On and On and Beyond

Representing for Pittsburgh, Mac Miller is a self-made star, blowing up on the strength of multiple mixtapes (K.I.D.S., The High Life, The Jukebox, and Best Day Ever), a heavy Twitter presence, and catchy novelty singles like "Donald Trump." A close associate of fellow Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa, his style lies somewhere between G. Love & Special Sauce, Shwayze, and Asher Roth, with nonthreatening, slightly goofy verses about girls and himself, set to basic beats that fuse breezy guitar-laced pop with melodramatic synths and occasional forays into pseudo–Dirty South territory. On and On and Beyond is a six-track EP setting the stage for his proper debut album, Blue Slide Park, featuring four previously released joints and two new songs. It's ideal for listeners accustomed to a softer sound or those who prefer their rap accompanied with a little acoustic guitar and singing. Check out "Another Night" and "Put It On."