Mac Miller has once again reinvented his music. With GO:OD AM, we were introduced to a softer more musical Miller with the incorporation of live instruments to accompany his rap vocals. On The Divine Feminine he continues on this path, giving the album a jazzy feel which more and more hip-hop artists are taking a welcome step back to.
The Divine Feminine is a more lyrical album than any of Mac Miller’s previous work. They hold a deeper meaning and message as we hear Miller croon about his lady love in a more R&B-esque manner. It’s refreshing to see him follow this new branch of sultry hip-hop, branded alternative hip-hop or jazz hip-hop.
While daunting, obscure and a little eyebrow-raising at first, the title “The Divine Feminine” begins to feel right as it starts to sound like a love story. It’s a little flattering to be honest.
“I want people to put on the record and it’s a date in itself,” he told i-D. “I want people to love to this record and realize they can love to it.”
The album also has a star-studded gang of features: Kendrick Lamar, Ty Dolla $ign, Cee-Lo Green and of course his once again beau Ariana Grande. The lead single “Dang!” features up and coming R&B-funk singer Anderson Paak. The diverse and familiar voices pair excellently to aid Miller on his exploration and appreciation of the “divine feminine” of which they sing. “My Favorite Part” sung with Grande takes us back in time to “The Way” when the lovebirds first caught our attention. A more grown up version of the budding love affair from back then, “My Favorite Part” is the heart-eye emoji at the end of this expression of love.
The Divine Feminine is simply beautiful in sound, lyrics and message. Mac Miller has outdone himself and has shown that he’s matured since Blue Slide Park. Changing your sound is not always successful for an artist, but Miller’s new record and sound are a hit.