Ariana Grande is looking back with gratitude — and revealing a deeply personal truth she’s never shared before. During a recent talk with students at Chapman University in California, the Grammy-winning singer opened up about how the late rapper Mac Miller shaped not only her early career, but also her true musical identity.
Speaking on December 5, Grande reflected on the time when she was just starting out, preparing to release her debut single The Way in 2013. At the time, she was still navigating who she wanted to be as an artist. But Mac Miller, already known for his fearless musical style, helped nudge her toward authenticity.
“I’ve never said that,” Grande told the audience, “but he was a great influence.” She explained that Mac encouraged her to follow her instincts — even when it meant making bold choices in the studio and trusting her own sound. “I’m very thankful for that,” she added. “That’s also why I was so eager to ask him to be a part of it. Not only because he was perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound.”
The Way went on to become Ariana’s breakout hit, and Mac wasn’t just featured vocally — he played a major role behind the scenes, collaborating with her on multiple songs in the years that followed. Their friendship eventually turned romantic, and the pair dated for two years before ending things amicably in 2018.
Shortly after, the world lost Mac Miller at just 26 years old — a tragedy that left a permanent mark on Ariana both personally and artistically. Her emotional lyric in Thank U, Next — “Wish I could say thank you to Malcolm, ’cause he was an angel” — has long hinted at the depth of their bond.
Now, by sharing this intimate piece of her musical origin story, Ariana Grande is letting fans see just how much Mac Miller still means to her legacy. His influence didn’t just help create a single — it helped shape the artist she would become.
