January 17, 2025 • NPR Music's Stephen Thompson welcomes aboard Kara Manning of New York City public radio station WFUV to discuss the best new albums hitting streaming services on Friday, Jan. 17.

Mac Miller's Balloonerism debuts at No. 1 on the Official Hip-Hop and R&B Albums chart, posthumously earning the star his first leader on the tally.

The impetus for posthumous releases often feels dicey, especially for rappers. Even if they are presented as a post-life artistic celebration, it's hard to ignore the feeling that the albums were ...

Mac Miller "was a creation machine". The rap star died in September 2018, aged 26, after taking an accidental drug overdose, ...

“Balloonerism” was years ahead of its time and features the best elements of Miller as an artist. With stories revolving around substance abuse, growing up and the struggles of depression, the album ...

Balloonerism* is seen as a crucial piece of Mac Miller’s artistic journey, fully aligned with his vision for the music he wanted to share. The album features songs that span over a decade, revealing ...