As you read the title, you wonder “Why aren’t we talking about him?” His album came out in March.” Although Machine Gun Kelly’s sixth studio album “Mainstream Sellout” was released some time ago, it is never a bad time to hate on a pretentious, predatory, always-in-the-news-weirdo.
But if you want to know more about MGK (or Colson Baker), he’s also featured in some new movies. Machine Gun Kelly is at the moment everyone’s favourite punching bag. However, with everything he does, we are compelled to document our distaste for the rapper-turned-pop-punk artist. Let’s move along, please.
Baker’s pivot toward our beloved punk rock music is the problem. Baker switched genres to rock music after four subpar rap albums. Baker had a lot of flirtations with the idea, as can be heard from his 2019 album “Hotel Diablo” (Candy) and “I Think I’m Okay,” which were both collaborations with Travis Barker. Baker was influenced by Blink-182, Barker’s music band. Their friendship and partnership allowed them to create their rock albums, which were heavily influenced by pop-punk.
Their collaborations worked well, with Baker’s two pop-punk album debuting at number 1 on Billboard 200. Although Baker is undoubtedly one of the most prominent acts in the music world, few people who consider themselves rockers actually enjoy his music. His lyrics lack depth and his style and aesthetic is very…hot topic. People like you are disapproving of him.
Baker’s indifference to the whole genre of rock is another reason why punk veteran tends to alienate him. He performed a sloppy cover of A System of a Down’s song “Aerials” while on The Howard Stern Show. He also fought with Slipknot singer Corey Taylor. Baker politely declined to be included on Baker’s 2020 album “Tickets to My Downfall” and went on a Spotify podcast to criticize older rockers who don comfortable shoes onstage. Taylor took exception to the criticisms and stated that he “[hates] all artists who fail within one genre and decided not to go rock and I believe he knows who and what he is.”
After much backand forth that spanned several years, Taylor addressed again the feud. In short, Taylor said that he was not qualified to advise other rock artists on what to do. He had only been making rock music for a few months. No matter what your opinion is about Slipknot it’s a valid point. If this sounds familiar, it is because their online feud is similar in nature to the one Baker had against Eminem. It was his comments about Eminem’s child that led Baker to change to rock. Baker made it clear in April 2022, that he’d be making another rap record.
Baker has had many issues with his artistry. Baker, despite not being a natural rapper, was not able to gain mainstream respect. He made offensive comments at the expense rap legends rock and pop, and fled when the going got tough. He is currently touring for his last album. Both punk and hip-hop fans will have to watch what self-inflicted issues he faces next.
