Net Worth Ranker
What Is Mac Miller’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in September 2018, American rapper Mac Miller, born Malcolm James McCormick, had a net worth of $9 million. This valuation encompassed his earnings from a career in music that began in his late teens, primarily through album sales, touring, and his record label REMember Records.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on January 19, 1992, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mac Miller’s early life played a significant role in shaping his career trajectory. Raised in the Point Breeze neighborhood, he attended Winchester Thurston School before transitioning to Taylor Allderdice High School. Music became a central focus early in his life; by age six, he had already developed skills in playing drums, guitar, bass, and piano. Initially drawn to singing, he shifted his focus to rapping at age 14, driven by a desire to make it a full-time profession by the age of 15. This dedication led him to abandon other interests, such as sports, to concentrate solely on his burgeoning music career. His early stage name was “EZ Mac,” which he later changed to “Mac Miller.”
Miller’s career gained momentum with the release of several mixtapes during his teenage years. A significant breakthrough came when he signed with Rostrum Records, facilitated by his connection with rapper Wiz Khalifa. The mixtape “K.I.D.S.” further propelled him into the limelight. In 2011, he released “Best Day Ever,” featuring the platinum-certified single “Donald Trump.” That same year, he independently launched his debut studio album, “Blue Slide Park.”
Musical Career and Earnings
Mac Miller’s musical career was marked by several milestones in terms of album sales, streaming numbers, and tour revenues. His debut album, “Blue Slide Park,” released in 2011, sold over 144,000 copies in its first week, achieving the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart. This initial success was a foundational element for his subsequent earnings. Later, the release of the mixtape “Macadelic” led to the establishment of his own record label imprint, REMember Records.
In 2013, Miller released “Watching Movies with the Sound Off,” which garnered positive reviews. Following this, he signed a distribution deal between REMember Records and Warner Bros. Records, leading to the creation and release of the album “GO:OD AM.” This album achieved sales of approximately 87,000 units within its first week, contributing significantly to his income. It also featured the platinum-certified single “Weekend.” Subsequently, he released “The Divine Feminine,” which showcased a more diverse range of musical styles.
His final album, “Swimming,” released shortly before his death, contained the single “Self Care.” Following his death, “Self Care” climbed to the 33rd spot on the charts, marking a career-high for Miller. Each of these releases contributed to his overall earnings through sales, streaming royalties, and associated merchandise sales.
Throughout his career, Mac Miller reportedly earned at least $20 million before taxes and other expenses. From 2012 to 2014, he consistently ranked among the top ten highest-earning rappers globally. Specifically, his earnings during these years were $6.5 million, $6 million, and $7 million, respectively, totaling $19.5 million.
Legal Issues
Throughout his career, Mac Miller faced several legal challenges that occasionally impacted his financial status. In 2011, he was arrested for marijuana possession, which involved legal fees and potential fines. In 2012, he was sued by producer Lord Finesse for unauthorized use of a sample, leading to an out-of-court settlement, the details of which remain undisclosed. In 2015, another lawsuit was filed against him by the band Aquarian Dream for $150,000, again involving a sample usage dispute.
In 2018, Miller was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and hit and run after crashing his car into a utility pole and attempting to flee the scene. The arrest resulted in charges of DUI and subsequent legal proceedings, though he passed away before the case could be fully resolved. Each legal issue incurred costs in terms of legal representation and potential damages, affecting his financial assets.
Substance Abuse and Relationships
Mac Miller’s struggles with substance abuse began in 2012 as a means of coping with depression. During his tour that year, he developed an addiction to promethazine and “lean,” a mixture of cough syrup, soft drinks, and hard candy. His attempts at sobriety were intermittent, with periods of abstinence lasting up to three months. However, by 2017, he had reportedly returned to regular drug use. These struggles had significant personal and professional implications, indirectly impacting his financial decisions and overall well-being.
Miller’s personal life also included significant relationships. He was in an on-and-off relationship with Nomi Leasure from middle school until their final split in 2016. Later, he dated singer Ariana Grande until their breakup in 2018, about four months before his death. These relationships, while not directly impacting his net worth, contributed to the narrative surrounding his life and career.
Death and Estate
On September 7, 2018, Mac Miller was found dead at his home due to a drug overdose, involving cocaine, fentanyl, and alcohol. His untimely death led to the establishment of the Mac Miller Fund, aimed at supporting youth arts, community-building programs, and musicians struggling with substance abuse. In 2019, three men were arrested in connection with his death, revealing that Miller had unknowingly purchased fentanyl-laced drugs, leading to his overdose. The individuals involved in the drug supply chain were charged with conspiracy and distribution of drugs, resulting in death.
In his will, Miller named his mother, father, and brother as beneficiaries. Legal documents revealed that a significant portion of his estate amounted to $4.48 million, primarily consisting of bank accounts and 200 shares of Facebook stock, valued at approximately $32,000. The remainder of his $9 million estate included his collection of cars, collectibles, art, and other assets. These assets were distributed according to his will, reflecting the final disposition of his net worth.
