Balloonerism

Alim Smith's haunting painted portrait of Mac Miller emerged as the visual heart of Balloonerism, a posthumous album that Miller himself had commissioned artwork for years before his death. The painting, featuring Miller rendered in Smith's distinctive Afro-Surrealist style, became the foundation for a Grammy-nominated album package that would honor the late rapper's experimental vision.

Miller recorded Balloonerism in 2014 around the time of his mixtape Faces, but the project remained unreleased during his lifetime. According to his estate, Miller had commissioned Smith to create artwork specifically for this album in 2016, demonstrating the importance he placed on the visual presentation of this deeply personal work.

Smith posted a similar image on Instagram in September 2018, just weeks before Miller's death. Miller himself commented on the post with simply "Need this," revealing his enthusiasm for the artist's interpretation of his likeness. This interaction would prove to be one of the last documented exchanges about the album's visual direction.

The final package design was executed by Portuguese designer Bráulio Amado, who was contacted by Miller's brother to complete the visual concept. Amado incorporated Smith's painting alongside collages and a pop-up element that literally emerges from the vinyl cover, creating what he described as an effort to "eternize this musician."

Amado, born in Almada in 1987 and based in New York since 2011, brought his experience designing for Frank Ocean, Rex Orange County, and Róisín Murphy to the project. He described putting "double effort" into this particular cover, understanding the significance of creating something meaningful for Miller's devoted fanbase.

The album package received widespread recognition, earning Amado and Smith a Grammy nomination for Best Recording Package in 2026. Amado noted the special responsibility he felt in handling Miller's legacy, saying the project was particularly meaningful because it allowed him to create something lasting for the rapper's fans.

Miller's estate released a statement explaining that the album "was of great importance to Malcolm" and that he had "regularly had discussions concerning when it should be released." The decision to finally release Balloonerism came partly because unofficial versions had circulated online for years among dedicated fans.

The visual design reflects the album's ethereal, experimental nature - described by one observer as "opiate-impressionist exploration of mortality." Smith's painting captures Miller in a dreamlike state that mirrors the album's introspective musical content, recorded during what many consider the most pivotal year of his creative evolution.

Smith's artistic background in Afro-Surrealism brought a unique perspective to Miller's image, transforming the rapper into an almost mythical figure. The painting technique emphasizes texture and emotional depth rather than photographic realism, creating a timeless quality that transcends typical hip-hop portraiture.

The Grammy nomination placed Balloonerism's package design alongside work by established artists like Bruce Springsteen and Duran Duran. This recognition validated the artistic merit of posthumous album presentation and highlighted the importance of visual art in hip-hop culture.

The final package represents a rare collaboration across time and geography - an American rapper's vision realized by a Portuguese designer using artwork by an Afro-Surrealist painter. This international creative partnership demonstrates how visual art can transcend cultural boundaries to honor musical legacy.

The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 in January 2025, exactly five years after Miller's first posthumous album Circles. The timing, just two days before what would have been Miller's 33rd birthday, added emotional weight to the visual presentation.

Amado revealed that Miller's brother assured him "Mac would have loved" the final design. This family approval provided validation for the creative risks taken in completing an album package that Miller himself would never see finished, yet had clearly envisioned as an essential part of his artistic statement.