Machine Gun Kelly has changed his artist moniker to mgk. Fans across his streaming and social media profiles noticed the switch to his three-letter name from his previous stage name. The rapper, whose real name is Colson Baker, started using the stage name Machine Gun Kelly in 2006.
The origin of his alias is detailed on a St. Paul, MN. music venue’s site. “I got the name Machine Gun Kelly because of my rapid-fire delivery when I was 15 and started doing shows,” he explains. “ I got tired of getting beat up, so I started fighting people with my words instead.”
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At the tail end of last year, fans urged the Tickets To My Downfall pop-punk star to change. They urged him to not glorify “machine guns” and to better align with the political climate. Since the artist frequently switches between Machine Gun Kelly, MGK, and Kells, it would be simple for him to adopt a new moniker and still maintain his level of fame. During an interview on the red carpet of the GQ Men Of The Year party in Los Angeles, CA, in 2023, the mainstream sellout performer jokingly requested that people refer to him as “Machine” instead of “Machine Gun Kelly” in the future. However, he made no further comments about changing his name following the event until now.
mgk hasn’t announced any shows or other upcoming releases so far in 2024. He released his new song, “don’t let me go” in February. Along with a new identity, there’s a possibility that listeners can expect something from the alt-rock-rapper in the near future.
