Ariana Grande reflects about ex-boyfriend Mac Miller 7 years after his death
American singer Ariana Grande has opened up about her relationship with the late rapper Mac Miller, offering heartfelt insight seven years after his passing.
The 32-year-old singer, who was in a public relationship with Mac from 2016 until their breakup in May 2018, spoke about the creative impact he had on her music while addressing students during a recent appearance at Chapman University. Mac died just four months after their split, in September 2018, from an accidental overdose at the age of 26.
In a TikTok video captured from the event, Ariana reflected on how Mac helped shape her musical direction, saying he encouraged her to “make R&B influenced pop music.”
She added, “I’m really thankful for that,” explaining that his guidance directly influenced her early sound. While discussing her breakthrough 2013 hit “The Way,” which featured Mac, Ariana told students, “That’s also part of why I was so eager to ask him to be a part of it.” She continued, “Not only because he was perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound.”
Ariana and Mac collaborated multiple times throughout their careers, not only on “The Way,” but also on his 2016 track “My Favorite Part,” which highlighted their chemistry both musically and personally, as well as the remix of her single “Into You,” also released the same year.
Even after his death, Ariana has consistently honored his memory; in 2023, she sent love to Mac while celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut album Yours Truly, a project closely tied to the era when they first connected creatively.