Mac Miller

Mac Miller

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Mac Miller Dies At 26

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The rapper who has spoken out about his struggles with substance abuse has died
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Sep 7, 2018 - 3:38 pm

Mac Miller, born Malcolm James McCormick, has died on Sept. 7 at the age of 26. He had just released his fifth studio album and was set to begin a tour in support next month.

The rapper was found dead in his San Fernando Valley home earlier today, reportedly from an overdose. Miller has referenced his demons in his music, including his struggles with substance abuse. His 2014 Faces mixtape opens with him rapping "shoulda died already (faces)/Came in, I was high already."

In a recent interview with Vulture, he shared the challenge of being young and making mistakes in the public eye. He released his chart-topping debut album Blue Slide Park when he was just 20.

"A lot of times in my life I’ve put this pressure to hold myself to the standard of whatever I thought I was supposed to be, or how I was supposed to be perceived… It’s annoying to be out and have someone come up to me and think they know. They're like 'Yo, man, are you okay?' I’m like 'Yeah, I’m [expletive] at the grocery store.' You know?," Miller said.

The young rapper had just released his latest album Swimming on Aug. 3 and had a tour scheduled, beginning next month in San Francisco. Miller, who collaborated with many other big names in hip-hop and R&B including Anderson .Paak, Miguel and Kendrick Lamar, will be remembered through his music.

Angelica Cob-Baehler

Angelica Cob-Baehler

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Celebrating The Life Of Angelica Cob-Baehler, Visionary Music Executive

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The late record label executive who spent her entire career making positive waves in the music industry, including launching Katy Perry's career, is remembered by the many lives she touched
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Nov 30, 2018 - 11:05 am

On Nov. 21, record label executive Angelica Cob-Baehler passed away at age 47 after a long battle with cancer. She spent her cut-too-short albeit illustrious time in music launching and developing the careers of many artists, including pop superstar Katy Perry and multi-hyphenate rapper/actor Ice Cube. Cob-Baehler made a profoundly positive impact in the music industry and will be remembered fondly by all who worked with her.

Starting out in the music industry while still in college at UCLA as an intern at Elektra Records, Cob-Baehler began working as a publicity assistant at Atlantic Records in 1993, where she rose to Senior Director and worked with the likes of Stone Temple Pilots and Jewel. In 2001 she went to Columbia Records to become the Vice President of Media, building close relationships with artists ranging from John Mayer to System Of A Down to the Offspring. In 2005, when she moved to Virgin Records to become their Senior Vice President of Media (which later merged with Capitol and EMI), she brought a then-unknown artist with her, Katy Perry, playing a key role in launching her into pop-stardom.

While Cob-Baehler was at Columbia Perry was signed to the label and working on her debut album, but was dropped by the label before it was released. Cob-Baehler shared in an interview that this upset her and was a big part of the reason she left—but not before "stealing," as she put it, Perry's files. When she moved to Virgin, she brought Perry to her new team, where they signed her and released her successful debut album, One Of The Boys, via their Capitol Records arm. Cob-Baehler build a lasting friendship with Perry and worked closely on both the A&R and creative direction of the then-rising star's debut, as well as on her sophomore LP, Teenage Dream. Several of the hit songs from both albums received GRAMMY nods, with Teenage Dream earning Perry four nominations at the 53rd GRAMMY Awards, including for Album of the Year.

Six days ago, one of my biggest champions and realest friends, Angelica Cob-Baehler moved on from this place. She was one of the strongest women I have ever known - fighting her cancer like friggin’ Rocky, enduring chemo, immunotherapy, a tracheotomy, feeding tubes for months on end, and experimental cancer treatment trials. I watched her go through many stages for over a year, but a few things remained constant: her sarcastic/wicked sense of humor, her positive outlook, and the incredible love she had for her family. We had a lot of wins together for over 10 years, and I am incredibly grateful she was a born fighter/no shit-taker because she practically willed me into existence as a young artist when she “stole my files” from limbo at Columbia Records and brought them to life at Capitol Records. She was like a big sister to me, showing me the ropes and always having my back. She never became a yes-person and was quick to check me when I needed checking - that was family. I have procrastinated posting this because it makes it feel a little too final, but I don’t believe people ever really die - she just had to leave that body behind. Out of body, and full of spirit now. Sadly, she also left behind two amazing young girls, and an incredible husband who was the definition of ROCK through this whole process. As for me, I’ll never let them forget that Angelica embodied the angel in her name, was a woman of incredible integrity and character, a massive giver, and a DOPE human being. I know today is #GivingTuesday, and if you have been a longtime KatyCat and a friend of mine or Geli’s, let’s honor her by donating to her favorite charity, Generosity.org by clicking the link in bio. She may be gone from this place, but she will never be forgotten. Rest in power, my angel, and don’t worry, we got Chapman and the girls. #RIPGeli

A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on

"I watched her go through many stages for over a year, but a few things remained constant: her sarcastic/wicked sense of humor, her positive outlook, and the incredible love she had for her family," Perry wrote in a touching post on Instagram that included photos of the two of them, along with a video clip of Cob-Baehler discussing bringing Perry to Capitol. "We had a lot of wins together for over 10 years, and I am incredibly grateful she was a born fighter/no shit-taker because she practically willed me into existence as a young artist when she 'stole my files' from limbo at Columbia Records and brought them to life at Capitol Records,"

"She was like a big sister to me," continued Perry, "showing me the ropes and always having my back. She never became a yes-person and was quick to check me when I needed checking—that was family. I cared about her too much as a person to think that somebody could just crush this girl's life, and just crush her dreams, for their own ego."

In 2013 Cob-Baehler went to work with friend and business partner Jeff Kwatinetz as head of marketing and then head of music at his company The Firm/Prospect Park, which eventually became Big3/Prospect Park/Cube Vision. She worked alongside Ice Cube, who co-founded Big3 with Kwatinetz, and his son O'Shea Jackson Jr., who played his father in the N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton. Cob-Baehler also served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Big3. Kwatinetz also shared a beautiful message about her fervor for life:

"I don't know if I've ever met anyone quite like her. She was truly so special, so loving, so caring...she was so proud of the work she did but also of the family she assembled. She was passionate about art, politics, making the world a better place, and being a real friend to people like me who needed her in my life, and I will never go a day without thinking of her. It's easy to say take this lesson to appreciate life more and that's what she would and DID say to me. Work less, live more with your real group of friends and family."

Another close friend, Jeff Jampol, President of Jampol Artist Management, shared a message of her positive impact on his life:

"I met Geli through her amazing husband Chapman, and we grew to be very emotionally, intellectually and spiritually bonded. Geli was one of the greatest humans I have ever met—her personal recovery, her faith, her intellect and her willingness were second to none. Through thick and thin, adversity and triumph, Geli practiced spiritual principles in her life, and was a beacon of light, hope and courage to many around her. Her final adversity took her from us, and her passing affected me very deeply. But the way she walked through it, with grace, faith—and transparency—will always stay with me. I learned a lot from Geli, and her legacy lives on in the countless number of folks that she affected, that she helped, and to whom her courage was a profound lesson in the human spirit. I'll never forget her—and I'm pretty sure many others won't, either."

She is survived by her husband, Chapman, and their two daughters. Her legacy lives on in all the lives she touched.

Angelica Cob-Baehler

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Mac Miller

Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images

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Anderson .Paak, Chance The Rapper, Miguel & More To Honor Mac Miller With Tribute Concert

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As the world continues to mourn the loss of the young rapper, artists of various genres unite to honor and celebrate him at a special show on Oct. 31 in Los Angeles
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Oct 3, 2018 - 6:24 pm

There is no doubt that the world dearly misses the late rapper Mac Miller. Many artists across genres have paid tribute to him since his untimely passing at age 26 on Sept. 7. The tributes will continue with a star-studded concert set to celebrate his life, featuring many of artists who have shown him love, including Anderson .Paak, Chance the Rapper, Miguel and many more. The special show will be held in Los Angeles at the Greek Theater on Oct. 31, Miller's family has announced.

The stellar lineup features an impressive variety of artists who loved the young rapper, including Anderson .Paak, Miguel, Earl Sweatshirt, Schoolboy Q, Thundercat, Vince Staples, Action Bronson and Ty Dolla Sign, all of whom collaborated with him at some point. Others who will perform in his honor include Chance the Rapper, who went from being a big fan to close friend of Miller's—Miller brought him on tour when he was first starting out. Additionally, John Mayer, SZA, Travis Scott, Domo Genesis of Odd Future, Dylan Reynolds, J.I.D and Njomza are on the bill. The proceeds will benefit the newly established Mac Miller Circles Foundation, created by the rapper's brother in his memory to bring the arts to underserved youth. Miller's mother, Karen Myers, who helped organize the concert, reflected on the positivity shining through for the upcoming show and the new foundation established in his name.

"The support we've experienced is evident in this amazing lineup and is a testament to Malcolm's incredible life. His father, brother and I are beyond thankful to everyone who is working to make this concert happen along with every fan and every friend for continuing to support Malcolm and his vision," Myers shared in a recent statement. "He was a caring, loving human with a smile that could light up the sky and a soul that was out to make the world a kinder place and the MMCF will continue to do just that."

As a silver-lining to the dark spot his death left, the dedications, shout-outs and love musicians and fans alike have shown for him since then has been truly heartwarming, and shows the positive impact the young rapper had on so many lives. His legacy will live on in his music and within the people he positively impacted who share that light. Staples posted a shout-out to him on the day of his passing, quoting one of Miller's verses on a song they collaborated on, "Heaven." "'I must've died and went to heaven...currently in shock it'll hit me in a second. What's your question? You need a blessing right? Or you just wondering what heavens like.' I’ll see you soon. Thank you for everything...for all of this. I love you," he shared on Instagram.

Tickets for the tribute concert go on sale this Friday Oct. 5. More information on tickets to the show, as well the Mac Miller Circles Fund, can be found here.

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Conway Savage

Photo: Gary Wolstenholme/Getty Images

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Conway Savage, Keyboardist of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Dies At 58

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As the pianist, organist and backup vocalist for the Bad Seeds since 1990, Savage played a key role in many of the band's most celebrated albums and tours
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Sep 4, 2018 - 1:43 pm

Conway Savage, the pianist, organist and backup vocalist of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, passed away on Sept. 2 at age 58.

Savage had to sit out touring with Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds this year, as he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2017 and was recovering from surgery. The band's publicist confirmed with Pitchfork that his death was caused by the brain tumor.

The pianist, who began playing the instrument in his teen years, was born in Victoria, Australia in 1960. Always a musician, he played in several bands in the 1980s, and then joined Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds in 1990, touring extensively with the band and recording seven albums together including 1992's Henry’s Dream, 1996's Murder Ballads and 2004's Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus. Over the years he also released music with other artists, as well as on his own, including his debut solo album, Nothing Broken, in 2000.

"A member of Bad Seeds for nearly thirty years, Conway was the anarchic thread that ran through the band’s live performances. He was much loved by everyone, band members and fans alike," the band said in a statement.

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GRiZ at Bonnaroo SuperJam

GRiZ & friends at SuperJam

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GRiZ & Friends Honored Dr. John And Other Music Legends During Bonnaroo SuperJam Set

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"His style of writing—without that I wouldn't exist. There's this badassery to it. His breaking rules paved the way for people like myself to do similar things with music," the saxophone-toting DJ/producer told Rolling Stone
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Jun 18, 2019 - 12:49 pm

During Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival this weekend, DJ/producer/saxophone master GRiZ offered two very different sets. Both showcased his energetic sax playing, but one saw him as the bandleader of the dozens of performers he brought together for the fest's annual SuperJam event.

This year's late-night jam session, which is curated and executed by a different artist every year, was titled "G.O.A.T.: A Celebration of Music Legends SuperJam with GRiZ." The 90-minute set was dedicated to late musical greats including late GRAMMY winners Dr. John, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie and Prince, GRAMMY nominees Mac Miller and Nipsey Hussle, and others. A powerhouse house band and specials guests, all chosen by GRiZ, filled the stage and brought the music to life.

Rolling Stone reports that the Dr. John tribute, which came in the form of his 1973 song "Right Place, Wrong Time," with GRiZ assisting the house band on his sax, was worked into the set list, following his sudden passing on June 6. They spoke to GRiZ and Stu Brooks, SuperJam's Music Director, who worked on the program for five months, organizing its music and plethora of incredibly talented musicians. The pair emphasized it was important to both of them to work Dr. John's magic into the performance.

As the outlet explains, not only does the festival's name comes from Dr. John's 1974 album Desitively Bonnaroo, but Brooks performed as member of his touring band in 2015 and GRiZ is deeply influenced by the late New Orleans' jazz/funk legend.

Related: Dr. John, New Orleans Music Legend, Dies At 77

"We obviously had to pay tribute to Dr. John," Brook's told Rolling Stone. "It's a great way to process loss of someone's life—by celebrating at this [festival], it's serendipitous to the max."

"It's a really morbid situation to be in," GRiZ added, "but also kind of a blessed situation—that we had a platform that we were able to celebrate his life." The Detroit-native also spoke to how Dr. John's joyously experimental music inspired his own risk-taking in his sound and style:

"His style of writing—without that I wouldn't exist. There's this badassery to it. His breaking rules paved the way for people like myself to do similar things with music…That 'free and easy' thing—that makes me feel like I don't have to be worried about what my heart feels about this music and the way it should sound."

One simple yet poignant piece of wisdom Dr. John shared with Brooks during their time touring together, "Be free and easy," served as the thesis statement for the sprawling set. "I feel like that's the ethos of this entire SuperJam," GRiZ added.

Rapper/animator ProbCause, a regular GRiZ collaborator, and singer Chrishira Perrier, a backing vocalist for Trombone Shorty and GRiZ, were two members of his SuperJam house band who helped bring the show to life, along with a stage full of instrumentalists that included the Naughty Professor's horns.

Perrier helped lead the salute the Franklin, Prince and Rick James and Miller with respectively, "Respect," "1999" with help from K.Flay, "Mary Jane" and "Dang!," which ProbCause supported. Prob also rapped "Grinding All My Love" for Nipsey, and K.Flay channeled her inner- Kurt Cobain for Nirvana's "Lithium." Activist singer/songwriters Nahko Bear and Nattali Rize sang Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved."

Avicii's "Wake Me Up" was also on the 25-song set list, as well as Bowie's "Let's Dance," Queen's "We Will Rock You," in honor of Freddie Mercury, as well as their collab "Under Pressure." Walk The Moon frontman Nicholas Petricca helped lead the glam-rock classics.

While the loss of Dr. John and the other transcendent musicians has left a void in our hearts and in the music world, their powerful music will allow their legacy to live on for generations. As GRiZ told the outlet, the power of performing the songs was palpable:

"Every time we get a featured vocalist or a featured [musician who played with the artist we cover], the energy explodes. You can close your eyes in that moment and feel like you're in the presence of that person performing that song."

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