It is 2026, and if you walk onto any college campus or scroll through a trending video feed, you’re going to hear a very specific, pitched-up sample of Empire of the Sun. Then comes that laugh. That iconic, youthful, slightly mischievous Mac Miller chuckle. Honestly, it’s kind of wild that a track recorded in a bedroom over a decade ago is currently the Mac Miller most popular song by a landslide.
"The Spins" isn't just a song anymore. It is a permanent mood. As of early 2026, it has comfortably cleared the 1.1 billion stream mark on Spotify. It’s his first song to hit ten figures, and it doesn't show any signs of slowing down. But how did a "throwaway" mixtape track from 2010 beat out polished, chart-topping hits like "Self Care" or "Good News"?
The Unstoppable Rise of The Spins
Most people think a song's popularity is a straight line. You release it, it hits the radio, it dies. Mac didn't play by those rules. "The Spins" was part of K.I.D.S., a mixtape that basically defined the "frat rap" era. For years, it was a cult classic. Then, TikTok happened.
You've probably seen the videos. Graduation caps flying, people jumping into pools, or just general "main character" energy. The song became the global anthem for "having the time of your life." It’s basically a shot of dopamine in audio form.
Why it outran the hits
It’s easy to assume "Self Care" would be the biggest. It was his highest-charting single as a lead artist during his life, peaking at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s a masterpiece. It’s deep. But "The Spins" has this weird, untouchable longevity because it’s not tied to a specific emotion or tragedy. It’s just pure, unadulterated fun.
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- The Sample: Sampling "Half Mast" by Empire of the Sun was a stroke of genius. It feels nostalgic even if you've never heard it before.
- The Intro: "Oh, hi! Welcome back to K.I.D.S. / Um, I'm gonna follow my dreams." That line alone is legendary.
- The Vibe: It bridges the gap between old-school Mac fans and Gen Z kids who weren't even in middle school when he died.
Looking at the Hard Numbers in 2026
If we're talking strictly about the Mac Miller most popular song from a data perspective, the leaderboard has shifted a lot recently. Streaming is a marathon, not a sprint.
"The Spins" is sitting at the top with over 1.17 billion streams. Coming in second is "Self Care," which is hovering around 822 million. That’s a massive gap. Third place is "Weekend" featuring Miguel, which remains a staple for late-night playlists with about 763 million.
| Song Title | Approximate Spotify Streams (2026) |
|---|---|
| The Spins | 1.17 Billion |
| Self Care | 822 Million |
| Weekend (ft. Miguel) | 763 Million |
| The Way (Ariana Grande ft. Mac) | 565 Million |
| Good News | 518 Million |
Wait, what about "Good News"? It’s actually many people's favorite, but it’s a heavy listen. You don't usually put "Good News" on at a party. You listen to that when you're staring at the ceiling at 2 AM. Because of that, the "replayability" for the general public leans toward the upbeat tracks.
The Balloonerism Factor
Now, here is where things get interesting for the "real" fans. In 2025, the Mac Miller estate finally released Balloonerism. It was the "lost" album recorded between Watching Movies with the Sound Off and Faces.
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When it dropped, it absolutely blew up. It debuted at number 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Top Album Sales and Vinyl Albums. While it hasn't produced a "billion-streamer" yet, tracks from Balloonerism are starting to climb the ranks. It shows that even eight years after his passing, the demand for Mac’s voice is stronger than ever.
Misconceptions About His "Most Popular" Work
A lot of casual listeners think "Donald Trump" is his biggest song because of the controversy and the 2016 election cycle. It's not. It’s sitting at around 475 million streams. It’s a massive hit, sure, but it’s barely in his top ten now.
Another misconception? That "The Way" is his song. Technically, he’s the featured artist on that Ariana Grande track. It has huge numbers, but in the world of Mac Miller’s solo discography, "The Spins" is the undisputed king.
What This Means for New Listeners
If you're just getting into Mac, starting with the Mac Miller most popular song is actually a great strategy. "The Spins" gives you the energy. "Self Care" gives you the technical skill and the introspection. "Good News" gives you the soul.
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Mac's career was a metamorphosis. He went from a "snapback and sneakers" kid to a jazz-inflected, philosophical musician. The reason "The Spins" stays popular is that it reminds everyone of the beginning—the pure joy of a kid from Pittsburgh who just wanted to make music.
How to experience Mac Miller's catalog today
- Start with the Mixtapes: Go back to K.I.D.S. and Faces. These aren't just collections of songs; they are snapshots of his mental state at the time.
- Watch the Visuals: The "Self Care" video (where he's buried alive) and the "Good News" video (a surreal journey through his mind) provide context that audio alone can't.
- Check out the Live Sessions: If you want to see why he was respected by legends, watch the Live from Space versions or his Tiny Desk concert. His musicianship on "What's the Use?" is top-tier.
The landscape of music changes every week, but Mac's spot in the streaming world is locked in. Whether it's the viral power of a 16-year-old song or the emotional weight of a posthumous release, he remains one of the most consistent artists on the planet.
For those tracking the charts, keep an eye on "Self Care." With the way it’s currently being shared as a mental health anthem, it might just be the next one to join the billion-stream club. Until then, we’ll keep the sample looping and the dreams following.
Next Steps for the Fanbase:
If you want to support the legacy beyond just streaming, look into the Mac Miller Fund, which provides programming and opportunities to youth from underserved communities. You can also track official vinyl represses through the estate's website, as these releases often include "Vault" tracks that aren't always available on standard streaming platforms.