[usr 3]

Cleveland rap standout Machine Gun Kelly stays on the grind, dropping pop-radio-ready rap single, “The Break Up.”  

Machine Gun Kelly has remained busy throughout 2017.  His biggest ‘claim to fame’ was the release of his third studio album, bloom. Notably, bloom featured a couple of hits and debuted in the top-10 of the Billboard 200. Additionally, he landed on the soundtrack to the film Bright (Bright: The Album).  So, where does his new single, “The Break Up,” fit into the equation?

“The Break Up” has a mellow sound, with kinder, gentler synths leading the way.  Still, it’s anchored by super slick, rhythmic drums, and Machine Gun Kelly definitely hasn’t become soft.  His flow remains his best attributes, while his rhymes are biting, profane, and an exemplification of Cleveland (or so he’d say). While he remains ‘rough around the edges,’ the hook has more elements of pop-rap, not to the extent of say, “Rehab” from bloom.  Overall, the hook is catchy, but don’t call it a masterpiece.

Final Thoughts

Hmm, how does “The Break Up” stack up for Machine Gun Kelly? It’s solid, but nothing game changing.  Hardcore fans will appreciate it more than the casual listener.  This is a rap record that seems to be aimed at pop radio, much like bloom, therefore, the verdict is mixed.  The MGK flow is still intact, and the production is sound, but, the record itself doesn’t feel like a homerun.  Will we remember “The Break Up” in a few months? Doubtful, but ‘never say never.’

Machine Gun Kelly • The Break Up – Single • Bad Boy / Interscope • Release: 12.15.17 

Photo Credit: Bad Boy / Interscope