Machine Gun Kelly smartly capitalizes off his “Rap Devil” resurgence with his brief album, ‘BINGE.’ The problem? It’s pretty flipping bad.

“F**k ‘Rap God’, I’m the ‘Rap Devil’.” That’s what Cleveland, Ohio rapper Machine Gun Kelly declared on his Eminem diss track, “Rap Devil”. “Rap Devil” earned the Midwest rapper the most buzz he’s had in a minute – that ‘minute’ being years.  If you think about it, has he ever been nearly as hot as he was since his “Wild Boy” days?  The answer is a resounding no, and while his 2017 album bloom had a few ‘moments’, it was flawed and forgettable.  All that considered, naturally, why shouldn’t MGK capitalize on the buzz?  With “Rap Devil” serving as the catalyst, the brief, 24-minute album BINGE arrives.  It’s not very good in the least.

If you are a fan of Machine Gun Kelly – if you “Stan” with him – perhaps you’ll defend BINGE. Personally, I don’t see how, but then again, I’m don’t fan-boy over the Cleveland MC, despite listening and reviewing all of his albums to date. Maybe if you’re that Stan, you appreciate the hard-nosed production and the aggressive persona he delivers here.  While there’s nothing wrong with the attitude he brings, the problem is the execution and the material itself.  Where BINGE falls short are the bars, the flow, the songs, and even sometimes, the beats and production.

“Loco”

Admittedly, it’s difficult not to prejudge the EP because of the timing of its release.  The thing that would’ve been optimal for Machine Gun Kelly would’ve been to change that perception by delivering a quality project.  BINGE is shoddy from the start.  “Long Time Coming” is eye-roll worthy, suffering from being utterly generic, over-dramatic, and drenched in autotune.  The vibe may be there, even leading into follow-up “Loco,” but what does he really accomplish? “LOCO” is the exemplification of generic, playing on clichés lacking compelling lyricism.

“Ay, can’t stop getting paper / Ay, can’t stop rollin’ papers / Ay, LSD and coca / Ay, live la vida loca.”

On “GTS” Machine Gun Kelly proclaims that he’s been “going through shit.” The hook is okay, catchy enough, but again, the listeners don’t get some deep narrative in the least.  Most of us could make such an assertion, but the key is to back it up, which doesn’t happen.  

“Rap Devil”

Thankfully, “Rap Devil” arrives, even with its fair share of issues. As aforementioned on the track review, Machine Gun Kelly makes a number of memorable jabs at Eminem.  On the first verse, he insults his age, and calls out his pettiness.  On the second verse, he seems pissed, referencing one of Eminem’s most famous records, “Stan.” He asserts, “Tryin’ to be the old you so bad you ‘Stan’ yourself.” He goes on to point the finger at Eminem for being desperate, stating, “The big bad bully of the rap game can’t take a f**kin’ joke.” As he does many times throughout “Rap Devil,” MGK makes fun of his age:

“Somebody help your mans up (help)

Knees weak of old age, the real Slim Shady can’t stand up!”

Verse three finds Machine Gun Kelly claiming that Eminem is in love with him – “Dropped an album just because of me / Damn, you in love with me!” Oddly, he compliments the rapper, or at least states facts (“Still bitter after everyone loves you”), before telling him “Pull that wedgie out your Dungarees.”  The fourth and final verse also includes more compliments – “You got an Oscar, damn / Can anyone else get some food in their mouth?” – which seems counterproductive to a diss.  Again, despite being considered totally ‘wack’ by some, it’s the best moment of BINGE unsurprisingly.

“Nylon”

Unfortunately, beyond “Rap Devil,” there are five more songs.  “Nylon” keeps things ‘SoundCloud rap’ length, missing the two-minute mark.  One has to wonder if that’s what he was going for.  Regardless, there’s very little to take away.  “Lately” ‘bulks up’ in regards to length, and also gives BINGE its next-best moment behind “Rap Devil.” To his credit, he gets more personal, asserting on the second verse, “Look, I promised myself I ain’t never going home / nine years old, my momma left me in the cold.” This isn’t the first time that Kelly’s past has shown up musically.

After bringing some hope to BINGE, he undoes it with “Signs” featuring 24hrs.  The production by Hit-Boy is the best aspect of the record.  But the autotuned by 24hrs is annoying AF, while the rhymes simply don’t do it for me.  Like “Signs,” “Get the Broom” benefits from respectable production (Honorable C.N.O.T.E.), but otherwise, feels like a generic banger. Closer “LIVEFASTDIEYOUNG” does nothing to change the perception or tenor of BINGE.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, BINGE is a hot mess – BAD.  Clearly, Machine Gun Kelly has put little effort into this project, giving the timing, the short length, and the lackadaisical songwriting.  While it’s a brilliant business move, it’s about as lazy a project as it comes. Personally, would I revisit this project? No.

Gems: “Rap Devil” & “Lately” 

Machine Gun Kelly • BINGE • Bad Boy / Interscope • Release: 9.21.18

Photo Credits: Bad Boy / Interscope