SZA Honors Mac Miller with ‘Balloonerism’ Release: ‘I Miss My Friend’

SZA pays tribute to Mac Miller

SZA honored her late friend and collaborator Mac Miller.

• READ MORE: The Mac Miller Story in 15 Songs

Yesterday (January 17), the “Drew Barrymore” singer shared an emotional tribute in celebration of the release of the rapper’s second posthumous album, Balloonerism, encouraging her fans to listen to the new record.

“I love my friend, I miss him,” she posted on X/Twitter. “I’m grateful he recognized something in me before most and treated me with love from the very beginning. I wish he could see how right he was about everything he truly was. Please go to the “Aeronautics” stream RIGHT NOW.”

Remembering a close friendship

The two artists shared a deep bond, and SZA paid tribute to him once again when he tragically passed away from a drug overdose in 2018. “Forever a true friend,” she expressed at that time. “The kindest and most empathetic person in the world.” She also took part in a star-studded tribute concert featuring Chance The Rapper and Travis Scott to honor him at Mac Miller: Celebration of Life.

SZA features on “DJ’s Chord Organ” – the complete tracklist can be found here.

About the new album

The album, which includes an animated short film, has been described as “a big deal” for the “Small Worlds” singer. Miller had been developing it since 2014, and after announcing its 2025 release, his estate revealed he had been “commissioning art for it” and routinely discussed its launch.

They further stated: “We believe the project showcases both the vastness of his musical talents and his courage as an artist. Given the unofficial versions of the album that have circulated online for years, and knowing that the release of Balloonerism was vital for him, as Malcolm often expressed, we felt it was most fitting to present the official version of the project to the world.”

Friday’s release follows the rapper’s first posthumous album, 2020’s “Circles.” In a four-star review, NME described the album as “a very divisive listen,” adding: “It’s a high-quality project, but we lost Mac too early and it’s hard to accept.”

“While it’s difficult to hear him discuss self-destruction and contemplate how he spends too much time in his head, I’m honored to listen to him share his deepest thoughts behind a vibrant, inventive sound. This is the album Mac Miller was destined to create.”

Meanwhile, SZA released her album “Lana” last month following nearly a year of anticipation for its debut. Rather than being a standalone project, it serves as a deluxe version of her 2022 second studio album, SOS.

“Lana” includes Kendrick Lamar’s appearance on “30 For 30,” along with production contributions from Lil Yachty and Benny Blanco. Lamar’s feature comes after SZA appeared on his surprise album GNX, and both artists, along with their labelmates, announced a North American tour together this year.

“SOS” received nine Grammy nominations and peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 and number two on the UK Singles Chart, achieving triple platinum certification in the US.

In a five-star review, NME labeled it as “a comeback album worth waiting for.”