Ariana Grande is reflecting on how Mac Miller influenced her music seven years after his death.

The singer made rare comments about her late ex during a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter for a live MasterClass held at Chapman University in Orange, Calif., earlier this month.

The pop star said that she was “very thankful” for “The Spins” artist for telling her to “do the brave thing” and create R&B-influenced pop music.

Grande, 32, explained that Miller’s encouragement was why she was “so eager” to ask the rapper to collaborate on their 2013 song, “The Way.”

“Not only because he was perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound,” she said.

Grande and Miller linked up again in 2016 to collaborate on his 2016 hit “My Favorite Part,” as well a

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