Machine Gun Kelly, born Colson Baker, has long been a figure of fascination in the music industry. His raw lyrics, rebellious persona, and public relationship with actress Megan Fox have kept him in the spotlight for years. However, beyond the headlines and controversies lies a story of personal transformation that is both inspiring and deeply human. This blog delves into the lesser-known side of Machine Gun Kelly—a side that reveals his commitment to breaking the cycle of generational trauma and addiction, not just for himself, but for his daughter.
A Brief Background: From Troubled Youth to Musical Success
Colson Baker, better known by his stage name Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), was born on April 22, 1990, in Houston, Texas. His early life was marked by instability and hardship. His mother left when he was just nine years old, leaving him and his father to fend for themselves. His father struggled with depression and could not maintain a stable job, leading to a strained relationship between father and son. This tumultuous upbringing set the stage for a life of rebellion and substance abuse.
MGK found solace in music, using it as an outlet to express his pain and anger. His raw, unfiltered lyrics resonated with fans who had experienced similar struggles. His rise to fame was swift, with hits like “Wild Boy” and “Bad Things” catapulting him into the mainstream. However, behind the scenes, MGK was battling demons that threatened to derail his career and his life.
The Struggles of Fatherhood and Substance Abuse
At the age of 18, MGK became a father to his daughter, Casie. Despite his young age and the challenges he faced, he stepped up to the plate and embraced fatherhood. Publicly, he appeared to be a devoted father, often seen with Casie at red carpet events, where their close bond was evident. However, there was one battle that he could not seem to overcome—his addiction to drugs.
For years, MGK struggled with substance abuse, a battle that was exacerbated by the pressures of fame and his unresolved childhood trauma. Despite his public persona as a present and loving father, his addiction loomed large in the background. It wasn’t until recently that MGK decided to take his health seriously, both for his own sake and for the sake of his daughter.
The Turning Point: A Daughter’s Heartbreaking Revelation
In a recent interview on Bunny XO’s podcast, MGK revealed a pivotal moment that forced him to confront his addiction. It wasn’t an intervention from friends or family, but a simple, heartbreaking statement from his daughter. Casie, then around 11 or 12 years old, told her father, “Dad, I can tell when you’re high.”
This admission shattered MGK. The realization that his daughter was aware of his addiction, and that it was affecting her, was a wake-up call. “It broke my heart,” MGK admitted during the podcast. “That was like the ultimate letdown.”
This moment marked the beginning of MGK’s journey toward sobriety. However, as he candidly shared, it wasn’t an immediate transformation. “It took me a while afterwards,” he said, acknowledging the vice-like grip that drugs had on his life. But the seed had been planted, and MGK knew that he needed to make a change, not just for himself, but for his daughter.
The Road to Recovery: Rehabilitation and Self-Reflection
After completing a European tour, MGK made the difficult decision to enter rehab. This was his first time seeking professional help for his addiction, and it was a transformative experience. “They gave me so many ways to operate the body and show where this anger is coming from and methods to quell it,” MGK shared during the podcast.
Rehabilitation was not just about detoxing from drugs; it was a journey of self-discovery and healing. MGK met with multiple psychiatrists and therapists, some of whom gave up on him. However, through persistence and introspection, he began to understand the root causes of his anger and addiction. “I ended up falling into an awareness of what my condition is and have made peace with it,” he said.
This newfound awareness was a turning point in MGK’s life. It allowed him to address his issues with clarity and intention, and most importantly, it enabled him to be the father that his daughter needed. “I’m really happy that when my daughter and I are having our conversations, I’m coming from a place of being centered and holding space for what a child needs from their parent,” he explained.
The Impact of Generational Trauma: A Cycle Broken
MGK’s struggles with addiction cannot be separated from the generational trauma that he experienced. His father, who battled depression and unresolved trauma from his own childhood, was unable to break the cycle. This led to a hostile relationship between father and son, which in turn contributed to MGK’s substance abuse.
The concept of generational trauma refers to the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next. This can manifest in various ways, including substance abuse, mental health issues, and dysfunctional relationships. For MGK, breaking this cycle was not just about overcoming his addiction—it was about rewriting the narrative for his daughter.
“I give a lot of props to everyone around me for never quitting before I got to this point because I really hope I’m a lot more of like a pleasure to be around,” MGK said. His journey toward sobriety is not just a personal victory; it’s a victory for his family, as he is now able to be the father that his daughter deserves.
A Parallel with Eminem: Fathers Who Choose Sobriety for Their Children
MGK’s journey toward sobriety has drawn comparisons to another famous rapper who made a similar choice—Eminem. Both artists had troubled upbringings, battled addiction, and eventually chose sobriety for the sake of their daughters. Eminem’s decision to get sober was famously motivated by his desire to be a better father to his daughter, Hailie.
The parallels between the two artists are striking, despite their public feud. Both men have used their music as an outlet for their pain and struggles, and both have made the difficult choice to break the cycle of addiction for the sake of their children. This is a testament to the power of fatherhood and the lengths that parents will go to protect their children from the same hardships they endured.
The Collaboration with Jelly Roll: A Celebration of Redemption
To celebrate his journey and share his story with fans, MGK collaborated with singer Jelly Roll on a song called “Lonely Road,” released in early August. The song is a spin on John Denver’s classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and it explores themes of loss, struggle, and redemption. Given the personal journeys of both artists, the song is deeply meaningful.
Jelly Roll, like MGK, has his own story of redemption. Born into a broken family, he spent years in and out of prison before getting sober and turning his life around. Today, he is one of the biggest country singers in the world, and his story serves as an inspiration to many.
The collaboration between MGK and Jelly Roll is more than just a musical partnership; it’s a celebration of their shared journey toward sobriety and redemption. The song’s lyrics resonate with anyone who has ever faced adversity and fought to overcome it. One listener commented, “Fathers, just remember our kids need us in the home, not in a jail cell looking at us through some glass or screen. Bless up, this is a great song.”
Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Healing the Wounds of the Past
In addition to his sobriety, MGK has taken steps to heal the wounds of the past. After the death of his father, MGK publicly reconciled with his mother, whom he had estranged from for years. In a statement following his father’s death, MGK said, “They deserve forgiveness. He was so tormented from some of the most insane [expletive] I could imagine a kid going through that he had to figure it out with almost every possible bad circumstance going against him.”
This act of forgiveness is a powerful symbol of MGK’s growth and maturity. It shows that he is not only breaking the cycle of addiction but also breaking the cycle of resentment and anger that has plagued his family for generations. By reconciling with his mother, MGK is setting an example for his daughter and showing her the importance of forgiveness and healing.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Machine Gun Kelly
Machine Gun Kelly’s journey is far from over, but the steps he has taken toward sobriety, reconciliation, and personal growth are commendable. His story is a reminder that no matter how deep the wounds of the past, it is possible to heal and break the cycle of trauma and addiction.
For MGK, the decision to get sober was not just about himself—it was about his daughter, Casie, and the future he wants to create for her. It was about being the father she deserves and ensuring that she does not inherit the same struggles that he faced. This is what makes MGK’s journey so powerful and inspiring.
As fans continue to follow MGK’s career, they will undoubtedly see a new side of the artist—one that is clear-headed, intentional, and committed to breaking the cycle. And while his music and public persona may continue to evolve, one thing is certain: Colson Baker is determined to be a force for positive change in his own life and the lives of those he loves.
In a world where so many are trapped in cycles of addiction and trauma, MGK’s story offers hope. It shows that with determination, support, and a willingness to confront one’s demons, it is possible to break free and create a better future. And for that, Machine Gun Kelly deserves not just our attention, but our respect.
4o
