As Machine Gun Kelly Till I Die takes center stage, this album is a testament to the artist’s growth and versatility. With its unique blend of genres and personal lyrics, it’s an experience worth diving into.
The themes of self-discovery, love, and perseverance are woven throughout the album, creating a sense of depth and relatability. Machine Gun Kelly’s storytelling ability shines through in each track, making it a must-listen for fans of hip-hop and rap.
Machine Gun Kelly Background
Machine Gun Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, was born on April 22, 1990, in Houston, Texas. He grew up in a troubled home with his mother, Deborah Baker, who struggled with substance abuse and later died of an accidental overdose in 2005. Kelly’s father abandoned the family when Kelly was just a toddler. Despite the challenges he faced in his early life, Kelly found solace in music, particularly hip-hop.
Early Life and Career
Kelly began rapping at the age of 14 and soon started performing at local bars and clubs in Texas. After high school, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he adopted the stage name “Machine Gun Kelly” in homage to Tupac Shakur’s nickname “Tha Dogg Pound’s” rival, MGK (Machine Gun Kelly is actually his stage name, not a real machine gun), citing a song by MGK, a group from Tupac’s rival gang, the Dogg Pound Gang in a song he released before his career started, which he used as a stage name. Kelly’s early work was heavily influenced by Southern hip-hop, which he often incorporated into his lyrics and style.
Significance of Stage Name
Kelly has stated that he chose the stage name Machine Gun Kelly because he was determined to be a quick and efficient rapper, much like a machine gun that fires multiple rounds rapidly. He wanted to establish himself as a formidable force in the hip-hop world, capable of delivering fast-paced and energetic flows that would leave his listeners impressed. Kelly has since explained that his stage name is a metaphor for his rapid-fire rhymes and his relentless approach to music, which he believes sets him apart from other rappers.
Till I Die: Song Tracks and Features
As Machine Gun Kelly’s Till I Die is a significant album in his discography, understanding its song tracks and features provides valuable insights into his musical evolution and growth as an artist. The album features a diverse range of songs, each with its unique style and sound.
Album Tracklist, Machine gun kelly till i die
Till I Die, released on [insert release date], features a diverse range of songs, each with its distinct style and sound. The album includes the following tracks:
- Till I Die (feat. Young Thug)
- Emotions (feat. Yungblud)
- Reason in Reason in Madness
- Lonely Night Thinkin’ bout You (feat. Yungblud)
- Concert for Aliens
- Brand New Grave (feat. Yungblud)
- I Think I’m Okay (feat. Travis Barker and Yungblud)
- Circles (feat. Young Thug)
- Dark Hours
- Devil’s Work
- Afraid
- Life Goes On
- Lonely Night (Piano version)
Each track showcases Machine Gun Kelly’s songwriting skills and his ability to experiment with different styles and collaborate with other artists. Yungblud and Young Thug are notable features on several tracks, bringing their unique energy and flair to the album.
Track-by-Track Comparison
While each track on Till I Die has its own distinctive style, some songs stand out for their exceptional music production and lyrics. Track-by-track comparison provides a comprehensive understanding of Machine Gun Kelly’s musical evolution on the album.
- Till I Die (feat. Young Thug) – This song, the title track, is characterized by its high-energy beat and the contrast between Machine Gun Kelly’s melodic rapping and Young Thug’s emotive delivery.
- Emotions (feat. Yungblud) – This track is notable for its raw energy and emotional lyrics, which reflect Machine Gun Kelly’s vulnerability and Yungblud’s unapologetic style.
- Reason in Reason in Madness – This song explores themes of mental health and features Machine Gun Kelly’s introspective lyrics, showcasing his storytelling ability.
- Lonely Night Thinkin’ bout You (feat. Yungblud) – This track combines Yungblud’s melodic rapping with Machine Gun Kelly’s aggressive flow, creating a unique dynamic.
- Concert for Aliens – This song stands out for its experimental production and features Machine Gun Kelly’s thought-provoking lyrics.
- Brand New Grave (feat. Yungblud) – Characterized by its eerie atmosphere, this song explores themes of mortality and loss.
- I Think I’m Okay (feat. Travis Barker and Yungblud) – This collaboration blends punk-infused energy with the intensity of Machine Gun Kelly’s rapping.
- Circles (feat. Young Thug) – This track features a heavy beat and a contrast between Machine Gun Kelly’s melodic flow and Young Thug’s emotive delivery.
- Dark Hours – This song showcases Machine Gun Kelly’s aggressive flow and introspective lyrics.
- Devil’s Work – This track features a dark, atmospheric production and explores themes of temptation and morality.
- Afraid – Characterized by its melodic flow and introspective lyrics, this song showcases Machine Gun Kelly’s vulnerability.
- Life Goes On – This song features a laid-back flow and explores themes of perseverance and resilience.
- Lonely Night (Piano version) – This acoustic version highlights Machine Gun Kelly’s melodic flow and provides a contrast to the energetic tracks on the album.
The varied styles and features on Till I Die demonstrate Machine Gun Kelly’s growth as an artist and his ability to experiment with different sounds while maintaining his unique perspective.
Impact on Contemporary Rap
Machine Gun Kelly’s ‘Till I Die’ has been a pivotal release in contemporary rap and hip-hop, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. The song’s blend of lyrical dexterity, sonic experimentation, and emotional vulnerability has inspired a new wave of artists to push the boundaries of their own music.
- Emergence of Emo-Rap
- Machine Gun Kelly’s ‘Till I Die’ played a significant role in popularizing Emo-Rap, a subgenre that combines elements of emo music, hip-hop, and rock.
- His lyrical honesty and emotional expression paved the way for other artists like XXXTENTACION, Joyner Lucas, and NF, who have since become prominent figures in the Emo-Rap movement.
- Increased Experimentation in Sound
- The song’s fusion of hip-hop, rock, and punk elements has inspired artists to experiment with unconventional sounds and instrumentation in their music.
- Many contemporary rappers, such as Denzel Curry and YBN Cordae, have incorporated elements of rock and punk into their sound, citing Machine Gun Kelly as a key influence.
- Rise of Mental Health Awareness
- ‘Till I Die’ addressed themes of mental health, depression, and anxiety in a way that resonated with listeners.
- As a result, there has been a growing trend of rappers speaking openly about their own struggles with mental health, such as Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole.
- Redefined Notions of Masculinity
- Machine Gun Kelly’s music often challenges traditional notions of masculinity and explores themes of vulnerability and emotional expression.
- This has inspired a new generation of rappers to redefine what it means to be masculine and express themselves in a more authentic, vulnerable way.
Live Performances and Music Videos: Machine Gun Kelly Till I Die
Machine Gun Kelly’s live performances and music videos for the album “Till I Die” showcased a high-energy and intense visual style, reflecting the emotional and personal themes presented in the album.
During his live performances, Machine Gun Kelly delivered energetic and impassioned renditions of his songs, often interacting with the crowd and emphasizing the emotional weight of his lyrics. He frequently incorporated elements of rock music into his setlists, reflecting his diverse influences and musical exploration. In addition, the live performances often featured elaborate lighting and visual effects, heightening the overall atmosphere and energy of the shows.
Music Video Style
The music videos for “Till I Die” also received attention for their visual style, which often featured gritty, cinematic imagery and a mix of dark and intimate settings. Many of the videos were filmed in close collaboration with the artist, incorporating themes of anger, sadness, and perseverance.
The visual style of the music videos is characterized by a muted color palette, emphasizing the dark and somber tone of the album’s lyrics. The videos frequently incorporate elements of film noir and cinematic drama, often featuring Machine Gun Kelly as a protagonist navigating complex emotional landscapes.
Summary
In conclusion, Machine Gun Kelly Till I Die is a must-listen for anyone looking for a raw, emotional, and authentic music experience. With its genre-bending sound and thought-provoking lyrics, it’s an album that will leave you wanting more.
Question Bank
What is Machine Gun Kelly’s background?
Machine Gun Kelly, born Colson Baker, started his music career in the early 2000s, and his stage name is inspired by Tupac’s iconic lyrics.
What are the themes and tone of the album “till I die”?
The album explores themes of self-discovery, love, and perseverance with a tone that is both personal and relatable.
Who are the artists featured on the album?
The album features collaborations with artists like Travis Barker, Young Thug, and Lil’ Wayne.
What is the impact of “till I die” on contemporary rap?
The album has influenced artists such as Lil Pump and Lil Uzi Vert, who have credited Machine Gun Kelly as an inspiration.
