Most Dope

The first biography of rapper Mac Miller, the Pittsburgh cult favourite–turned–rap superstar who touched the lives of millions before tragically passing away at the age of 26—now in paperback.

Malcolm James McCormick was born on January 19, 1992. He began making music at a young age and by 15 was already releasing mixtapes. One of the first true viral superstars, his early records earned him a rabid legion of die-hard fans—as well as a few noteworthy detractors. But despite his undeniable success, Miller was plagued by struggles with substance abuse and depression, both of which fuelled his raw and genre-defying music yet ultimately led to his demise.

Through detailed reporting and interviews with dozens of Miller’s confidants, Paul Cantor brings you to leafy Pittsburgh, seductive Los Angeles, and frenzied New York, where you will meet Miller’s collaborators, producers, business partners, best friends, and even his roommates. Travelling deep into Miller’s inner circle, behind the curtain, the velvet ropes, and studio doors, Most Dope tells the story of a passionate, gifted young man who achieved his life’s ambition, only to be undone by his personal demons.

Most Dope is part love letter, part cautionary tale, never shying away from the raw, visceral way Mac Miller lived his life.

Advance Praise for Most Dope:

"A compelling and refreshingly honest tale of a rapper who forged a path to success on his own terms. Intersecting with Donald Trump, Rick Rubin, Kendrick Lamar, John Mayer, Jay-Z, and perhaps most famously Ariana Grande, Cantor pulls no punches, detailing Mac’s highs, lows, hard-earned triumphs, and self-inflicted tragedies." —Jonathan Shecter, founding editor of The Source

"A painstaking portrait illuminating why Miller’s humility, humour, introspection, and sensitivity endeared him to millions, rendering his struggle with addiction—and ultimate death—frustrating and painful. Cantor admirably keeps Miller’s memory alive, both for dedicated fans and those just discovering this iconic figure." —Chris Morrow, coauthor of seven New York Times bestsellers, including Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter with 50 Cent

"Following Mac Miller from his early days as a charismatic teen rapper through all the twists and turns of his rich creative evolution, this expertly researched coming-of-age story details all the struggles and triumphs of Mac’s short life, painting a poignant portrait of a young man who craved respect and never stopped searching."—Brendan Frederick, executive at Genius and former editor at Complex and XXL

"In this wrenching biography, Mac Miller ponders what it means to be invincible, a dangerous illusion to which all MCs are prone. Tracking Miller’s journey every step of the way, Cantor never flinches from the truth, just like his subject. Fair-minded, clear-eyed, fearless—Paul Cantor is the biographer Miller deserves." —Rob Kenner, author of The Marathon Don’t Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle

"Hilarious at times, heartbreaking at others, but gripping, poetic, and respectful throughout. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Mac’s universe, Cantor has your definitive starting point." —Justin Tinsley, senior writer at ESPN’s The Undefeated and host of the Nipsey Hussle podcast King of Crenshaw

"In Mac Miller’s origin story, buckle in for a high-speed race and hold on to your seats through the tortuous twists and turns. . . . The perfect alchemy of rich history and fascinating storytelling voiced by the most important people in Mac’s life." —Evan Auerbach, UpNorthTrips, and coauthor of No Sleep: Nightlife Flyers 1988–1999 and Do Remember: The Golden Era of Hip-Hop Mixtapes in NYC

"More than just a peek into Miller’s ‘live fast, die young’ life, a deep dive into the young icon’s journey, with firsthand accounts of who Mac truly was. Thoroughly researched and detailed, Most Dope is an essential introduction." —Kathy Iandoli, author of Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah and coauthor of Lil’ Kim’s The Queen Bee

"Paul Cantor applies the rigour of a skilful journalist with the insight of a solid critic and the passion of a true fan to tell the story of a memorable rapper claimed by drug addiction before his time. . . . Via interviews with dozens closest to Miller, he makes us feel like we’re on the roller coaster with his subject and illuminates why Miller’s music means so much to so many." —Jim DeRogatis, cohost of Sound Opinions and author of Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly