating on a relationship with lyrics such as: “I remember, girl, you used to have fun, yeah / Now I ain’t seen a smile in a while / Heard you’re feelin’ pretty lonely, yeah / Your daddy shoulda got you that pony.”
Thundercat previously revealed that he had recorded an entire album with Mac, but there were no plans to release it to the public.
He wrote on social media in 2020: “Everything isn’t meant to be put out like that. Me and Mac worked on a lot of different things. He did as he saw fit y’all gotta relax lol. Bout to get my emotions flying all over the place.”
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The Grammy-winning bassist also paid tribute to his late friend on the fifth anniversary of his death in September 2023.
Speaking to VIBE, he said: “Mac changed my life, man, and he was one of my best friends. And the funny thing is, sometimes we throw the term ‘best friends’ around and stuff like that, but every day, I think about him.
“And I always remember how he affected my life in the major way. And I just know he’s always there with me and I keep that in my heart.”
Balloonerism is scheduled to be released on January 17 through Mac Miller’s longtime label Warner Music and will feature appearances from SZA and Delusional Thomas, the Quasimoto-esque alter ego he introduced in 2013.
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Originally recorded in 2014, the project was confirmed by Mac’s family last November and described as being of “great importance” to the Pittsburgh native.
“We believe the project showcases both the breadth of his musical talents and fearlessness as an artist,” they said in a statement.
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“Given that unofficial versions of the album have been circulating 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.”
The album will serve as Mac’s second posthumous release following 2020’s Circles.
