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Who is Machine Gun Kelly, the performer blending rap and rock?
Virtually unknown in France, Machine Gun Kelly is a huge hit in the United States. The daring rocker and rapper has just become engaged to actress Megan Fox, walked the runway for Dolce & Gabbana and launched his own brand of genderless nail polish. Portrait of an artist who embodies the rise of a very noughties pop-punk aesthetic.
By Violaine Schütz.
Published on 21 January 2022. Updated on 7 May 2026.
Machine Gun Kelly is one of those artists who are first and foremost a phenomenon in their home country. In France, his name often comes up in the news as the new fiancé of American actress and model Megan Fox. The two stars are often mentioned for their rock’n’roll antics. The duo is reminiscent of Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton in the 2000s, or of Pamela Anderson‘s and Tommy Lee‘s wild romance. They once walked the red carpet chained by their pinky nails, or drank each other’s blood to celebrate their engagement. But Colson Baker, aka MGK, is no newcomer to the game.
The Cleveland, Ohio-based singer and multi-instrumentalist — drums, guitar, synths — is known for his rapid lyrical flow. His energetic mixtapes and proficient LPs switch from rap to rock music in a heart beat. Influenced by Ludacris, Eminem and DMX, MGK began rapping at 14. The artist then headed to New York’s Apollo Theater to showcase his vocal talent and release his anger.
He became the first white rapper to win a battle in the legendary venue before wowing with other freestyles, notably on MTV. Endorsed by P. Diddy, he has collaborated with Wiz Khalifa, Cassie, Yungblud, Trippie Red, and even his idol, the late DMX. In 2018, he created a buzz by writing a diss track in response to Eminem’s insults.
Machine Gun Kelly is also known for his acting skills. The performer starred in 15 films, including Bird Box (2018) and The Dirt (2019), in which he plays drummer Tommy Lee. Yet, his fame mainly comes from the stage character he created for himself. The father of a teenage daughter he had at an early age used to be addicted to heroin, something he showcased in his music. He ended up homeless in 2010 and attempted suicide, before going to therapy.
Painting his tongue black, or wearing a leather jacket isn’t simply putting on an act for MGK. His pop-punk aesthetic reflects a non-linear journey – he worked for a Chipotle shop while making his rap debut – and a free-spirited, rebellious personality.
Smoking cannabis during interviews, dating a porn actress (Rachel Starr)… Machine Gun Kelly seems free of any limits and exudes a true bad boy aura. One that grows more appealing by the minute. Like his music collaborator Travis Barker, who fell for Kourtney Kardashian, or comedian Pete Davidson, Kim Kardashian’s former boyfriend, he has a crafted a unique look. The artist combines tattoos, nail polish and tattered rock outfits, reminiscent of the 2000s emo style. That musical movement glorifying extreme emotions has recently influenced singers Willow Smith and Oliva Rodrigo.
His toned-down punk allure, blending Gothic and fun, is everything but dangerous. Machine Gun Kelly mixes safety pins with cathartic or political lyrics, while gradually establishing itself as a serious rap competitor. His rise is a perfect example of the growing popularity of this trendy imagery. The fashion and beauty industries are now snapping up the lanky, bleached young man. In December 2021, he caused quite a stir with the launch of his brand, UN/DN LQR, which offers fashionable genderless nail polish. He then rocked the Dolce & Gabbana runway show in Milan in January 2022 as a model and singer.
Machine Gun Kelly has only one principle — to worship the God of love with his creations and ultra-designed packaging. “Many of the men in mythology were warriors, soldiers or gods who had used their strength, and then there was Cupid, who was poetic and beautiful,” the musician told Allure magazine. Despite his belligerent alias and dark looks, the artist and art collector, who recently ordered a $20,000 book signed by Picasso from a Greek bookstore, only aspires to love and the sublime. A philosophy that suits our disrupted world and inspires the young generations thanks to a more vibrant, much less toxic masculinity than in the past.
