Photos of Machine Gun Kelly showcase a rebellious and edgy vibe that’s hard to ignore, giving fans a glimpse into his creative world. Born Colson Baker, Machine Gun Kelly rose to fame in the mid-2010s with his chart-topping album “Hotel Diablo.”
He’s known for his provocative lyrics, eclectic fashion sense, and his ability to blend hip-hop with rock and electronic elements, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in contemporary music.
Overview of Machine Gun Kelly
Machine Gun Kelly is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer, born Colson Baker on April 22, 1990, in Houston, Texas. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio, at a young age, where he began developing his interest in music and poetry. With his early exposure to rap and hip-hop through the internet and local artists, he began rapping at the age of 14.
The name ‘Machine Gun Kelly’ originates from a 1955 song by the American singer Sammy Lerner, ‘The Machine GunKelly Song’. Kelly adopted the name as a stage persona, symbolizing his quick and aggressive flow in his rap music. His stage name is often associated with the notorious American outlaw George Kelly No. 2, also known as Machine Gun Kelly, famous for his crime spree during the 1930s.
Machine Gun Kelly’s music career began to take off in the early 2010s, when he started releasing mixtapes and gaining attention online. In 2012, he signed with Bad Boy Records, following a successful campaign and gaining popularity. He released his debut album ‘Hotel Diablo’ in 2019, which marked a turning point in his career, solidifying him as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Discography and Notable Songs
Machine Gun Kelly’s discography is a diverse and extensive catalog that showcases his growth as an artist. From his early days in hip-hop to his current status as a rock-infused rapper, MGK has consistently pushed the boundaries of his sound. His discography is a testament to his adaptability and creativity, with each album offering a unique blend of styles and themes.
- Early Work: Lace Up (2012), Hotel Diablo (2019)
- Mainstream Breakthrough: General Admission (2015), Bloom (2017)
- Rock Influenced Era: Tickets To My Downfall (2020), Mainstream Sellout (2022)
Notable Songs and Their Background Stories
MGK’s songs often reflect his personal experiences, emotions, and relationships. Let’s dive into some of his most popular tracks and explore their stories.
- Chopper:
Released in 2012, “Chopper” was one of MGK’s earliest singles. The song’s high-energy beat and rapid-fire flow showcased his technical skills and helped establish him as a rising star in hip-hop.
The song’s lyrics, however, were seen as problematic by some, with critics accusing MGK of glorifying violence and misogyny. MGK has since denied these claims, stating that the song was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek ode to his own rough upbringing.
- Wild Boy (ft. Waka Flocka Flame):
Released in 2011, “Wild Boy” was one of MGK’s first mainstream hits. The song’s catchy hook and aggressive beat made it a staple of early 2010s hip-hop.
The song’s lyrics, however, were seen as misogynistic and homophobic by some. MGK has since apologized for these lyrics, stating that he was trying to fit in with the hip-hop crowd at the time.
- Bad Things (ft. Camila Cabello):
Released in 2017, “Bad Things” was a surprise hit for MGK. The song’s catchy hook and pop-infused beat made it a staple of 2017’s radio airplay.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a tumultuous relationship, with MGK and Cabello trading verses about their respective demons and struggles.
- Chippass:
Released in 2019, “Chippass” was a single from MGK’s album Hotel Diablo. The song’s lyrics, however, were seen as homophobic and transphobic by some.
MGK has since apologized for these lyrics, stating that he was trying to explore themes of identity and self-discovery. He has also stated that he is committed to using his platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance.
MGK’s music often reflects his personal experiences and emotions, making his songs relatable and authentic.
Impact and Influence
MGK’s discography has had a significant impact on the music industry, particularly in the realms of hip-hop and rock. His unique blend of styles and themes has inspired a new generation of artists, who are pushing the boundaries of genre and sound.
- Influence on Hip-Hop:
MGK’s early work was heavily influenced by hip-hop’s Golden Era, with artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole often cited as influences. His later work, however, has seen him incorporating rock and pop elements, paving the way for future fusion of styles. - Pioneering Rock-Rap:
MGK’s albums Tickets To My Downfall and Mainstream Sellout have been credited with helping to popularize the rock-rap genre. Artists like Travis Barker and Yungblud have cited MGK as an influence, citing his ability to seamlessly blend genres. - Impact on Mental Health Awareness:
MGK’s music often deals with themes of mental health, trauma, and self-discovery. His album Hotel Diablo, in particular, has been credited with raising awareness about the struggles of growing up and the importance of seeking help.
Personal Life and Mental Health
Machine Gun Kelly’s personal life has been subject to public scrutiny, with various relationships and life experiences influencing his music and public persona. Born Colson Baker, Machine Gun Kelly has been open about his struggles with mental health and has used his platform to raise awareness.
Mental Health Struggles
Machine Gun Kelly has been open about his struggles with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. In an interview with Billboard, he mentioned that he has experienced suicidal thoughts since he was a teenager and that it took him years to seek help. This openness about his struggles has resonated with his fans, many of whom have shared their own experiences with mental health.
Impact on Music and Public Persona
Machine Gun Kelly’s life experiences have had a significant impact on his music and public persona. His struggles with mental health are often reflected in his songs, which frequently address themes of anxiety, depression, and self-empowerment. For example, his song “Bad Things” featuring Camila Cabello touches on the theme of overcoming struggles with mental health.
Relationships
Machine Gun Kelly has been in several high-profile relationships, including with Megan Fox, with whom he has a son. He has also been linked to several other celebrities, including Kendall Jenner and Kate Moennig. His relationships often make headlines, with fans eagerly following his romantic and personal life.
Mental Health Advocacy
Machine Gun Kelly has used his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues. He has shared his own experiences and struggles with mental health, encouraging his fans to do the same. He has also partnered with mental health organizations to promote awareness and support.
Breakthrough and Notable Collaborations
Machine Gun Kelly’s breakthrough in the music industry can be attributed to his work with notable collaborators. Some of his notable collaborations include Eminem, Yungblud, and Travis Barker, among others. These collaborations have helped to further establish him as a prominent figure in the music industry.
- Collaboration with Eminem – This collaboration led to a chart-topping hit “Bad Meets Evil” which marked a significant milestone for Machine Gun Kelly. It brought more attention to his name, and his fans grew, as did the public recognition of his potential.
- Rise in popularity – As he rose in popularity, so did the quality of content he was able to bring out. Fans were excited to hear him collaborate with other artists, knowing that his unique style, combined with the new artist’s style would make for incredible music.
Mental Health Awareness Campaigns
Machine Gun Kelly has been involved in various mental health awareness campaigns, including the 2020 World Mental Health Day campaign, where he shared his personal experiences and encouraged others to seek help. His involvement in these campaigns highlights his commitment to mental health awareness.
Controversies and Public Image
Machine Gun Kelly’s career has been marked by high-profile feuds and controversies that have significantly impacted his public image and music career. Despite his efforts to maintain a positive public persona, he has found himself at the center of various controversies, which have garnered widespread media attention.
Feuds with High-Profile Artists, Photos of machine gun kelly
Machine Gun Kelly has been involved in several high-profile feuds with notable artists, including Eminem, Tech N9ne, and Offset. These feuds have often played out in the press and on social media, with each artist trading barbs and engaging in a public back-and-forth. For instance, in 2020, Machine Gun Kelly and Eminem engaged in a high-profile feud, with Eminem releasing a song called “Killshot” that was widely seen as a diss track aimed at Machine Gun Kelly. In response, Machine Gun Kelly released a song called “Rap Devil” that was seen as a retaliation against Eminem.
Impact on Public Image and Music Career
The high-profile feuds and controversies that Machine Gun Kelly has been involved in have had a significant impact on his public image and music career. While some fans and critics have seen him as a bold and unapologetic artist, others have viewed him as reckless and attention-seeking. The intense media scrutiny surrounding his feuds has also drawn attention away from his music, with some critics arguing that his controversies have overshadowed his artistic achievements. However, others have seen his feuds as a marketing tool, helping to boost his visibility and appeal to a wider audience.
Strategies for Mitigating Negative Publicity
Despite the negative impact of his feuds and controversies on his public image and music career, Machine Gun Kelly has employed several strategies to mitigate the damage. One approach has been to use his social media presence to engage with fans and critics, addressing criticisms and controversies head-on and providing context and clarification on his actions. He has also sought to rebrand himself as a more nuanced and empathetic artist, incorporating elements of his personal life and struggles into his music and public persona. Additionally, he has made a conscious effort to focus on his music and artistic projects, releasing a string of successful albums and singles that have helped to shift the public’s focus away from his controversies and onto his artistic achievements.
Last Point
To sum it up, photos of Machine Gun Kelly are more than just a glimpse into his life – they’re a reflection of his fearless spirit, creativity, and passion for music. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his unique sound, one thing’s for sure: Machine Gun Kelly is not afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo.
Question Bank: Photos Of Machine Gun Kelly
Q: What’s Machine Gun Kelly’s real name? A: His real name is Colson Baker. Born to a Pentecostal preacher and a teacher, his family has had a significant influence on his life and music.
Q: What’s the inspiration behind his stage name? A: The name ‘Machine Gun Kelly’ is inspired by the rapping style of an early hip-hop artist named Machine Gun Kelly, also known as BG Knocc Out’s, who was a teenager when he was rapping with Machine Gun Kelly BG Knocc Out on one song.
Q: Is Machine Gun Kelly married? A: He was married in 2022 to Megan Fox, an American actress, and the couple has a child together.
