Warning: This article contains discussions of substance abuse which some readers may find distressing.
It's been around eight years since beloved American rapper Mac Miller tragically passed away.
Miller, real name Malcolm James McCormick, first landed in the hip-hop scene in 2007 at just 15 years old before signing a record deal with independent music label Rostrum Records and releasing breakthrough mixtapes K.I.D.S. and Best Day Ever.
He died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol at his home on September 7, 2018, at the age of 26. His death was ruled as an overdose complicated by these substances.
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Grande and Miller were in a relationship from roughly 2016 to 2018. They parted ways in May 2018, four months before his passing.
Over the years, the 32-year-old Wicked actress has talked very fondly about Miller and their relationship as a whole.
In her latest comments about Miller, Grande shared with fans how he was able to help her transition from her Nickelodeon persona to a music artist in her own right.
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She explained that he offered her much-needed encouragement when she closed the chapter on the Sam & Cat TV show and began to make her debut album titled Yours Truly, in 2013.
Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast earlier this week (13 January), she said: "I’ve never talked about this, but actually Malcolm, whom you might know as Mac, encouraged me to be myself.
"And that it was OK to kind of shed that character, and embrace my brown hair, and make R&B-influenced pop music and separate and do the brave thing."
Reflecting more on the beloved rapper's advice at the time, Grande added: "I never said that. But it was a great influence, I’m so very grateful for that."
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"That’s also a part of why I was so eager to ask him to be a part of it," she shared, referencing her lead single titled 'The Way' which featured Miller. "Not only because he was so perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound."
At the time of his passing, she wrote in an emotional Instagram tribute: "I adored you from the day I met you when I was 19, and I always will. I can’t believe you aren’t here anymore. I really can’t wrap my head around it. We talked about this.
"So many times. I’m so mad, I’m so sad, I don’t know what to do. You were my dearest friend. For so long. Above anything else."
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Grande added: "I’m so sorry I couldn’t fix or take your pain away. I really wanted to. The kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved. I hope you’re OK now. Rest."
f you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Topics: Ariana Grande, Celebrity, Music, Sex and Relationships
Rhiannon Ingle