Machine Gun Kelly, or MGK, is an American rapper, singer and songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio. He achieved mainstream success with his first studio album, Lace Up, which was released in 2012. Since then, he has released several other albums and mixtapes, including his most recent, Hotel Diablo. He is also known for his collaborations with other artists, such as Eminem, Camila Cabello and G-Eazy. He has been nominated for several awards, including three MTV Video Music Awards and four Billboard Music Awards.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Richard Colson Baker, better known as Machine Gun Kelly, was born on April 22, 1990 in Houston, Texas. He was raised by his single mother, who had to work multiple jobs in order to support her family. As a child, he moved around a lot, living in places like Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver and Cleveland. At the age of 14, he began to rap and write his own songs. He was soon picked up by an independent label, though it was short lived. He continued to pursue his dreams, releasing several mixtapes throughout his teenage years.
Rising to Fame
In 2010, Machine Gun Kelly signed to Diddy's record label, Bad Boy Records. This gave him the opportunity to release his first studio album, Lace Up, which was released in 2012. It was a commercial success, reaching number four on the US Billboard 200 chart. The lead single from the album, "Wild Boy," peaked at number 46 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. He also garnered attention for his feud with fellow rapper, Eminem. In 2017, he released his second studio album, Bloom, which debuted at number 8 on the US Billboard 200 chart. It included the hit single, "Bad Things," featuring Camila Cabello, which peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Recent Projects
In 2019, Machine Gun Kelly released his third studio album, Hotel Diablo. The album featured guest appearances from artists such as Young Thug, Trippie Redd and G-Eazy. It was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. In 2020, he released his fourth studio album, Tickets to My Downfall. The album was a departure from his usual hip-hop style and featured more of a rock and pop vibe. The lead single, "Bloody Valentine," peaked at number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. He is currently working on his fifth studio album, which is set to be released in 2021.
Awards and Achievements
Throughout his career, Machine Gun Kelly has earned several awards and nominations. He has been nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards and four Billboard Music Awards. In 2018, he won the award for Best Push Artist at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Additionally, he was included in Rolling Stone's list of 10 New Artists You Need to Know. In 2019, he was nominated for Top Rap Male Artist at the Billboard Music Awards. He was also included on Forbes' list of 30 Under 30 in Music in 2020.
Personal Life
Machine Gun Kelly is currently in a relationship with actress Megan Fox. The couple have been dating since 2020, and they have been seen out together on numerous occasions. He has two daughters from a previous relationship, Casie and Skylar. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding and playing the guitar. He is also an avid fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Browns. He has been involved in several philanthropic causes, including the American Heart Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Conclusion
Machine Gun Kelly is a chart-topping American rapper, singer and songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio. He achieved mainstream success with his debut studio album, Lace Up, which was released in 2012. He has released several other albums and mixtapes, including his most recent, Hotel Diablo. He has been nominated for several awards, including three MTV Video Music Awards and four Billboard Music Awards. He is currently in a relationship with actress Megan Fox, and he enjoys skateboarding and playing the guitar in his free time. Machine Gun Kelly is an incredibly talented artist and an inspiration to many.
