Kendrick Lamar Honors Mac Miller with Heartfelt Tribute

Kendrick Lamar is celebrating the life of Mac Miller.

In the wake of the Pittsburgh rapper’s death last Friday (Sept. 7), the Compton MC reflects fondly on his late friend’s life, legacy, and smile.

“Great musician, great writer,” the DAMN MC told Complex’s “Open Late.” “Just always had a smile on his face, and that’s something that I commend. No matter what he was going through, he didn’t make you feel sorry for him. He was strong about it.”

“No matter what he was going through… always kept a smile on his face because he wanted you to smile too.” @KendrickLamar remembers Mac Miller tonight on 'Open Late' 🙏 pic.twitter.com/x4dJ3enLfn

— Complex Open Late (@ComplexOpenLate) September 12, 2018

Lamar, who collaborated with Miller on “God Is Fair, Sexy Nasty” off 2016’s The Divine Feminine, said his positive energy was palpable. “He always kept a smile on his face because he wanted you to smile too, and that’s just something I always loved. No matter whatever personal issues, he gave you that energy.”

He continued, “It wasn’t no misery loves company with him. He showed a smile and you gave that smile right back. It made you feel good. So forever we gonna remember the life and we gonna remember that smile. Celebrate Mac Miller, love!”

Other rappers have also paid tribute to Miller, who died at the age of 26. J. Cole, Drake, G-Eazy, and Childish Gambino are among those who honored him during their recent shows and on social media.

On Tuesday evening (Sept. 11), thousands of Miller’s family, friends, and fans gathered at Blue Slide Park in Pittsburgh’s Frick Park to honor his life during a hometown vigil.

Miller’s body is being flown from L.A. to Pittsburgh for his funeral, which will be held at a chapel in his hometown later this week. He reportedly died from a drug overdose, but the L.A. County Coroner is awaiting toxicology results to determine an official cause of death.