Five years after its release and merely a month before his untimely passing at the age of 26, Mac Miller’s Tiny Desk performance remains an intimate and hauntingly beautiful portrayal of his artistry. Amidst the cozy confines of the NPR Music office, Miller’s demeanor shifted, his vulnerability palpable, especially during “2009,” where his profound lyrics struck a chord that resonated deeply. Backed by a piano loop and a string quartet, he delved into tracks from his album “Swimming,” reflecting on his journey’s peaks and valleys with the wisdom of an artist well beyond his years. Notably, Miller invited his frequent collaborator Thundercat to join him, adding a touch of brilliance to the performance. Thundercat’s captivating shaker routine and the deep, resonant bass line on “What’s The Use?” elevated the experience. These renditions of his songs remained faithful to the recorded versions but took on a new dimension with the live instrumentation. This Tiny Desk performance encapsulated the essence of Mac Miller’s artistry, leaving a lasting impression of his raw talent and leaving us with a glimpse of the brilliance that was tragically cut short. This performance is now immortalized on vinyl, a limited edition, here.