Kicking off with machine gun kelly vs eminem, this intense battle of wits and lyrical prowess has taken the hip-hop world by storm. With careers spanning decades, both artists have built a reputation for their unapologetic lyrics and unfiltered opinions.
From their early days as rising stars to their current status as hip-hop heavyweights, eminem and machine gun kelly have been making waves in the music industry for years. But it wasn’t until 2018 that their long-standing feud came to a head with a series of diss tracks that would leave fans and critics alike questioning their sanity.
Behind the Mic: Unpacking the Feud Between Machine Gun Kelly and Eminem
The rivalry between Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Eminem has been one of the most talked-about topics in the music industry recently. With both artists having a significant following and a history of provocative lyrics, their feud has been a perfect storm of entertainment and controversy.
The background of their feud dates back to 2018, when MGK released a song called “Rap Devil” in response to Eminem’s diss track “Not Alike” from his album “Kamikaze”. “Rap Devil” contained some lines that many interpreted as a direct attack on Eminem, leading him to issue a follow-up diss track “Killshot” later that year.
Machine Gun Kelly’s Career Rise to Fame
Born Colson Baker, Machine Gun Kelly, started his career as a street artist and rapper in Cleveland, Ohio. He released his debut mixtape “Stamp of Approval” in 2006, which gained moderate attention. However, it was his debut studio album “Lace Up” released in 2012 which brought him mainstream recognition. Since then, he has released several successful albums, including “General Admission” (2015) and “Hotel Diablo” (2019).
MGK’s unique style and energetic live performances have endeared him to a new generation of music fans. His music often deals with themes of personal struggles, relationships, and social issues.
Eminem’s Rise to Fame and Enduring Legacy
Marshall Mathers, better known as Eminem, is widely regarded as one of the most successful rappers of all time. Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Eminem’s early career involved performing in local Detroit rap battles. He gained fame with his major-label debut album “The Slim Shady LP” in 1999, which sold over 4.4 million copies in the United States alone.
With a career spanning over two decades, Eminem has released numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including “The Marshall Mathers LP” (2000), “The Eminem Show” (2002), and “The Eminem Show: Deluxe Edition” (2010). Throughout his career, he has been known for his provocative and often provocative lyrics, as well as his unique style of storytelling and lyrical dexterity.
MGK and Eminem both have an intense passion for their craft and a strong connection with their fans, but their differing backgrounds, styles, and worldviews have laid the groundwork for their notable feud.
MGK, a native of Cleveland, has been known to frequently reference the city in his lyrics and has become a staple in the hip-hop scene. Eminem, on the other hand, has long been a Detroit native and has proudly represented the city throughout his career.
Other Notable Rivalries in Hip-Hop, Machine gun kelly vs eminem
Eminem has had his fair share of notable rivalries throughout his career, including with Insane Clown Posse, Ja Rule, and Benzino. MGK has had his own run-ins with other notable artists, including Tech N9ne and Trippie Redd.
The intensity of the feud has led MGK to express his admiration for his musical heroes and emphasize that the lyrical exchange has not deterred him from pursuing his passion.
MGK and Eminem – What’s Next?
As the feud continues, fans can expect to see even more heated exchanges from both parties. However, with each diss track, the feud has only solidified their status as two of the most respected MCs in the game. Despite the controversy, the two have shown an unwavering dedication to their craft.
Early Conflict and Insults: Machine Gun Kelly Vs Eminem
The tension between Machine Gun Kelly and Eminem had been simmering under the surface for years, with early signs of tension visible as early as 2012. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that the feud escalated into a full-blown public spat.
A key early sign of tension between Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Eminem was a perceived slight made by MGK in his 2012 mixtape, ‘Lace Up’. In the track ‘No Reason’, MGK rapped about Eminem, calling him out for his past controversies and criticizing his behavior. This perceived jab may have been the catalyst for Eminem’s eventual retaliation.
Key Lyric or Song that Sparked the Feud
Eminem’s song ‘Killshot’ (2018) is often cited as the starting point of the feud, where he rapped about his daughter, Hailie, and called MGK out for a relationship that allegedly involved Hailie when she was a teenager. MGK eventually responded with his song ‘Rap Devil’ (2018), which was seen as a thinly veiled diss track aimed directly at Eminem.
MGK’s ‘Rap Devil’ sparked a heated exchange of diss tracks between the two rappers, with each artist trading bars and insults in an effort to outdo one another. The diss tracks continued to escalate over the coming months, with each artist pushing the other to new heights of venom and vitriol.
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Eminem’s ‘Not Alike’ (2018)
In this track, Eminem takes aim at MGK, calling him out for his alleged affair with Hailie. The song features Eminem rapping about MGK’s past relationships and his behavior towards Hailie.
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Machine Gun Kelly’s ‘Rap Devil’ (2018)
MGK’s track ‘Rap Devil’ is seen as a direct response to Eminem’s ‘Killshot’. MGK raps about Eminem’s past controversies and his treatment of Hailie.
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Machine Gun Kelly’s ‘I Think I’m Okay’ (2019)
MGK included a subtle diss towards Eminem in his song ‘I Think I’m Okay’, which was seen as an extension of his ongoing feud with the rap legend.
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Eminem’s ‘Killshot 2’ (2020)
In a surprise drop, Eminem released ‘Killshot 2’, a track that addressed MGK’s ‘Rap Devil’ and other previous diss tracks aimed at the rapper. The track saw Eminem doubling down on his insults of MGK and defending his past behavior.
MGK would eventually retaliate with his own diss tracks, each designed to take down Eminem’s ego and reputation. The beef continued to escalate throughout 2020, with both artists trading blows in a heated game of rap-one-upmanship.
Eminem vs Machine Gun Kelly Diss Tracks
The diss track battle between Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly has been making headlines for months. This intense rap feud has been a rollercoaster ride for fans and both artists, with each side unleashing scathing lyrics aimed directly at their opponent. In this section, we’ll dive into the names of the infamous diss tracks, their impact on the artists’ public image, and their career trajectories.
Diss Tracks Released by Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly
Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly took turns firing at each other with diss tracks. Eminem’s ‘Killshot’ dropped on October 31, 2018, and directly aimed at Machine Gun Kelly. However, the rapper’s response, ‘Rap Devil,’ wasn’t the only diss track he released in this feud. In 2019, he also dropped some new verses in the song ‘Kamikaze’ targeted directly at Machine Gun Kelly.
The other side of the feud saw Machine Gun Kelly responding strongly to Eminem’s diss tracks. His ‘Rap Devil’ not only answered back but also showed his capability to deliver impactful rap music that can cause serious damage to Eminem’s image. In his ‘Hotel Diablo,’ Machine Gun Kelly included more verses that were perceived as a direct attack on Eminem.
| Artist | Diss Track | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Eminem | Killshot | October 31, 2018 |
| Eminem | Rap God (featuring Kamaiyah) | Not part of the main feud |
| Machine Gun Kelly | Rap Devil | September 3, 2022 was incorrect; it is believed to have been released September 3, 2018 (on same day ‘Kamikaze’) |
| Machine Gun Kelly | Hotel Diablo (featuring Young Thug) | May 31, 2019 |
Impact of Diss Tracks on Their Public Image and Career
The impact of the diss tracks is still debated among fans and critics, with differing opinions on which side gained or lost ground in the public image stakes.
Machine Gun Kelly’s response to Eminem had been criticized, and it’s argued that his diss tracks had fewer effects than his opponent, although it remains a significant point of contention for fans and critics alike. However, the rapper has demonstrated resilience in his career and is still making impactful appearances.
Eminem’s diss tracks, on the other hand, garnered a lot of attention but some have said it may have been at the expense of his image. In his ‘Kamikaze,’ Eminem released harsh verses that included several personal attacks and it may have alienated some long-time fans. However, his fans will continue to defend their icon. Some fans see Eminem’s behavior as an example of his unwavering loyalty to his craft, while others call it unprofessional and a sign of a growing ego.
Musical Style Comparison
The feud between Machine Gun Kelly and Eminem has raised interesting questions about the evolution of their musical styles over time, and how these styles may have contributed to the tension between them. While both rappers have been prominent figures in the hip-hop industry for over two decades, their styles have evolved significantly, reflecting changes in their personal lives, experiences, and creative visions.
Machine Gun Kelly, born Colson Baker, has a unique blend of hardcore hip-hop, rock, and punk influences in his music. His early work with EST 19XX and subsequent solo efforts showcased a raw, emotive, and often provocative style that drew attention from fans and critics alike. His flow is rapid-fire, and he frequently explores themes of personal struggle, relationships, and self-discovery in his lyrics.
Eminem, on the other hand, is a pioneer of complex, storytelling-driven lyricism in hip-hop. With his alter egos Slim Shady and others, he pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in rap music, incorporating dark humor, satire, and social commentary. Throughout his career, Eminem has experimented with various styles, from the early days of ‘The Slim Shady LP’ to more introspective and personal works like ‘The Marshall Mathers LP 2’. His flow is marked by intricate rhyme schemes, multi-syllable wordplay, and a mastery of language that’s hard to match.
Divergent Influences
Machine Gun Kelly’s style is largely rooted in the underground hip-hop scene of the 2000s, which emphasized raw energy, lyrical complexity, and a DIY ethos. In contrast, Eminem’s work has been shaped by a broader range of influences, including rock, pop, and classic hip-hop, as well as his own experiences growing up in poverty and navigating the early days of the Detroit hip-hop scene.
Machine Gun Kelly’s early work, in particular, drew from the punk and hardcore influences of Cleveland’s hip-hop scene, where he cut his teeth as an artist. His music often reflects this gritty, unpolished style, with lyrics that tackle personal issues and social struggles with unflinching honesty. While Eminem has undoubtedly had a significant influence on hip-hop, his style has always been more refined and calculated, leveraging the complexity of his language to convey a wide range of emotions and perspectives.
Contribution to the Feud
The differences in their styles may have contributed to the tension between Machine Gun Kelly and Eminem, particularly when considering their differing approaches to addressing past and present conflicts in their lyrics. Machine Gun Kelly’s fast-paced, emotive delivery often prioritizes raw expression, sometimes bordering on reckless, while Eminem’s more measured, calculated style tends to emphasize precision and control.
In their respective diss tracks, these stylistic differences become increasingly apparent. Machine Gun Kelly’s response to Eminem’s lyrical attacks was swift and uncompromising, with lyrics that targeted the perceived hypocrisy and cruelty of Eminem’s words. In contrast, Eminem’s response was more calculated and deliberate, utilizing his mastery of language to craft a series of intricate, multi-layered bars that mocked Machine Gun Kelly’s perceived vulnerabilities and insecurities.
Industry Impact
The feud between Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Eminem has sent shockwaves throughout the hip-hop industry, sparking a chain reaction of reactions and realignments. As both artists are well-established in the genre, their publicized disagreements have captivated fans and industry professionals alike, ultimately shaping the musical landscape in profound ways.
The Machine Gun Kelly-Eminem feud has influenced artists, labels, and fans with its unpredictable trajectory, pushing the boundaries of lyrical intensity and sparking debates about the limits of personal attack and free speech in hip-hop.
Artistic Response and Creativity
MGK and Eminem’s feud has encouraged other artists to explore controversy and creative expression, sometimes bordering on provocative and explicit, pushing the limits of acceptable language in popular music. Their highly publicized feud has opened the door for more confrontational and polarizing content, inspiring some artists to adopt a more provocative and bold approach to their craft.
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The feud has inspired a new wave of artists embracing controversy and boldness in their music.
For example, artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Travis Scott have released songs and albums that address personal and emotional struggles, showcasing their willingness to confront the complexities and difficulties of their own lives through their music. -
Celebrity feuds have become a staple of the music industry, with many stars using social media to air their grievances and engage with their fans.
With the advent of social media, the music industry has shifted toward a more interconnected and transparent model, where artists can share their personal thoughts and perspectives directly with their audience, increasing their influence and reach. -
The hip-hop industry has become increasingly global, with artists and fans from diverse cultures and backgrounds contributing to the ever-evolving music landscape.
This global reach has brought new perspectives and voices to the industry, enriching the musical experience and challenging traditional notions of hip-hop as a primarily African American genre.
Commercial Consequences
MGK and Eminem’s feud has also had a tangible impact on their commercial fortunes, attracting new listeners to MGK’s music and boosting Eminem’s sales. While the exact financial implications of the feud are difficult to quantify, it’s undeniable that both artists have benefited financially from the widespread attention and interest in their music.
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Both artists have seen significant spikes in streaming and sales after their high-profile feud.
According to music streaming platforms, MGK has experienced increased stream counts and album sales, likely due to the attention and curiosity surrounding his feud with Eminem. -
Eminem, the elder statesman, has seen a resurgence in popularity, with many fans revisiting his classic hits and purchasing new music.
Eminem’s storied career and reputation have made him a household name, but the feud with MGK has reignited interest in his music, propelling him to new heights in the streaming era.
Last Word
As the dust settles on this epic clash, it’s clear that machine gun kelly vs eminem has left an indelible mark on the hip-hop landscape. With its blend of personal attacks, lyrical one-upmanship, and high-octane production, this feud has captivated fans and sparked a wider conversation about the role of beefs in shaping an artist’s career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the feud between Machine Gun Kelly and Eminem?
It all started when Machine Gun Kelly released a freestyle in 2017 that referenced Eminem’s daughter, Hailie, which Eminem took as a personal attack.
How did Machine Gun Kelly respond to Eminem’s diss tracks?
With a flurry of lyrical barbs and clever wordplay, Machine Gun Kelly managed to gain sympathy from fans and critics alike, who saw him as the underdog in the feud.
What impact has the feud had on the hip-hop industry?
The Machine Gun Kelly vs Eminem feud has highlighted the importance of authenticity and originality in hip-hop, as well as the blurred lines between personal and professional boundaries in the music industry.
How has Eminem’s history of beefs influenced his career?
Eminem’s history of feuds has cemented his reputation as a provocateur and a master of lyrical one-upmanship, making him one of the most influential and respected figures in hip-hop.
