Ariana Grande has found a heartfelt way to honor her late ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller, through the release of the deluxe edition of her 2013 debut album Yours Truly. This reissue, which dropped on August 25, 2023, features a remastered version of their beloved collaboration, “The Way,” a track that helped launch Ariana’s career.
In a beautiful nod to Mac Miller, who tragically passed away in 2018, the newly updated version of “The Way” includes an orchestral string section that enhances Mac’s second rap verse. Additionally, a subtle tribute appears in the YouTube video for the remastered song, where the words “Feat. Mac Miller” linger on screen as the visuals fade to black. These touches reflect Ariana’s deep love and appreciation for Mac, a man who not only impacted her life but also shaped her musical journey.
In her Instagram post celebrating the album’s 10th anniversary, Ariana wrote, “Happy ten year anniversary to a project that changed my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening and for growing with me every step of the way.” She acknowledged the transformative power of the album, which launched her into superstardom and marked the beginning of a defining chapter in her life.
Beyond the updated version of “The Way,” the deluxe edition of Yours Truly includes live performances of tracks like “Baby I,” “Right There,” “Honeymoon Avenue,” and “Tattooed Heart,” offering fans a fresh way to experience her early work. Ariana also promised a “celebration program” on social media, which includes behind-the-scenes content and a special live performance video of “The Way,” set to be released on August 30. In her post, she added, “I hope you enjoy! Yours truly, Ariana.”
Ariana’s relationship with Mac Miller, born Malcolm McCormick, spanned from 2016 to 2018. Despite their breakup shortly before his death from an accidental overdose at 26, Ariana has continued to honor his memory in meaningful ways. In interviews, such as one with Vogue in 2019, she opened up about the profound impact his death had on her, revealing the struggle she faced as she tried to heal from such a painful loss.
“I was the glue for such a long time,” Ariana confessed. “But I found myself becoming…less and less sticky. The pieces just started to float away.” Her grief, she explained, was overwhelming, and navigating it publicly was a challenge. She acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining her professional persona while dealing with personal heartbreak, but ultimately, she described herself as “the luckiest girl in the world, and the unluckiest, for sure.”
Despite her own ongoing struggles, Ariana has consistently kept Mac’s legacy alive in her work. In 2019, she referenced him in her hit song “Thank U, Next,” and in 2020, she requested to play his songs “What’s the Use?” and “Blue World” during a live radio appearance, emphasizing how much his music meant to him and to the world.
Through the Yours Truly reissue, Ariana’s tribute to Mac Miller not only honors their past collaboration but also reflects her ongoing love and respect for the man who played such a pivotal role in both her life and music.