Rapper Machine Gun Kelly Transitions to Rock

Machine Gun Kelly’s latest album, Lost Americana, is another change of pace.

On Friday, the rapper-turned-rocker released the follow-up to 2022’s Mainstream Sellout, demonstrating that he is a multi-talented artist.

Known for his pop-punk albums Tickets to My Downfall and Mainstream Sellout, which both reached the top of the charts, and his rap roots, the 35-year-old musician ventures into new terrain with a style that incorporates elements of classic heartland rock, country, and folk.

“I choose to not stay contained in a societal box,” MGK, whose actual name is Colson Baker, previously stated to People about his desire to avoid being labeled.

“I only provide entertainment, and that can’t be that serious.”

The LP was initially hinted at in June with a dramatic trailer that featured Bob Dylan as the narrator. The folk hero in the video referred to the record as “a sonic map of forgotten places, a tribute to the spirit of reinvention and a quest to reclaim the essence of American freedom and creativity.”

Dylan, 84, stated: “This music honors the beauty found in the spaces between, from the glow of neon diners to the rumble of the motorcycles.”

“Where you can reimagine the past and shape the future according to your own terms.”

When Dylan made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last week, MGK confirmed that the voice in the teaser was, in fact, that of the Like a Rolling Stone singer, despite fans’ initial doubts.

“I honestly don’t know how he even knows who I am,” he remarked.

“And I’m pretty sure I’ll ruin everything if I say the wrong thing, so I’ll just keep quiet and take whatever Bob Dylan gives me.”

The narrative followed Dylan’s shocking February Instagram upload of a video of MGK performing, which shook the music industry.

All of the main streaming services currently have Lost Americana available.