He released two influential mixtapes that year, The Jukebox: Prelude to Class Clown and The High Life , which helped build his initial following.

The track "2009" is one of Mac Miller's most acclaimed works, known for its vulnerability and the magical way it was created.

The song is viewed as a "beacon of hope" and a testament to Mac's artistic and personal growth.

Producer Eric G recalls Mac recording the song in a pitch-black booth at a studio in Seattle around November 2016.

When Mac played the track for his tour crew the next day, it reportedly brought people to tears. Despite the emotional response, Mac initially needed convincing to include it on the album, questioning why people would find his personal reflections interesting. Themes and Meaning

Without writing a single lyric down or using his phone for notes, Mac laid down the first half of the song entirely "off the top of his head" after pacing the room and listening to the beat.