Album Review: Mac Miller ‘The Divine Feminine’
Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller has returned once again with the release of his brand new album ‘The Divine Feminine’. The concept album differs greatly from his previous album ‘GO:OD AM’. ‘The Divine Feminine’ is dedicated to love and the beauty of the female form, with Miller calling it an album which celebrates “the feminine energy of the planet”.
24-year-old Miller rose to success back in 2010 when he released his mixtape ‘K.I.D.S’, and later solidified his popularity with the release of his mixtape ‘Best Day Ever’ which featured hit singles Donald Trump and Wear My Hat.
His second studio album ‘Watching Movies With The Sound Off’ dropped in 2013 where he worked alongside fellow rappers Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Earl Sweatshirt, and Action Bronson. Rapping since 14-years-old, Miller’s famous for his laid-back/stoner-kid vibes and his husky raps.
“The mesmerising melodies are accompanied by Miller’s signature head-in-the-clouds tone, a perfect match for soulful singer Njomza’s silky smooth, RnB inspired vocals.”
Miller teamed up with several artists on his album including Anderson .Paak, Ty Dolla $ign, CeeLo Green, Kendrick Lamar, and of course his new love and creative muse Ariana Grande! Originally meant to be an EP, the 10-track album is shorter than his others but arguably one of his best!
Miller opens the album with Congratulations featuring singer-songwriter Bilal, a track which celebrates the free spirit of feminism with laughter, soulful piano and string melodies, and delicate lyrics. The opener perfectly sets the lyrical tone for the album which continues to capture the innocence of femininity.
Miller teamed up with Anderson .Paak for the second track Dang!. The feel-good track features beats you won’t be able to stand still to, and the contrasting sounds between Anderson .Paak and Miller’s styles complement each other perfectly.
Further down the list is Cinderella featuring Ty Dolla $ign, and it’s sure to be a favourite for Mac Miller fans! The song opens with a jewellery box music vibe backed with some heavy bass and Ty Dolla $ign’s husky lyrics. Miller takes over with his NSFW yet sweet-sounding raps, “We went straight to the room/and played the music and started dancing/you was taking off your pants/it look like Dorothy ain’t in Kansas anymore”.
Planet God Damn is a must listen for all the trap soul fans out there! The mesmerising melodies are accompanied by Miller’s signature head-in-the-clouds tone, a perfect match for soulful singer Njomza’s silky smooth, RnB inspired vocals.
Further down the track list is We, CeeLo Green’s collaboration with Miller. The track omits a slightly darker vibe than the others with a slow beat and choral vocals. The dreamy soundscape continues with CeeLo Green’s verse, as the drum kit supports the delicate and soulful sounds of CeeLo’s voice.
“The delicate and soothing nature of the album exudes vulnerability, sensuality, and passion, and if you’re a hip hop fan it’s definitely worth a listen!”
‘The Divine Feminine’ wouldn’t be complete without a feature from Miller’s girlfriend, Ariana Grande. My Favourite Part captures the carefree nature of their relationship with the music taking a back seat to Grande’s soaring vocals. Miller continues down his romantic lyrical path, singing “You just don’t know how beautiful you are/and baby that’s my favourite part”.
One of my favourites is the final track on the album, God Is Fair, Sexy Nasty, and features Kendrick Lamar’s signature jazzy delivery. The track quickly transitions from jazz to trap with a slight psychedelic feel. The pair go hand in hand as their unique sounds come together to create a fresh vibe while liaising perfectly with the rest of the album.
Miller’s ‘Divine Feminine’ perfectly encapsulates the feminine essence in a romantic yet erotic way and is set to have Miller fans of the fairer sex wishing they were Ariana Grande. The delicate and soothing nature of the album exudes vulnerability, sensuality, and passion, and if you’re a hip hop fan it’s definitely worth a listen!
