Mac Miller rewards followers with first listen

Mac Miller spread news about his new mixtape release party  in the same way he spread his music… Mac Miller spread news about his new mixtape release party  in the same way he spread his music — through social media.

The announcement of his Saturday night release party for Macadellic arrived via tweet to those who subscribe to his Twitter account. “#Macadellic shadow lounge tomorrow … be the first to hear it,” it announced on Friday.

The local underground rapper and social media superstar went back to his roots to release his new mixtape, Macadellic. Miller, who was born and raised in Point Breeze, got his start by performing at venues like the Shadow Lounge in Shadyside. He gained national attention by wielding social media tools like Facebook and Twitter.

Fans who showed up to the release party were thanked with free T-shirts and some grateful words from Miller.

“Thank you all for coming out. You were the first people to hear this,” Miller told about 150 people who showed up at the Shadow Lounge on Saturday night. “This is where I got my start. This exact stage right here was the first place I was rocking crowds … it’s cool to come back here and really have people come support what we’re doing.”

When Iliya Udler saw Miller’s Twitter post, he grabbed his little brother Ben and headed over the Shadyside from their home in Squirell Hill. Ben, 14, was one of the youngest person in attendance, but he didn’t let that — or the presence of his favorite artist — phase him. Coolly bobbing his head to the beat, Ben took in the new mixtape.

“It’s a different sound,” Ben said. “Better than his old stuff.”

Jimmy Murt, Miller’s stylist and friend of 14 years, said the whole event was spontaneous. Miller and his entourage, the Most Dope Crew, were hanging out at Miller’s studio, ID Labs in Lawrenceville, and putting the finishing touches on the mixtape when they decided to return to the Shadow Lounge and open up the release party to the local fans.

“Last night we just thought of it together,” Murt said.

Miller’s Macadellic tour started Sunday at Norfolk State University in Virginia. Miller will return to Pennsylvania April 4, to play a show at Penn State University.

As the music died down and people screamed their approval, Miller got in another parting statement.

“This music shit is about to be all about black and gold … drive safely, do drugs and have sex,” Miller said.