Mac Miller estate releases unheard Circles outtakes for charity

The family and estate of the late Mac Miller have announced a new collection of unreleased recordings from the Circles sessions, with all proceeds directed to charity. The project, which arrives five years after the original posthumous album, gives fans a glimpse into the creative process behind one of modern hip hop's most celebrated farewell records.

In a statement shared across social media, the estate confirmed that the outtakes were finished by producer Jon Brion, who had been working alongside Miller before his passing in September 2018. The release marks another chapter in the ongoing effort to preserve and share the artist's vast catalog while supporting causes he cared about deeply.

For Australian listeners, the timing lands during a strong period for local hip hop, with acts like Hilltop Hoods and Illy continuing to sell out venues across Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The global appetite for Mac Miller's music remains strong, and these sessions offer something rare in the streaming era.

Mac Miller's estate confirms the release

The Mac Miller Estate has officially announced the release of seven previously unheard outtakes from the Circles recording sessions. Titled Circles Outtakes: The Sessions, the collection will be available digitally and on vinyl starting next month.

According to the estate, the tracks were selected from over fifty demo recordings that Miller worked on during 2018. Producer Jon Brion, who completed the original Circles album after Miller's death, helped finalize the chosen songs.

The announcement comes alongside news that all net proceeds will go to the Mac Miller Fund, a charitable organization supporting youth arts programs and mental health initiatives. This reflects Miller's known interests in supporting emerging artists and providing resources for young people navigating creative careers.

Comparing Circles to the new sessions

The new collection shares sonic DNA with the original album while showcasing different facets of Miller's artistry.

Aspect Circles (2020) Circles Outtakes (2025)
Release year January 2020 October 2025
Number of tracks 12 7
Producer Jon Brion Jon Brion
Genre focus Lo-fi, jazz rap, introspective Experimental, raw demos
Chart performance US #3, UK #4 TBD
Charity component Partial proceeds All net proceeds

The table illustrates how the outtakes serve as both a companion piece and a standalone experience. Where Circles presented a polished, cohesive vision, the new sessions lean into the creative spontaneity of Miller's process.

Why these outtakes were held back until now

Estate representatives explained the timing during a recent press briefing. They noted that the family needed time to grieve and reflect before releasing additional material.

Miller died on September 7, 2018, from an accidental drug overdose. He was 26 years old. The original Swimming album had been released just a month prior, and work on Circles was still ongoing.

Brion and the estate spent the following years completing Circles, which arrived in January 2020. The outtakes represent material that didn't fit the original album's narrative but showed promise as standalone works.

This measured approach has become standard for posthumous releases, with estates carefully balancing fan demand with respect for the artist's legacy. Similar strategies have been used for catalogs from Nipsey Hussle and Pop Smoke.

Australian hip hop remembers Mac Miller

Mac Miller's influence extends deep into Australian hip hop culture. Adelaide's Hilltop Hoods have cited his independent approach as inspiration for their own Golden Era Records label, while Melbourne-based rapper Illy has spoken publicly about Miller's impact on his songwriting.

In Sydney, the annual Listen Out festival has featured tribute sets dedicated to Miller's catalog. Local crews in Brisbane and Perth have organized listening parties for both Swimming and Circles over the past several years.

The new outtakes are expected to resonate particularly with Australian fans who discovered Miller through platforms like Triple J, which championed his work since the early 2010s. Triple J's Like a Version segment featured Miller performing in 2016, introducing him to a broader Australian audience.

Melbourne's vinyl culture also plays a role, with record stores like Northside Records and Plug Seven already placing pre-orders for the physical release. Local communities have organized listening events in cities including Adelaide, Sydney and Perth.

Where the funds are going

The Mac Miller Fund supports several key initiatives. The three primary areas of focus include:

These categories reflect Miller's own journey as a young artist who benefited from community support. The fund has previously donated to organizations across the United States, with growing interest in expanding partnerships internationally.

Independent editorial coverage of music-related charity work offers useful context on how artist estates approach philanthropy.

Stream the sessions and support the cause

Fans looking to experience the new collection can find it across major streaming platforms beginning October 17. Physical editions, including a limited colored vinyl pressing, will ship in November.

Here are some ways to support the charity directly:

The release represents more than just new music. It reflects the lasting bond between Miller and his listeners, while showing how his creative vision continues to shape new generations of artists and fans.