Top 10 Machine Gun Kelly Songs

Photo: Foto: Stefan Brending

Colson Baker, professionally known as Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), was born on April 22, 1990, in Houston, Texas. His early years were marked by extensive travel due to his parents’ roles as Christian missionaries, leading him to live in countries such as Egypt, Kenya, and Germany, as well as various U.S. cities including Los Angeles and Chicago. At the age of nine, following his mother’s departure, Baker settled in Denver, Colorado, with his father. It was during his time in Denver that he developed an interest in rap music, influenced by artists like DMX, Ludacris, and Eminem.

MGK’s entry into the music industry was characterized by perseverance and a distinctive rapid-fire delivery, which earned him his stage name. In March 2009, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first rapper to win consecutive victories at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. This accomplishment garnered him initial recognition. He continued to build his reputation through performances on platforms such as MTV2’s “Sucker Free Freestyle,” where he showcased his lyrical prowess with verses from his track “Chip off the Block.” His breakthrough moment came with the release of his debut album Lace Up in 2012, which introduced his high-energy style to the mainstream. The album included the hit single “Wild Boy” featuring Waka Flocka Flame, a song that became an anthem in the hip-hop world and helped solidify his reputation.

Over the years, MGK has released multiple studio albums, each reflecting his evolving musical style. His sophomore album, General Admission (2015), took a more personal approach, delving into his struggles and debuting at number four on the US Billboard 200. In 2017, he achieved one of his biggest commercial successes with the album Bloom, which featured the hit single “Bad Things,” a collaboration with Camila Cabello. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, further expanding his audience. His fourth studio album, Hotel Diablo (2019), blended rap with alternative rock influences, showcasing his willingness to experiment with his sound. However, it was his shift into pop-punk that truly redefined his career. In 2020, MGK released Tickets to My Downfall, a full-fledged pop-punk album that debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. With production by Travis Barker of Blink-182, the album included songs like “My Ex’s Best Friend” featuring blackbear, which became a major hit. He continued in this direction with Mainstream Sellout (2022), further cementing his presence in the rock world.

Throughout his career, MGK has released several notable singles that have significantly impacted the charts. “Wild Boy,” featuring Waka Flocka Flame, served as his breakout hit, introducing his high-energy style to a broader audience. “Bad Things,” a collaboration with Camila Cabello, became one of his most successful tracks, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, “My Ex’s Best Friend,” featuring blackbear, from his Tickets to My Downfall album, achieved considerable chart success, further establishing his versatility as an artist. His ability to transition between genres has made him a unique figure in contemporary music, with each phase of his career resonating with a different segment of listeners.

MGK’s contributions to music have been recognized with various awards and nominations. In 2012, he won the MTVu Breaking Woodie Award, acknowledging his emergence as a significant new artist. His single “Bad Things” earned a Radio Disney Music Award nomination for Best Collaboration in 2017. Moreover, his album Tickets to My Downfall received acclaim for its role in reviving the pop-punk genre, leading to a nomination for Top Rock Album at the Billboard Music Awards. His success in crossing over to a new genre while maintaining a loyal fan base has set him apart from many of his peers in the industry.

Beyond his musical endeavors, MGK has ventured into acting, appearing in films such as Beyond the Lights (2014), Nerve (2016), and portraying Tommy Lee in the Mötley Crüe biopic The Dirt (2019). His performance in The Dirt was particularly noted for its authenticity and energy, contributing to the film’s success. Additionally, MGK has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting initiatives for youth empowerment and mental health awareness, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community. His openness about his personal struggles with mental health and substance abuse has also endeared him to fans, as he speaks candidly about topics that many artists shy away from.

MGK’s appeal in the music industry stems from his dynamic versatility and willingness to explore different genres. His transition from rap to pop-punk with Tickets to My Downfall not only showcased his adaptability but also played a role in revitalizing interest in the pop-punk genre. His candidness about personal struggles and experiences resonates with a broad audience, fostering a deep connection with fans who appreciate his authenticity and relatability. His live performances, known for their raw energy and intensity, have further solidified his reputation as an artist who thrives on breaking boundaries.

# 10 – At My Best – featuring Hailee Steinfeld

“At My Best” is a song that Machine Gun Kelly did that features Hailee Steinfeld. This song was released on March 17, 2017. This song was released when he was still primarily a rapper. The song went platinum, selling more than 1 million copies. It also was an international success, being plaid not only in America but also in Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, and Sweden. It made it to 21 on the US mainstream top 40 but was even more prevalent in New Zealand and Sweden, making it #4 and #2, respectively.

The song is a powerful song in which it encourages people to keep going and never give up. It sheds light on how everyone has internal struggles, but you need to learn to believe in yourself.

# 9 – Bad Things featuring Camila Cabello

At number nine on our Machine Gun Kelly songs list is the great recording of the song “Bad Things.” This is a track that Machine Gun Kelly sang with Camila Cabello. This song was released on October 14, 2016, and was one of Machine Gun Kelly’s earlier successes. In 2017 it was nominated for Billboard Music Awards Top Rap Collaboration. It won the Radio Disney Music Awards Best Collaboration award. This song was popular worldwide, charting in multiple countries outside of America, including Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Germany, France, and Ireland.

Like much of popular music, this is a song about relationships. But instead of being about romantic love, it is more a song about sex between two people who are only happy together when having sex.

# 8 – Go For Broke featuring James Arthur

“Go For Broke” was a song released on Machine Gun Kelly’s third album entitled Bloom. This song was the fourth release of this album and was named the official theme for the WWE SummerSlam 2017. This is another song just like “At My Best,” which is about following your dreams and putting yourself out there. This is why the WWE made this an official song of SummerSlam 2017 – it is a song to pump you up about who you are, what you can do, and why you should rise up and be who you want to be without worrying about everyone else.

# 7 – Wild Boy featuring Waka Flocka Flame

“Wild Boy” was the lead single from Machine Gun Kelly’s debut EP Half Naked and Almost Famous. This album came out in 2012. This song features Waka Flocka Flame. This song did enjoy some moderate success – it went platinum, selling over 2 million copies. “Wild Boy” peaked at 98 on the US Hot 100 and 49 on the US R&B / Hip-Hop Song Chart. This song is fun of expletives. It is sexually suggestive, and everyone loved it. This is how everyone was introduced to Machine Gun Kelly.

# 6 – Forget Me Too featuring Halsey

“Forget Me Too” is the fifth song off of Machine Gun Kelly’s fifth album. This album, Tickets to My Downfall, released in 2020, has a pop-punk sound instead of rap or hip hop. This song has guest vocals by Halsey, and it is produced by Travis Barker. Barker also plays the drums on this song.

This song was generally well-received, reaching #1 on the UK Rock and Metal charts and charting in America, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and more. This song was ranked 43rd best for the Us Hot Rock and Alternative Year-End Chart.

This song is about a toxic relationship where both people want to walk about but can not do it. Despite the level of toxicity of their relationship, they both love one another.

# 5 – Rap Devil

“Rap Devil” is a diss track that Machine Gun Kelly aimed at rapper Eminem. This song and Eminem’s “Killshot” response were a long time coming. The back story is that in 2012 Machine Gun Kelly tweeted about how hot Eminem’s daughter Hallie Mathers was. Hallie was 16 at the time. Eminem retaliated by banning him from Shade 45, a radio station owned by Eminem. Then MGK did a song with the artist Tech N9ne where some vague insults were directed at Eminem. In 2018 Eminem directly insulted MGK on a song on the surprise album Kamikaze. The album was released on 08/31/18, and the song is called “Not Alike.” Then Machine Gun Kelly released Rap Devil, followed by Eminem releasing Kill Shot.

Everyone loves a good diss track; this is quite apparent in this case. Both of these diss tracks have been viewed more than 300 million times on YouTube.

# 4 – Lonely

“Lonely” is one of the most emotional and open songs that Machine Gun Kelly has ever done. This is a song that he wrote for his father after his passing. The song talks about the up-and-down relationship he had with his father. One interesting fact is that every weekend MGK and his father would watch Saturday Night Live together. On January 30, 2021, MGK performed on Saturday Night Live and played lonely as a tribute to his late father.

# 3 – Bloody Valentine

“Bloody Valentine” is one of Machine Gun Kelly’s most popular songs. The song is about a man wanting to find love and a real relationship. Still, after meeting this woman, he decides having one night is better than nothing. This song was nominated for the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards Alternative Song of the Year. It peaked at #2 on the US Rock Airplay chart and #3 on the US Hot Rock Airplay.

# 2 – I think I’m Okay

“I Think I’m Okay” is a single off of MGK’s s album, Hotel Diablo. The single also features alternative rock musician Yungblud and American musician Travis Barker. This song went platinum in the US, selling more than 1,000,000 copies. In less than 24 hours of releasing the music video, it had been viewed more than 1 million times on YouTube.

The song itself is about both artist’s shortcomings, especially when it comes to relationships, drinking, drugs, and making bad decisions in life.

# 1 – My Ex’s Best Friend with Blackbear

Coming in at #1 on this Machine Gun Kelly songs list is the great track “My Ex’s Best Friend,” which is about having one relationship end and immediately start dating their best friend. This was one of the most popular songs in 2020; you could not escape it if you tried. It was ranked the 10th best song on the year-end US Hot Rock and Alternative Songs Chart. It was a double-platinum song, selling over 2 million copies, partly due to the storyline.

One guy and two women, even one right after another, is a popular theme in this style of music. Also, men breaking up long-standing friendships is something that many people can relate to. Relationships, breakups, and rebounds are all subjects everyone relates to and has dealt with in one form or another in their life.