MGK Biography

Category

Details

Real Name

Colson Baker

Stage Name

Machine Gun Kelly (MGK)

Date of Birth

April 22, 1990

Place of Birth

Houston, Texas, USA

Nationality

American

Profession

Rapper, Singer, Actor

Genres

Rap, Pop Punk, Alternative Rock

Breakthrough Mixtape

Lace Up (2010)

Major Label Debut

Lace Up (2012, Bad Boy/Interscope)

Notable Albums

Tickets to My Downfall, Mainstream Sellout

Acting Debut

Beyond the Lights (2014)

Notable Films

The Dirt (2019), Taurus (2022)

Parents

Raised by missionary parents

Children

One daughter, Casie Colson Baker

Relationship Status

On-off relationship with Megan Fox

Awards

MTV VMA, iHeartRadio Awards

Legal Issues

Public disputes, minor legal troubles

Tattoos

Over 80 tattoos on body

Influences

DMX, Blink-182, Eminem

Net Worth (2025)

Estimated $25 million

Early Life & Background

Born Colson Baker on April 22, 1990, in Houston, Texas, MGK experienced a tumultuous childhood. His parents were missionaries, and their international work meant frequent relocations, including time spent in Egypt and Germany. His mother left the family when he was young, which had a profound impact on his emotional development.

Eventually settling in Cleveland, Ohio, MGK found solace in music—particularly rap and punk rock. He began writing lyrics and recording in his early teens. After high school, MGK focused fully on music, performing at local venues while struggling with financial instability. His raw talent and relentless grind helped him gain a loyal following in Cleveland’s underground rap scene.

Acting Career Highlights

While music remains MGK’s primary career, he has also carved out a notable space in acting. His film debut came in Beyond the Lights (2014), followed by roles in Nerve (2016) and Bird Box (2018). His most acclaimed role was portraying Tommy Lee in The Dirt (2019), a biopic on Mötley Crüe, which showcased his versatility as a performer.

MGK also co-wrote and starred in Taurus (2022), a semi-autobiographical drama that blurred the lines between his real life and fiction. His gritty, emotionally vulnerable performance earned critical praise. In television, he’s made appearances on Saturday Night Live and various talk shows, further boosting his screen presence.


Personal Life & Relationships

MGK’s personal life is as headline-worthy as his career. He has a daughter, Casie, from a previous relationship and frequently speaks of his devotion to fatherhood. His high-profile relationship with actress Megan Fox has drawn immense media attention since 2020. The couple has made several red-carpet appearances and starred together in music videos and films.

Known for his rebellious, vulnerable persona, MGK is open about his struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and personal loss. His image has evolved from wild-child rapper to emotionally honest rock artist, especially evident in his post-2020 transformation.

Legal & Financial Struggles

MGK has faced legal hurdles throughout his career, though none have resulted in major convictions. In his early years, he had minor run-ins with law enforcement, often tied to public altercations or drug-related offenses. He’s also had public disputes with fellow artists, including a widely publicized feud with Eminem that brought both criticism and visibility.

Financially, MGK has been transparent about growing up poor and facing money issues in his early 20s. However, after signing with Bad Boy Records and achieving mainstream success, his earnings soared. While he’s avoided bankruptcy, lavish spending and lifestyle choices have occasionally sparked concern from fans and critics.

Net Worth

As of 2025, MGK’s estimated net worth stands at $25 million. His income is generated from multiple streams:

  • Music sales and streaming royalties from albums like Tickets to My Downfall and Mainstream Sellout

  • Tour revenue, especially from his sold-out arena tours in 2021–2024

  • Brand endorsements including collaborations with clothing and lifestyle brands

  • Film and television appearances

  • Merchandising and YouTube content

His expenses include luxury properties, cars, and a high-fashion wardrobe, but MGK has also invested in production and philanthropic efforts.

Key Points Table

Category

Details

Real Name

Colson Baker

Stage Name

Machine Gun Kelly (MGK)

Date of Birth

April 22, 1990

Profession

Rapper, Actor

Breakthrough Album

Lace Up (2012)

Film Highlight

The Dirt (2019)

Relationship

Megan Fox (on-off)

Children

One daughter – Casie Colson Baker

Legal Issues

Minor public altercations

Net Worth (2025)

$25 million

5 Key Points About MGK’s Career and Personal Life

  1. Versatile Performer: MGK is not just a rapper but also an acclaimed rock artist and actor, showing remarkable range across creative fields.

  2. Fatherhood Matters: He consistently emphasizes the importance of his daughter, Casie, portraying a more grounded side of his personality.

  3. Genre-Bending Style: Transitioning from rap to pop-punk redefined MGK’s image, drawing new fans while retaining old ones.

  4. Resilience Through Controversy: Despite legal troubles and public feuds, MGK has managed to stay relevant and successful.

  5. Emotional Transparency: Through music and interviews, MGK has built a reputation for being emotionally raw, openly discussing anxiety, trauma, and addiction.

Conclusion

MGK’s evolution from underground rapper to mainstream rock star and actor is a story of transformation, resilience, and raw honesty. His ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his emotions has made him a polarizing yet undeniable force in entertainment. With numerous awards, millions of fans, and a career that spans music and film, MGK continues to redefine boundaries and inspire through authenticity. Whether on stage, screen, or in his personal life, MGK remains a bold voice for individuality and self-expression.

5 FAQs About MGK

  1. What does MGK stand for?
    MGK stands for Machine Gun Kelly, a nickname referencing his rapid-fire lyrical style. His real name is Colson Baker.
  2. Is MGK still with Megan Fox?
    As of 2025, MGK and Megan Fox have had an on-again, off-again relationship, but they remain close and have not confirmed a final split.
  3. How did MGK get famous?
    He gained fame through his 2010 mixtape Lace Up and his debut album in 2012. His genre shift in 2020 helped him reach even broader audiences.
  4. Does MGK have children?
    Yes, MGK has one daughter named Casie Colson Baker, whom he often references in songs and interviews.

5. What is MGK’s biggest album?
Tickets to My Downfall (2020) is arguably his most commercially successful and critically praised album, marking his shift to pop-punk.