Machine Gun Kelly, also known as MGK, is a multi-talented artist who first gained recognition in the rap industry. Born as Colson Baker on April 22, 1990, in Houston, Texas, he later moved to the Cleveland suburb of Shaker Heights, where he spent his formative years. It was here that MGK began his journey into the world of music.
MGK’s passion for rapping started at a young age. Inspired by artists such as Eminem, Ludacris, and DMX, he began writing and recording his own rap songs in his teenage years. His raw talent and dedication soon caught the attention of the local hip-hop scene in Cleveland.
In 2006, at the age of 16, MGK released his debut mixtape titled “Stamp of Approval.” This marked the beginning of his official rap career. He continued to release mixtapes independently over the next few years, including “Homecoming” in 2008 and “100 Words and Running” in 2010. These early projects showcased MGK’s unique style and lyrical abilities, setting the stage for his future success.
In 2011, MGK caught the attention of rapper and entrepreneur Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, who signed him to his record label, Bad Boy Records. This major breakthrough provided MGK with a platform to reach a wider audience and further establish himself as an artist.
The following year, in 2012, MGK released his debut studio album titled “Lace Up.” The album peaked at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart and solidified his position in the rap industry. It featured collaborations with prominent artists such as Waka Flocka Flame, Young Jeezy, and Tech N9ne. The album’s lead single, “Wild Boy” featuring Waka Flocka Flame, became a commercial success and garnered widespread attention.
MGK’s success in the rap genre continued with subsequent projects, including his second studio album, “General Admission” in 2015, and his third studio album, “Bloom” in 2017. These albums showcased his evolution as an artist, experimenting with different sounds and incorporating elements of rock and pop into his music.
However, MGK’s artistic journey didn’t end there. In 2020, he made a bold shift in his musical style and ventured into the pop-punk genre with his fifth studio album, “Tickets to My Downfall.” This unexpected transition was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, earning him his first number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart.
MGK’s decision to explore new genres demonstrated his versatility as an artist and his willingness to push boundaries. His transition from rap to pop-punk showcased his growth and evolution as a musician, gaining him a whole new fanbase in the process.
Machine Gun Kelly’s rap career began in his teenage years, where he honed his skills and garnered attention in the local hip-hop scene. Through a combination of hard work, talent, and the support of industry professionals, he rose to prominence with his debut studio album, “Lace Up.” Since then, he has continued to evolve as an artist, exploring different genres and solidifying his place in the music industry. MGK’s journey serves as a testament to his dedication and passion for his craft.
When Did MGK Start Doing Music?
Machine Gun Kelly, also known as MGK, began his music career in the late 2000s. He released his first mixtape, “Stamp of Approval,” in 2007, which helped him gain local recognition in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. In the following years, MGK continued to release mixtapes, including “Homecoming” (2008), “100 Words and Running” (2010), and “Lace Up” (2010).
However, it was in 2012 that MGK’s music career took a significant leap forward. He signed with Bad Boy Records and released his debut studio album, “Lace Up.” This album achieved commercial success, peaking at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart. One of the standout tracks from the album was “Wild Boy,” featuring Waka Flocka Flame, which became MGK’s breakout single.
MGK started his music journey in the late 2000s, gaining attention through several mixtape releases. However, it was in 2012 with the release of his debut studio album, “Lace Up,” that he found mainstream success and recognition.
Who Was The First MGK?
The first MGK, or Machine Gun Kelly, was George Kelly Barnes. He was born on July 18, 1895, in Cleveland, Ohio. Kelly gained notoriety for his criminal activities, particularly his involvement in the kidnapping of oil tycoon and businessman Charles F. Urschel in July 1933.
The kidnapping of Urschel was a high-profile case at the time. Kelly and his gang successfully collected a hefty ransom of $200,000 for Urschel’s release, making headlines across the country. This incident solidified Kelly’s reputation as a criminal and earned him the nickname “Machine Gun Kelly.”
Eventually, Kelly’s criminal activities caught up with him. He was arrested by the FBI in September 1933 and sentenced to life imprisonment at the Leavenworth Penitentiary in Kansas. Despite his nickname, there is no evidence to suggest that Kelly was particularly proficient with firearms or that he used a machine gun extensively.
Kelly spent the rest of his life in prison and died on his 59th birthday, July 18, 1954, while still incarcerated at Leavenworth Penitentiary. His criminal legacy and the infamous Urschel kidnapping continue to be a part of American criminal history.
Did MGK Quit Rapping?
Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) has not quit rapping. While he has ventured into the pop-punk genre and found success there, he has not left the rap game behind. MGK started his career as a rapper and gained recognition for his rapid-fire delivery and aggressive style. He gained popularity in the hip-hop community with his mixtapes and studio albums.
However, in recent years, MGK has explored different genres and experimented with his sound, including pop-punk. This shift was evident in his 2020 album “Tickets to My Downfall,” which embraced a more rock-oriented sound. The album received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard 200 chart.
Despite his success in pop-punk, MGK has continued to release rap music. In 2020, he released a rap EP titled “Binge,” which featured tracks like “Rap Devil” and “Lately.” He has also collaborated with various artists from the rap industry, such as Yungblud, Chief Keef, and Trippie Redd.
MGK’s ability to blend different genres and switch between rap and pop-punk demonstrates his versatility as an artist. He continues to showcase his rap skills in his music, proving that he has not quit rapping but instead expanded his musical horizons.
Machine Gun Kelly has not quit rapping. While he has found success in the pop-punk genre, he continues to release rap music, collaborate with rap artists, and showcase his rap skills in his music. MGK’s exploration of different genres demonstrates his versatility as an artist.
Did Machine Gun Kelly Start As A Rapper?
Machine Gun Kelly started his career as a rapper. Born as Colson Baker, he hails from Texas but was raised in the Cleveland suburb of Shaker Heights. Machine Gun Kelly began making music at a young age and gained recognition in 2009 when he made headlines as the first rapper to win amateur night at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. His success at the Apollo Theater marked a significant milestone in his rap career, as it showcased his talent and helped him gain attention in the music industry. Since then, Machine Gun Kelly has continued to pursue his passion for rap and has released several successful albums and singles, solidifying his position in the hip-hop scene.
Conclusion
Machine Gun Kelly has had a diverse and successful career in the music industry. Starting off as a rapper, he gained attention with his mixtapes and eventually signed with Bad Boy Records. His debut studio album, Lace Up, showcased his talent and featured the hit single “Wild Boy.”
However, Machine Gun Kelly’s journey didn’t stop there. He decided to venture into the pop-punk genre and found significant success. This transition allowed him to showcase his versatility as an artist and expand his fan base. His ability to seamlessly switch between genres demonstrates his creativity and willingness to explore new musical territories.
Throughout his career, Machine Gun Kelly has proven himself to be a talented and dynamic artist. He has consistently pushed boundaries and experimented with different sounds, earning him a dedicated following. His music resonates with fans and continues to evolve, keeping listeners engaged and intrigued.
With his unique blend of rap and pop-punk, Machine Gun Kelly has carved out a niche for himself in the music industry. His charismatic persona and energetic performances make him a captivating artist to watch. As he continues to evolve and grow as an artist, it will be exciting to see what new heights he will reach in the future.
