The confrontation between Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Eminem is one of the biggest sagas in modern rap history, but what makes it unique is its profound impact on the trajectory of MGK’s career. After being hit by the “Killshot” diss track (2018) and issuing his own final response with “Bullets with Names” (2020), MGK made a drastic move: abandoning rap to pursue the Pop Punk/Rock genre. This decision was not just an artistic pivot but a strategic maneuver for survival, aimed at escaping Eminem’s colossal shadow, even though the rivalry remains an indelible part of his story.

The Background: A Strategic Exit from the Rap Arena

MGK’s genre switch was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a calculated move. Following a technical loss to Eminem (according to the general consensus of critics and the public) in the diss track battle, remaining in the rap world would have permanently branded him as the “loser” or “an artist only known for beef.”

The album Hotel Diablo (2019) was the precursor, where MGK began experimenting with Rap Rock and emo elements, but Tickets to My Downfall (2020) was the official declaration. Collaborating with Travis Barker (Blink-182’s legendary drummer), MGK created a commercially successful Pop Punk album, hitting number 1 on the Billboard 200—an achievement he had never reached during his rap career. This pivot allowed MGK to redefine success: He didn’t need to be the best rapper; he only needed to be the most successful rock star of his generation.

The Rivalry’s Continued Presence in Rock Music

Even though MGK had moved to Rock, he never fully shed his role as the “rebel” against his former giant opponents. The rivalry with Eminem remains a key component of his songs and public persona.

Subtle Disdain in Rock Lyrics: Even with rap relegated to the background, MGK maintained his bravado. In many of his Pop Punk tracks, while avoiding direct name-drops, MGK kept an attitude of defiance and disregard for “old rappers,” championing the new generation.
The Psychological and Image Battle: Although Eminem mostly ceased direct attacks (save for subtle remarks like those in “Gnat”), MGK often faced questions about Eminem in interviews. Every time MGK brought up his perceived blacklisting or suppression in the rap scene, it was a way to maintain the narrative and solidify his image as an artist who challenged authority and was consequently “maligned” by the establishment.
“Killshot” as a Career Highlight: Ironically, “Rap Devil” and the resulting “Killshot” were the songs that elevated MGK’s name globally. Although he sought recognition for his rock music, a significant portion of his new rock audience discovered him through the rap drama. MGK effectively turned the scar into a badge of honor: He was the rapper who dared to challenge the Rap God and survived (in the most literal sense—by continuing to release successful music).

Analyzing the Dual Impact: Loss and Triumph

The switch to Rock brought MGK both tremendous success and a certain artistic loss in terms of credibility within the rap domain.

Commercial and Cultural Success: MGK became one of the leading faces of the Pop Punk revival wave in the early 2020s. The albums Tickets to My Downfall and Mainstream Sellout not only achieved high sales but also reshaped fashion and music for a new generation. He found an audience that loved him precisely for his Rock identity and rebellious spirit, not because he was a better rapper than Eminem.
Honor in the Rap Scene: The decision to change genres, in the eyes of many Hip Hop purists, was an indirect admission of defeat to Eminem. By abandoning rap, MGK conceded that he could not defeat Eminem on that specific playing field. This explains why Eminem could serenely declare the war over; MGK had essentially removed himself from the competition.
Identity Struggle: Despite his success in Rock, MGK occasionally reverted to rap. For instance, the retaliation in “Bullets with Names” (2020) occurred concurrently with his push for the Pop Punk project. This indicates an ongoing internal struggle over his artistic identity: MGK remains a talented, wounded rapper forced to seek a different path to validate his self-worth.

Conclusion: The Scar That Created the Star

The rivalry with Eminem is not a closed chapter for MGK, but a scar that has shaped his current artistic persona. Without this feud, MGK might have remained a talented yet peripheral rapper in an intensely competitive world. The pressure from Eminem forced him to take a massive risk and fundamentally reinvent himself.

The current MGK is an A-list rock star, yet the story of his origin (i.e., the Eminem feud) remains an intrinsic part of his artistic profile. He chose to win through independence and diversification, proving that a major artist’s career does not have to be confined to one genre or one rivalry. For MGK, the move to Rock/Pop Punk was the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of “Rap Devil”—he chose his own path, even if that path is forever illuminated (or haunted) by the spotlight of Detroit.