Image via Complex Original
Machine Gun Kelly is putting the finishing touches on his Bad Boy debut, Lace Up. Despite a minor setback with last week's leaked track list and cover art, MGK sounds confident that his album won’t suffer any more problems.
When we sat down with him at NYC’s Daddy’s House studio yesterday, he was sifting through fan photos on his laptop, pausing at a guy with huge MGK portrait tattooed on his arm. When asked how it makes him feel, he admits, “It’s a lot of pressure.”
MGK might be a little nervous about his big release date on October 9, but his rapid-fire flow is sharp as ever. He didn’t play all of Lace Up, but he did give us a good idea of what to expect, sharing 10 tracks with Complex, straight off his Macbook, five of which we're able to preview. Read on for our impressions of the LP, so far.
Written by Eric Diep (@E_Diep)
"What I Do" f/ Bun B
Machine Gun Kelly and the Trill OG trade persistent boasts over booming bass. “They can’t do what I do/I am gonna die before the day that I lose,” MGK spits on the hook. It’s likely that this beat could destroy your car speakers.
"Stereo" f/ The Kickdrums
The Kickdrums have collaborated with multiple hip-hop artists (A$AP Rocky, Casey Veggies, Kid Cudi) and MGK is the latest. On this one, he raps from a stereo’s perspective, explaining how its traits can help him win over a girl. It's not as weird as it sounds.
"See My Tears"
This guitar-heavy anthem is a dedication to his fans. After playing the song, MGK previewed a music video filled with concert footage, fans showing their appreciation, and him returning the favor with personal thank you's. The song is an inspirational exposé of his journey so far, and makes it clear that his fan base is deeper than you think.
"Running" f/ Planet VI
Planet VI, the R&B duo formerly known as Rock City, provides the hook and MGK laments about being tired of hustling to survive. The biggest surprise here is that MGK is singing, something we didn't hear on any of the other tracks he played.
"End of the Road" f/ Matt Musto
This self-produced track will supposedly end Lace Up. It’s not Kanye's “Spaceship,” but the lyrics do recall working a 9-to-5 job before finding success in rap. “I used to take orders/Now I take checks,” MGK boasts. Matt Musto sings motivational musings on the chorus: “Take my name and remember this face/Keep the change and have a nice day.”