Mac Miller is hip hop’s rising valedictorian. Photography by Adam Milliron.

Mac Miller and I just vocally collaborated. Standing together on the roof of the Cardello Building, overlooking Pittsburgh’s North Shore, we’re exchanging phone numbers for a follow-up chat, and rather than recite the digits, he delivers them like lyrics in a verse.

It brings to my mind the 2005 song by rapper Mike Jones called “Back Then.” Out of my mouth flow the lyrics, “281-330-eight-zero-zero-fo’,” and Miller quickly chimes back, “Hit Mike Jones up on the low, cause Mike Jones about to blow.”

Talk about a defining moment — all of my incessant listening to hip hop music has paid off, and a song that’s come onto shuffle on my iPod one too many times is allowing me to spit a line with one of my favorite artists, on a rooftop in the city where we both grew up.

The metaphor is undeniable on this particular Monday afternoon. It’s as hot a day as we’ve seen the entire summer, and Miller’s career is no different — he’s on fire. Of course, with increased fame comes a hectic schedule, but as Miller floats around the rooftop, cracking jokes and keeping an endless grin going, it’s easy to see that he hasn’t forgotten how to have fun. CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING