Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) is one of the most dynamic artists in the entertainment world, known for both his music career and acting endeavors.
Machine Gun Kelly was born on April 22, 1990, in Houston, Texas, but grew up moving frequently because of his parents' military background. From a young age, he displayed an interest in music, using it as a form of expression. His breakthrough came with the release of the mixtape 100 Words and Running and his major-label debut album Lace Up, which featured the hit single “Wild Boy”. He later transitioned from hip-hop to pop-punk, with his 2020 album Tickets to My Downfall being a commercial success, signifying a turning point in his music style.
Aside from his evolving music career, Machine Gun Kelly has expanded into acting, appearing in films like Nerve (2016), Bird Box (2018), and The Dirt (2019), where he portrayed Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe. His acting roles have helped diversify his income, adding to his growing wealth.
MGK has also launched business ventures, including a clothing line, a music label called "EST 19XX," and co-owning the coffee shop “27 Club” in Cleveland.
Machine Gun Kelly's net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. This wealth is attributed to his successful career in music, where he has released several albums and mixtapes, as well as his work as an actor, his endorsement deals, and business ventures like his own clothing line and label "EST 19XX." His financial success is also reflected in his real estate investments and other assets.
Machine Gun Kelly, professionally known as MGK, has had a dynamic and evolving musical career since emerging in the late 2000s:
Early Years: Born Richard Colson Baker in 1990, MGK began his music career in his teens, releasing his first mixtape, "Stamp of Approval," in 2006. His early work was characterized by rapid-fire delivery, leading to his nickname.
Mixtape Era (2007-2010): MGK released four mixtapes during this period, gaining local fame in Cleveland and winning amateur night at Harlem's Apollo Theater in 2009, a historic first for a rapper.
Breakthrough and "Lace Up" (2011-2012): Signing with Bad Boy Records (an imprint of Interscope Records), MGK's career took off with his debut studio album "Lace Up" in 2012. The album featured hits like "Wild Boy" (featuring Waka Flocka Flame), which got him triple platinum certification by the RIAA. This album peaked at number four on the US Billboard 200.
Subsequent Albums and Evolution:
- "General Admission" (2015): This album showed his versatility, incorporating rap rock, R&B, and storytelling. It also debuted at number four on the Billboard 200.
- "Bloom" (2017): Featuring the hit single "Bad Things" with Camila Cabello, this album solidified his status in the pop-rap scene, with the song reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
Pop Punk Phase:
- "Tickets to My Downfall" (2020): Marking a significant shift towards pop punk, this album was produced entirely by Travis Barker and topped the Billboard 200. It included singles like "My Ex's Best Friend."
- "Mainstream Sellout" (2022): Continuing in the pop punk genre, this album was also a commercial success and even received a Grammy nomination, indicating MGK's broad acceptance in this new musical style.
Collaborations and Influence: Throughout his career, MGK has collaborated with artists across genres, from hip-hop to rock, collaborating with figures like Yungblud, Trippie Redd, and even covering songs like Paramore's "Misery Business." His influence spans from being a hip-hop artist to becoming a key figure in the revival of pop punk in the mainstream.
Personal and Artistic Evolution: MGK's music often reflects his personal life, including struggles with fame, relationships, and his acting career. His engagement with Megan Fox and his narrative-driven music have kept him in the public eye both for his art and his personal narrative.
Acting and Other Ventures: Alongside music, MGK has acted in films like "The Dirt" where he portrayed Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, further blurring the lines between his music and acting careers.
Machine Gun Kelly's career showcases his ability to evolve musically while maintaining a strong fan base, adapting from a young, aggressive rapper to a multifaceted artist who has significantly impacted both hip-hop and rock scenes.
Machine Gun Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, has a diverse ethnic background. His father, Richard Colson Baker, is of English, German, and Irish descent, while his mother, Sonia Alane (formerly Locklear), is of Filipino, Scottish, Welsh, and Spanish ancestry. This mix of heritages contributes to his multicultural identity.
Also Read: Megan Fox's Net Worth, Ethnicity, and Rise to Fame
Machine Gun Kelly's high-profile relationship with actress Megan Fox has been a subject of public fascination. The couple, who have experienced various ups and downs, have been engaged in recent years and have made appearances in each other’s creative projects. Although Fox and MGK have had to confront challenges, including communication issues and the emotional aftermath of a miscarriage, they remain committed to working on their relationship, with therapy playing a significant role in their journey
MGK has a teenage daughter, Casie, from a previous relationship. Casie has been seen with her father at public events and award shows, emphasizing MGK's role as a dedicated father. Megan Fox, on her part, has three children from her previous marriage to actor Brian Austin Green: Noah, Bodhi, and Journey
In one of MGK's recent creative works, a music video for the song “Lonely Road,” Megan Fox made an appearance depicting a pregnant partner. However, this storyline is fictional. The couple does not have a biological child together as of now. The video is a deeply emotional narrative set against a backdrop of financial struggles, hope, and love, highlighting the complex layers of their real-life and fictionalized stories.
Machine Gun Kelly's career continues to grow as he explores different genres, with both his musical and film endeavors significantly contributing to his ongoing success and public appeal.