From The Undertones to The Ramones and from My Chemical Romance to Simple Plan, pop-punk and alternative genres of music have been around for ages, so when a new composer pushes their way into the spotlight, people tend to notice.

Colson Baker, better known by their stage name Machine Gun Kelly, has recently become a celebrity in alternative, hip-hop and rap scenes. However, while many enjoy his music, I, on the other hand, believe it is absolutely horrendous. 

I first heard of MGK after listening to the song “Emo Girl.” Although, after listening to this song, I was absolutely disgusted by the way it portrayed Goth, Scene and Emo culture. The stereotypical nature of the song is grotesque.

While Scene, Goth and Emo cultures have been renowned for being esoteric and stylish, MGK’s song paints them in a hideous and disgusting light. 

The line “choker on her neck, kiss me Holy ****, I’m bleeding on your Blink tee,” is a perfect example of such atrocities. While, yes, a multitude of different goth and emo subcultures wear chokers, the song paints this in a stigmatic way. 

Not only this, but the song is even used as an insult. I have even been caught on the sidewalk by someone who incessantly sings “Emo Girl” at me as if this song is what our entire culture is about.

While, admittedly, the song can be catchy in a few verses, it does not align with what generations of Goth and Emo bands have been trying to eliminate from the world: stereotypes. 

In addition, I find myself annoyed at those who would say MGK made pop punk, when they have taken zero time to look for bands such as My Chemical Romance and Nirvana, two very influential grunge and alternative bands.

MGK, as well, has made the song “Rap Devil” to combat harsh words said by Eminem, who is said by many famous rappers to be the greatest rapper alive. I do not agree with the way MGK dissed Eminem, when he cannot even compare.

While I am completely content with others loving MGK and their music, I am simply not a fan and believe he promotes stereotypes and stigmas of Goth, Scene and Emo culture.