By Mike Polce, Contributing writer
Throughout the last two decades, mainstream music has gravitated more and more to rap and hip-hop. While pop and alternative music have stayed in the background it has become clear that rock ‘n’ roll has completely vanished from mainstream culture. What if one upcoming album could change everything?
Cleveland, Ohio rapper and rockstar, Machine Gun Kelly, (better known as MGK) has made an abrupt come back these past two years with pop-punk songs like “I Think I’m OKAY” featuring Yungblud and Travis Barker, and solo record, “Bloody Valentine.” While these records have not caught nearly as much attention as rap records like “What’s Poppin” by Jack Harlow, they are still big enough to label hits.
MGK’s fan base is rapidly growing. His songs are getting more radio time than ever and he is completely changing the way people view other rappers. Until the release of “I Think I’m OKAY,” MGK was best known for his hard-hitting beats and fast up-tempo rap style.
After learning the guitar and playing with musicians like Blink-182’s drummer Travis Barker, MGK has completely changed his sound. MGK is bringing back the true essence of the early 2000’s pop-punk. His new sound correlates with bands like Green Day, blink-182 and Paramore.
His album “Tickets to My Downfall” is set to release on Sep. 25 and his fans are as excited as ever. While the album appears to continue in the punk direction that MGK has recently revived, it still has a feature from famous rapper Trippie Redd and pop singer Halsey.
Many fans of all music supporting MGK’s new sound. It is definitely a nice change of pace to hear real instruments and not electronically manufactured sounds and drums. It is also refreshing considering what the last decade of music has brought to the industry. His raspy voice and heartfelt lyrics complement the raging power chords and simple melodies he uses. Travis Barker’s allusive and multi-dimensional drum style also adds an extra flair that the songs need. Riding around and listening to his recent songs makes me feel like I’m in 2009 again. It is quite a surreal experience.
After showing a close friend MGK’s new songs and he absolutely loved them. He despised his rap records for the same reason that many do because they sound unbearably corny. But he loved his new stuff for the same reasons I do. He loved the sense of nostalgia they brought along with the lyrics and tone of MGK’s voice. He is a hardcore punk-rock fan, so hearing that from somebody that studies the genre was incredibly satisfying.
Whether you are a fan of MGK’s or not, it is hard to argue, but if this record is a smash hit, the music industry could abruptly change. Look at bands like Nirvana, for instance. They completely ended the era of “Glam Metal” with one song, “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Eccentric outfits and over the top lifestyles were no longer viewed as being cool. It was the earthy-crunchy “grunge” style that took over. Maybe after the release of this album rap music will just be a lost memory and MGK’s new interpretation of punk rock will take over. Only time will tell.
polcema20@bonaventure.edu
