When you think of
Machine Gun Kelly, automatically the notorious gangster of the prohibition era of the 1920's and 30's comes to your mind. But this
Machine Gun Kelly is far from being a violent criminal. He got his start by rapping at the famous New York Apollo Theatre; there he was the first rapper to ever win
Amateur Night at Apollo. Not once but twice he wooed the crowd with his impeccable rhymes. We all know that the New York masses can be harsh but
MGK should be granted a crown for his legendary show.
MGK's life revolves around his music and its shows. He relocated ten times before finally settling down in Cleveland, Ohio. The international rapper has been from Los Angeles to Egypt learning the different cultures by communicating through his music. He won't be described as the next
Eminem, but a humble person who appreciate a high quality melody.
Hit the break to read the interview.
Let us start with your stage name Machine Gun Kelly. The original Machine Gun Kelly was an American gangster during the early 50's; so are you trying to be like him in terms of your lyrics?
Very common question but also a very common misconception. My image and lyrical content is far from that of a gangster, so I guess the answer is no. But the "Machine Gun" for me was derived from my rapid-fire delivery on the track and of course the "Kelly" came from the original gangster.
How did you feel when you were the first rapper to win at New York's famed Apollo Theater?
There's actually a video of me winning the Apollo for the second time on YouTube and if you look at my face when they announce, "The first place winner is...MGK!" you see true happiness. Like if I ever needed to describe what victory, success, happiness, love, pain, and struggle all felt like in a nutshell, that quick 5 second clip would be it.
The Apollo crowd can be tough, how did you impress them to hear you out?
They boo'd me as soon as I walked out onto the stage the first time, before I could even put the mic up to my mouth so I definitely didn't have it easy. But I give credit to the song selection. Rappers don't last 10 seconds on that stage and even though I'm a rapper, the song was universal; I chose a record that was catchy, fast-pace, and most importantly, relatable.
Why did you relocate ten times before finally finding a home?
Because my father couldn't keep his mouth closed at work or something, I don't know
. But I just know that he had numerous jobs which led to us moving all over the world.
Do you think traveling across the world has gained you a better understanding of what people like in Hip-Hop or music in general?
Most definitely! America is the greatest country in the world but Americans as a whole are ignorant, we are scared of change. Those qualities don't carry on overseas from what I've seen.
Does the single Homecoming reflect you settling down in Cleveland, Ohio?
Homecoming is a statement to my fans, friends, and family that I'm not falling victim to the "Hollywood syndrome" and that I will remain the humble young man I was when I entered the game.
What was your inspiration behind the track Alice In Wonderland? The video is doing good numbers on YouTube.
Because of how vivid the song's message was in my mind when I wrote it, it was meant to be accompanied with a visual. The music video is filled with metaphorical images, and the video/song itself is one big metaphor. What that metaphor actually is...I'll have to let the viewers keep guessing, but I can tell you it's more then the obvious "get high, trippy" vibe listeners may get at first.
Why do you think people like your lyrics or what is it that makes you stand out?
There are a lot of emotions in the forefront of my records. I don't release anything I don't feel because if I don't feel it how can I expect my listener too. So, I guess I feel it's their ability to relate to what I have to say.
What type of genre of music you combine in your songs?
Hip-Hop, Pop, Soul, Underground, and the occasional House/Techno vibe.
Which rappers do you consider as competition? The likes of Asher Roth, John Brown etc.?
Asher Roth and John Brown are the last people on my mind when it comes to competition. I respect them as people, but their careers are a gimmick in my opinion. Rappers in general are great, but the true competition comes from those who have the ability to do more than just rap, and those are artists like Drake and B.o.B.
Would you say that you are the next Eminem? At least it must be your goal to reach what he has accomplished.
I would be honored to say that, and I can only dream to achieve what he has and make the same impact on this industry as Eminem but at the end of the day, my actions will make the decision if I will or not. I'd like to say I'm on my way.
What projects are you currently working on?
First and foremost, my Alice In Wonderland music video was released via YouTube/Video in early 2010 so check that out asap! I'm following that up with my 100 Words and Running mixtape with Mr. Peter Parker of Shadyville DJs and all of this leads up to my big release...KellyVision.
What can people expect from Machine Gun Kelly in 2010?
Success.
In the end, let the people know where they can find you online.
I'm very active on Twitter at twitter.com/machinegunkelly, Facebook...search for Machine Gun Kelly, and YouTube at youtube.com/machinegunkellyak. Of course we still have the MySpace at myspace.com/machinegunkellyak.
Via YORAPS
