The Unverified Number: How Many Times Did Ariana Grande Allegedly Call Mac Miller?

The question of "how many times did Ariana Grande call Mac Miller" is one of the most persistently searched and debated topics surrounding the tragic passing of the beloved rapper, Malcolm James McCormick. As of December 15, 2025, no official source, court document, or verified statement from either the Grande or Miller families has ever confirmed a specific number of calls, such as the widely circulated figure of 928 times. The number is a viral, unverified rumor that gained traction on social media, but the underlying curiosity speaks to the profound grief and public scrutiny that followed Miller’s death in 2018.

This article will unpack the origin of this viral claim, provide the essential facts about Mac Miller's life, and, more importantly, explore the genuine, public ways Ariana Grande has honored his memory, particularly through her music and recent, rare public admissions that offer a true glimpse into their deep connection.

Mac Miller: A Biographical Profile

Malcolm James McCormick, known professionally as Mac Miller, was an American rapper, singer, and record producer whose work blended hip-hop with jazz, funk, and soul, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted global fanbase. His legacy extends far beyond his relationship with Grande, cemented by a prolific career marked by raw emotional honesty and musical experimentation.

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• Full Name: Malcolm James McCormick
• Born: January 19, 1992, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Died: September 7, 2018, in Los Angeles, California
• Age at Death: 26
• Cause of Death: Accidental drug overdose, specifically a toxic mix of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol.
• Key Albums: Blue Slide Park (2011), Watching Movies with the Sound Off (2013), GO:OD AM (2015), The Divine Feminine (2016), Swimming (2018), and the posthumous Circles (2020).
• Relationship with Ariana Grande: The two collaborated on the 2013 single "The Way" and began a high-profile romantic relationship in 2016, which ended in May 2018, just months before his passing.

The Truth Behind the "928 Calls" Rumor

The specific figure of 928 calls, and similar claims of "over 900 times," is a piece of internet lore that has become inextricably linked to the narrative of Mac Miller's death. The short answer to the question is: there is no credible evidence to support the claim that Ariana Grande called Mac Miller's phone 928 times.

The Social Media Origin

The rumor appears to have originated and spread on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit shortly after Miller's passing. In the absence of confirmed details surrounding the final moments and communications leading up to the tragedy, this unverified number was created and amplified, playing into the intense public scrutiny and the unfortunate tendency of some to blame Grande for his death.

The Emotional Context of the Rumor

While the number itself is almost certainly fabricated, the context of the rumor—a desperate attempt to reach a loved one—resonates with the known facts of their relationship. Reports and Grande's own later statements confirm she was deeply concerned about his struggles with substance abuse. After his death, Grande shared a heartbreaking message, saying, "I'm so mad, I'm so sad I don't know what to do. you were my dearest friend. for so long. above anything else. i'm so sorry i couldn't fix or take your pain away. i really wanted to."

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The frequent calling, whether 928 times or simply a panicked, repeated attempt, stems from the very real and genuine concern she held for his health and well-being, both before and immediately after the tragic event. The rumor, therefore, captures the emotional truth of her profound grief, even if the statistic is false.

Ariana Grande’s Enduring Tributes and Recent Admissions (2024–2025)

Long after the initial wave of media coverage, Ariana Grande continues to honor Mac Miller, integrating his memory into her life and art. These tributes, especially her rare comments in late 2024 and 2025, offer a much more meaningful answer to the question of their connection than any unverified phone log.

The Musical Legacy in 'thank u, next'

Grande's 2019 album, thank u, next, is the most public documentation of her processing the loss. The title track contains the most famous reference, where she calls him an "angel" and sings the line: "Wish I could say, 'Thank you' to Malcolm / 'Cause he was an angel."

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Other songs on the album and her previous work are widely interpreted as tributes or reflections on their time together, building a topical authority around their shared musical history:

• "Imagine": A song reflecting on a simpler, private life she wished they could have had.
• "Ghostin": Widely regarded as the most direct expression of her grief, describing the feeling of having to hide her sadness for Mac while in a new relationship.
• "Better Off": A track from Sweetener (2018) that she confirmed was about realizing she was "better off" leaving the relationship due to his issues, a painful decision that underscores her concern.
• "The Way": Their first collaboration, a joyful track that remains a cornerstone of both their discographies.

Rare and Recent Public Comments (2024–2025)

In recent years, Grande has made rare, powerful admissions that demonstrate Miller's lasting influence, providing the most current and fresh information on their bond. During a recent live discussion, Grande reflected on their creative partnership and his mentorship.

She made a rare statement acknowledging his significant influence on her sound and career, confessing, "I've never said that," before detailing how his guidance was a major reason she wanted him to be featured on her first major single. She also expressed a deep, lingering regret, years after his passing, wishing she could properly thank him for his contributions to her life and music.

Furthermore, her 2024 album, Eternal Sunshine, continued to spark speculation, with fans and music critics analyzing tracks like "six thirty" and "just like magic" for subtle references, suggesting that Mac Miller's presence remains a powerful, if often private, entity in her creative universe.

Conclusion: The True Measure of Their Connection

While the exact number of times Ariana Grande may have called Mac Miller in his final hours—be it one, a dozen, or the unverified 928—remains unknown and likely irrelevant, the true measure of their connection is evident in the public record. The intense speculation and the viral nature of the "928 calls" rumor highlight the deep emotional impact his death had on the public and, most profoundly, on Grande herself.

The enduring tributes in her music, from the heart-wrenching honesty of "Ghostin" to the loving memory of "thank u, next," and her recent, heartfelt comments in 2024 and 2025, confirm a relationship built on deep friendship, mutual respect, and a shared passion for music. Her continued, subtle acknowledgments serve as a far more powerful and verified testament to their bond than any unproven statistic could ever be.