Machine Gun Kelly has been a mainstay in the rap game for well over a decade and MGK’s shown versatility to dabble in other genres such as rock and even country with his “Lonely Road” single featuring Jelly Roll.
Explore
The Cleveland native joined Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast earlier this week where he discussed a myriad of topics including how he feels white people have given him “the most s–t” when it comes to stigmatizing his place in hip-hop as a white rapper.
“I won’t deny that there is a subconscious stigma around that — being white in hip-hop,” he said around the 37-minute mark. “To me, it’s so funny because the streets f–k with me so tough. It’s honestly from other white people that give me the most s–t.”
MGK continued while seemingly saluting his rap battle foe Eminem: “The crazy thing is there’s only been one who’s done it. There’s only been one who’s done it and crossed that line of acceptance.”
Kells returned in July with his John Denver-sampling Jelly Roll collaboration “Lonely Road,” which sits at No. 74 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100 following a No. 33 debut.
After laboring over perfecting “Lonely Road” to his standard for two years, MGK admitted he was worried he’d face backlash for people thinking he was attempting to follow in Post Malone’s footsteps in the hip-hop to country pipeline. Posty released his F-1 Trillion album earlier in August, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 with 250,000 album units sold.
“In the past two years while I was doing ‘Lonely Road,’ Post did this and so the whole time I’m thinking, like, ‘F—ing people are going to think I’m just following this.’ I had to humbly sit there while, for years, I’ve been curating this song knowing I’m gonna have to fight against something here,” he said.
MGK was nervous to play the demo to what became “Lonely Road” for Jelly Roll, but he ultimately let him hear it for the first time while they were driving around together looking for a party following the Grammy Awards in L.A. earlier this year.
“He’s driving himself. I’m like, ‘You drove yourself to the Grammys.’ He’s like, ‘I’m so white trash I can’t get it out of me,’” Machine Gun Kelly recalled. “I get the AUX cord and that same thing that took over when it told me to black out my tattoos or Tickets to My Downfall is the name — those moments when the universe is telling you something, it told me play the demo of ‘Lonely Road.’ I press play and he was like, ‘What the f–k is this?’ I was like, ‘Man, it’s just calling you.’ He was like, ‘I’m on it.’”
Watch the full interview below.
Machine Gun Kelly, a prominent figure in the rap industry for over a decade, has showcased his versatility by exploring various genres like rock and country. One of his notable ventures includes the single “Lonely Road” featuring Jelly Roll.
Exploring Machine Gun Kelly’s Musical Journey
The Cleveland native recently appeared on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, where he delved into several topics, including the challenges he faces as a white rapper in hip-hop. Despite his strong support from the streets, MGK expressed that it’s other white individuals who often criticize him the most.
Breaking Barriers in Hip-Hop
Reflecting on his experiences, MGK acknowledged the existing stigma around being a white artist in hip-hop. He also paid tribute to Eminem, highlighting the rarity of artists who have successfully crossed the boundaries of acceptance in the genre.
The Success of “Lonely Road”
In July, Machine Gun Kelly released “Lonely Road,” a collaboration with Jelly Roll that quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Despite initial concerns about potential backlash for blending hip-hop and country influences, MGK’s dedication to the track paid off.
A Creative Journey
Over two years of meticulous work, MGK perfected “Lonely Road,” ensuring it met his artistic standards. Despite comparisons to Post Malone’s genre-blending success, MGK remained focused on his unique vision for the song.
Unveiling “Lonely Road”
Sharing the demo of “Lonely Road” with Jelly Roll was a nerve-wracking moment for MGK. However, the positive response he received during a casual drive after the Grammy Awards validated his creative direction.
Watch the Full Interview
For more insights into MGK’s musical journey and creative process, watch the full interview below.
FAQs
Q: How has Machine Gun Kelly diversified his music career?
A: Machine Gun Kelly has ventured into various genres like rock and country, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Q: What challenges has MGK faced as a white rapper in hip-hop?
A: Despite strong support from the streets, MGK has encountered criticism from other white individuals within the hip-hop community.
Q: How did MGK’s collaboration with Jelly Roll, “Lonely Road,” perform on the charts?
A: “Lonely Road” debuted at No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 and currently holds the 74th position, showcasing its success.
Q: What inspired MGK to create “Lonely Road” despite potential backlash?
A: MGK’s dedication to his artistic vision and the desire to craft a unique musical experience drove him to create “Lonely Road” despite external expectations.
Credit: www.billboard.com
