Machine Gun Kelly at Mohegan Sun Arena

Houston-born singer, rapper, and actor Colson Baker, a.k.a. Machine Gun Kelly, is notoriously among the few rappers who recently stood up to hip-hop legend Eminem. He was the fastest-rising star in rap music and was known for his striking lyrics and compelling melodies. Baker dropped his infamous diss track, “Rap Devil,” which showcased the young rapper’s knack for writing bars. In response to the single, Eminem dropped the single “Killshot.” However, fans are divided whether who to side with. It is undeniable that Baker's burgeoning stardom has made him a worthy adversary in this iconic feud. And for casual listeners who thought Baker came out of nowhere and is only famous because of his rivalry with Eminem, you will have to think again.

Colson Baker is an artist who has paid his dues. Emerging in the underground rap scene in Ohio, Baker did what any aspiring rapper would do. He recorded music in his DIY home studio, called the “Rage Cage. He performed a number of freestyle verses in MTV2’s Sucker Free Freestyle to gain some exposure and experience. In 2006, Baker dropped his mixtape Stamp of Approval. By 2009, he released his sophomore mixtape, 100 Words and Running. Despite gaining some track in the underground rap scene, Baker worked a day job to afford rent.

In 2010, he released the single “Alice in Wonderland.” The song gained some momentum in the underground music scene and was even awarded Best Midwest Artists by the Underground Music Awards in 2010. That same year, his newly released Lace Up spawned the single “Cleveland,” featured at the Cleveland Cavaliers Home Game. Two years later, Baker finally released his debut album, Lace Up. The record, released via Bad Boy Records with a distribution deal with Interscope Records, peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the R&B/Hip-hop Albums chart. The album notably featured hit singles “Wild Boy,” “Invicible,” and “Hold On (Shut Up).”

After his phenomenal debut, Baker continued to drop highly-acclaimed efforts that performed amazingly on the charts. In 2019, Baker gave fans a glimpse of his duality with Hotel Diablo. The album featured both rap and pop punk tracks, including the double platinum-certified single “I Think I’m Okay.” The following year, Baker released his first full pop-punk album, Tickets to My Downfall, which became his first-ever studio album to top the Billboard 200. Last year, Baker continued his winning streak by once again topping the chart with Mainstream Sell Out.

Catch the critically-acclaimed performer Machine Gun Kelly as he lights up Mohegan Sun Arena with his biggest hits!