Rapper Mac Miller Returns To Frick Park Market

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Rap star Mac Miller has made it big, but he likes to come back home to Pittsburgh during breaks in his world tour.

The former Malcolm McCormick stopped for lunch at Frick Park Market in Point Breeze, which became a YouTube sensation in his first rap video.

He recalls working the candy counter years ago.

"I always wanted to live on top of the market, but I never had enough money to pay the rent," he laughs.

"Frick Park Market" is one of the cuts on Miller's first album, "Blue Slide Park."

The playground in Squirrel Hill inspired an album he says has sold 400,000 copies.

"We ended up making history with it," he said. "It was the first independent No. 1 album in 16 years."

The occasional return home are a break in a touring schedule that included 200 shows last year.

He met girlfriend Nomi Leasure at Allderdice High School. Did she anticipate his success?

"No, definitely, definitely didn't expect that, but once I really started listening to his music, I mean, it makes sense," she says.

The star of Blue Slide Park has only one regret.

"I never hit one home run here my whole life, you know that?"

At least, not until his album hit one out of the park.

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