Machine Gun Kelly - An Ohio Is Music Legend

MGK, a true "Wild Boy".

Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Machine Gun Kelly, aka MGK, whose real name is Colson Baker, was born on April 22, 1990.
His journey from a turbulent childhood to becoming one of Ohio’s most recognizable musical talents is a story of perseverance, talent, and transformation.
MGK often references Cleveland Ohio as the place that molded him, giving him the grit and resilience necessary to succeed in the cutthroat music industry.
During his early years, He embraced the city's underground hip-hop scene and began building a local fan base, frequently performing at small venues and releasing mixtapes that resonated with Cleveland’s youth.
He started by participating in rap battles and freestyling, slowly gaining a reputation for his rapid-fire delivery and aggressive style. In these early years, he earned the nickname "Machine Gun Kelly," a reference to his rapid and explosive rapping technique, drawing comparisons to the notorious gangster George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
MGK’s breakout moment came in 2009 when he released the single "Chip Off the Block." The song’s success, coupled with his relentless promotion on social media and local performances, led to his inclusion in MTV2's Sucker Free Freestyle competition, where he showcased his rapid-fire style to a broader audience. It was a defining moment in his career, giving him exposure far beyond Cleveland and placing him on the national rap radar.
While MGK’s connection to Ohio remained central to his identity, his career began to take off nationally after the release of his Lace Up mixtape in 2010. This project featured the single "Cleveland," a tribute to his hometown, which became an anthem for his local fan base. The song celebrated the resilience and pride of the people of Cleveland and solidified MGK’s role as a representative of Ohio’s rap scene.
In 2011, MGK’s career took a major leap forward when he signed a record deal with Bad Boy Records, a subsidiary of Interscope, headed by the legendary rapper and producer Sean P Diddy Combs. His first major-label release was the single "Wild Boy" featuring Waka Flocka Flame, which became a commercial hit and established MGK as a mainstream rapper.
Lace Up, MGK’s debut studio album, was released in 2012 to commercial success. It debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant milestone for the Cleveland rapper.
Despite his success in the rap industry, MGK has never been content with sticking to one genre. His musical evolution took a dramatic turn in the late 2010s when he began experimenting with rock music. Ohio’s influence remained present in his work, as the Midwest has a rich history of producing rock and punk bands, and MGK found inspiration in this legacy.
His 2020 album Tickets to My Downfall marked a major stylistic shift from rap to pop-punk, a genre that had largely fallen out of mainstream favor. Collaborating with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, MGK embraced his punk rock roots, blending fast guitars and catchy hooks with his signature lyrical style. The album was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. For MGK, Tickets to My Downfall represented not only a reinvention but also a return to the rebellious spirit of his youth.
His discography showcases his evolution as an artist, blending multiple genres and exploring new sounds.
These along with multiple mixtapes spawned many notable singles including: Wild Boy, Invincible, Till I Die, Bad Things, I Think I’m OK, Bloody Valentine, My Ex’s Best Friend, Papercuts, and his latest chart topping single Lonely Road featuring himself and Jelly Roll.
Machine Gun Kelly has been recognized for his contributions to both the rap and rock genres, earning numerous music awards throughout his career. This is not all of his awards and accomplishments, but some significant ones are:
2 American Music Awards for Best Rock Artist,
Billboard awards for top rock artist and top rock album,
One Grammy nomination for best rock album,
2 I heart radio music awards,
Multiple mtv music awards and nominations,
along with multiple Ohio Music Awards.
During his extensive music career, MGK branched out into acting and has landed roles in multiple movies over the years. Some of the movies he was in are:
Beyond the Lights, Nerve, The Land, Roadies, Bird Box, The Dirt, Project Power and Jackass Forever.
MGK’s legacy is still being written, but his contributions to both rap and rock music have already left a lasting impact on the industry. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists from the Midwest and beyond, proving that with talent, determination, and a strong sense of self, it is possible to rise above adversity and achieve greatness.

We are proud to call Machine Gun Kelly an Ohio is Music Legend.


MGK
Singer
Songwriter
Musician
Grammy
Cleveland
Ohio
Live performance
Cover
Collaboration
Interview
Megan Fox