Mac Miller showcases incredible authenticity on the personal, groovy, and soulful, “What’s the Use?”, the 2nd official single from Swimming.

“I’m so above from beyond you take the drugs to make it up / Way up where we on, space, shuttle, Elon.”  Hmm, clearly Mac Miller seems to be in a weird place – a messy place if you will. It also seems that his new album, Swimming captures a variety of emotions and events affecting his life.  His latest single, “What’s the Use?” – the second official and third single overall from the LP – is a prime example of Miller being authentic and getting personal.  The results are awesome.

“What’s the Use?” is incredibly groovy, featuring throwback, soulful production.  One of the best features of the production is the active, robust bass line.  The vibe is clearly 70s soul/funk, and that’s a perfect fit from Mac Miller. Furthermore, he’s assisted with background vocals courtesy of Thundercat, Snoop Dogg, and Syd.  Awesome.  On the chorus, which commences “What’s the Use?”, Miller pop-raps about alcohol making him incredibly reminiscent.

“You can love it, you can leave it
And say you're nothing without it
Don’t let them keep you down
What if I don’t need it? There’s something about it
That just freaks me out
I just want another minute with it, fuck a little, what’s the use?
Never superficial you don’t know it when it hit you
Get a little sentimental when I’m off the juice.”

On the verses, his relationship and break-up with Ariana Grande seems to fuel his rhymes.  On the second verse, he mentions the haters trying to bring him down. “Look how far we came, still they throwin’ dirt on my name / But it never worried my brain.”

Final Thoughts

What’s the best way to describe “What’s the Use?” Besides the authenticity that Mac Miller showcases, the record is incredibly hypnotizing – groovy to the nth degree.  “Self-Care” was a great official start to Swimming, but arguably, “What’s the Use?” is even stronger.

Mac Miller • Swimming • Warner Bros. • Release: 8.3.18

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.