In addition to several other music collaborations, Thundercat frequently worked with late rapper Mac Miller on a number of songs, including Miller's 2018 song "What's the Use?" and Thundercat's "Hi" off his 2017 album "Drunk." Putting aside their professional work together, the pair were also very close friends, and when Miller died unexpectedly in 2018, Thundercat took the loss hard.
Thundercat spoke with NPR on the loss of Miller and his influence on Thundercat's latest album, "It Is What It Is," saying, "I mean, it's hard to see clearly through the pain of losing him. I think Mac's spirit always was very influential, ever since I met him, in my attitude about recording; just the way I would go about recording sometimes, I knew it's something I had learned working with Mac. I mean, even on the album, I'm kind of saying goodbye to him a bit."
Miller's 30th birthday just passed on Jan. 19, and to honour him, Thundercat wrote an open letter in "Rolling Stone," writing in part, "I'm happy that I've gotten to know you and spend this time with you because your life changed my life. I hope that wherever you are, you're still changing people's lives. Love, Thundercat."