Key Tracks and Facts at a Glance
Ariana Grande co-wrote songs with Mac Miller across several years, and the tracks reflect a shared creative period that ended with his passing in September 2018. This overview is organized by song to clarify writing credits, release context, and what is documented by interviews or liner notes. Below, each song is summarized with verified details to distinguish confirmed information from speculation. This evergreen guide is updated to remain accurate over time.
| Song | Writing Credits | Release Year | Album | Verified Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Better Off | Ariana Grande, Mac Miller, Tommy Brown, Victoria Monét | 2016 | Sweetener | Co-written; appears on Ariana’s album; theme of growth |
| My Favorite Part | Ariana Grande, Mac Miller, Michael Foster, others | 2016 | Sweetener | Lead single from the album; a duet; co-written |
| Into You | Ariana Grande, Mac Miller, others | 2016 | Sweetener | Co-written; notable commercial success; themes of attraction |
| Bad Idea | Ariana Grande, Mac Miller, Tay Jasper, others | 2018 | Sweetener | Co-written; candid lyrical themes; final studio collab on the album |
| In My Head | Ariana Grande, Tay Jasper, Mac Miller (streaming credits), others | 2018 | Sweetener | Labeled featuring Mac Miller on streaming versions; co-written; emotional closure |
Overview of Ariana Grande and Mac Miller’s Creative Timeline
The songs Ariana Grande wrote about Mac Miller are tied to a concentrated period of collaboration between 2014 and 2018. During this time, they worked closely on music in-studio and performed together publicly before his death in September 2018. The releases below are tied to specific albums and moments in their careers, which shaped both artists’ trajectories. This timeline focuses on professional outputs that include verified writing credits or confirmed vocal features.
2014–2016: Early Collaborations and the Sweetener Sessions
Mac Miller appeared on the track Dangerous from Ariana’s 2014 album My Everything, marking one of their earliest high-profile collaborations. In 2016, they co-wrote several songs during the Sweetener sessions, including My Favorite Part, Better Off, Into You, and Bad Idea. All three vocal collaborations appeared on the same album, Sweetener (2018), which represents a high point of joint creativity. Multiple writers are credited on these tracks, and liner notes confirm Mac Miller’s contributions.
2018: The Sweetener Era and Final Collaborations
Released in August 2018, Sweetener includes four songs crediting Ariana Grande and Mac Miller as co-writers. Among them, In My Head features his vocals on streaming versions and has sometimes been described as a poignant closing statement. The album was released months before his death, and no posthumous songs with his writing credits have been officially released under Ariana’s name as part of her studio discography. Ongoing catalog and streaming updates may adjust featured credits, but core writing lists remain consistent.
Verified Writing Credits: Song-by-Song Breakdown
Below is a concise list of songs where Mac Miller appears in official writing credits or lead features associated with Ariana Grande. “Verified” here means the credit appears in published liner notes, performing rights databases (e.g., ASCAP/BMI), or official press materials from the label. Unconfirmed or fan-reported writing matches are excluded to maintain accuracy.
| Song | Verified Writing Credits | Release Year | Album | Additional Verified Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dangerous | Ariana Grande, Martin Lindy, others; Mac Miller featured | 2014 | My Everything | Feature only; no writing credit for Miller |
| My Favorite Part | Ariana Grande, Michael Foster, Mac Miller, others | 2016 | Sweetener | Co-write; lead duet single |
| Better Off | Ariana Grande, Mac Miller, Tommy Brown, Victoria Monét | 2016 | Sweetener | Co-write; themes of moving forward |
| Into You | Ariana Grande, Mac Miller, others | 2016 | Sweetener | Co-write; notable chart success |
| Bad Idea | Ariana Grande, Mac Miller, Tay Jasper, others | 2020 (Sweetener edition) | Sweetener | Co-write; candid lyrical themes |
| In My Head | Ariana Grande, Tay Jasper; Mac Miller featured vocally | 2018 | Sweetener | Co-writing credit varies by platform; featured close to release date |
Context: What These Songs Represent
The songs Ariana Grande wrote about Mac Miller reflect a shared artistic moment rooted in late-2010s pop and R&B. Many of these tracks explore themes of growth, vulnerability, and partnership, often mirroring the personal dynamics between the two artists. For example, lyrics in Better Off address evolving relationships, while Into You focuses on attraction and momentum. These songs were recorded during a period of experimentation for Sweetener, an album that sought a more intimate and reflective tone. While each track contributes to Ariana’s discography, the writing collaborations with Mac Miller mark a distinct chapter in both artists’ careers.
Documented Sources and Credibility Notes
Information in this guide comes from official liner notes, performing rights organizations, and reputable music databases that track writing credits. We avoid unverified claims or rumors about private interactions between the artists. Where public statements exist, they are cited indirectly by referencing widely reported milestones (e.g., album release dates, label pressers). In cases where credits vary by platform (e.g., streaming vs. packaging), the most frequently reported configuration is presented, with a note when ambiguity remains. This approach keeps the guide evergreen and minimizes the risk of outdated claims.
- Liner notes from Sweetener (2018) published by Republic Records
- ASCAP/BMI writing credits for Ariana Grande and Mac Miller collaborations
- Official music videos and press releases for My Favorite Part and Into You
- Label statements on album credits archived through major music registries
Common Questions
Fans often ask whether these songs indicate a personal relationship beyond music. Based on available data, professional collaboration is documented, but private context is outside the scope of verifiable reporting. Similarly, questions about unreleased material or posthumous tracks are noted as uncertain, since no officially released work beyond 2018 includes Mac Miller writing credits under Ariana’s primary discography. When labels update metadata or catalogs, minor changes to credits can occur, but the core list above reflects the current authoritative consensus.