Jewish Rapper Mac Miller Tops Billboard Chart
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
It’s not often that a Jewish rapper tops the Billboard album chart, so it seems worth noting the sudden rise of Mac Miller, a 19-year-old hip-hop star straight outta Pittsburgh.
Miller, whose real name is Malcolm McCormick, debuted in the No. 1 spot with debut record “Blue Slide Park,” selling more than 144,000 copies since last week. Without other major new releases, Miller beat out Top 10 releases from major stars such as Adele, as well as Christmas albums by Justin Bieber and Michael Buble.
The International Business Times attributes Miller’s strong sales in part to his savvy use of social media, and calls him a “serious musician who can play instruments,” despite song titles that include “Donald Trump” and “Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza.”
The International Business Times identifies Miller as Jewish, as does the rapper himself, who says he was raised Jewish and had a bar mitzvah.
The name McCormick, in case you’re curious, comes from the rapper’s non-Jewish father.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
