An important element of music is the artist’s ability to relate to listeners through talking about important milestones in life, from their first heartbreak to their battles with their demons. An artist that can successfully express their emotions and stories to their listeners allows the listener to delve into another person’s life, perspective and emotions.

For many music lovers, this artist was Mac Miller.

On Sept. 7, Mac Miller was found dead in his home at the age of 26. According to TMZ, Miller died from cardiac arrest following an apparent overdose.

Fans of Miller expressed disbelief about his death and sent condolences through social media outlets such as Twitter. One fan wrote, “Mac Miller… I will never stop listening… thank you for the memories.”

Miller was known for his early works, such as his 2010 mixtape “K.I.D.S.,” that discussed themes of adolescence, from skipping school to having dreams of being successful. In his later works, such as “The Divine Feminine” and the 2018 summer release of “Swimming,” Miller explored mature, darker themes such as depression, addiction and death.

Miller was candid in interviews discussing his struggle with drug addiction and depression, stating, “I really wouldn’t just want happiness. And I don’t want sadness either. I don’t want to be depressed. I want to be able to have good days and bad days.”

The honesty of Miller in his interviews allowed his fans to relate to his struggles. Similar to Miller, many struggle with depression and hope that they can also feel days of happiness. Perhaps the devastation surrounding Miller’s death was due to losing an artist who faced the battle with his demons as his fans did with theirs. It was Miller who was able to convey his pain and depression through his music and encourage his fans to fight through the highs and lows in life. However, there were times when Miller seemed to worry that he would lose against his personal demons. A notable lyric from his song “Grand Finale” from his “Faces” album may have been a tragic foreshadowing, with Miller stating, “If by chance this is my grand finale, then bury me in Allegheny county.”

Miller left behind a legacy of honesty, vulnerability and artistic integrity. His talent of transitioning from the party music featured in “K.I.D.S.” to his darker albums such as “Swimming” show an artist willing to discuss issues that plagued many of his fans. For this, Miller’s fans will be grateful for the work Miller released and will remember him as an artist who was unafraid to speak out and allow listeners to delve into his mindset and the struggles he faced in his lifetime.