While exploring genres like pop rap, alternative rock, and hip hop for nearly two decades, Machine Gun Kelly eventually found his way to country music thanks to Jelly Roll. Together, the singer collaborated on the hit song “Lonely Road.” Besides gaining praise from fans, the two singers watched as the song received a nomination at the People’s Choice Country Awards. And with the ceremony held at the iconic Grand Ole Opry, MGK discussed how country music welcomed him with open arms.
Over the last year, singers like Post Malone and Beyonce entered country music with albums like Cowboy Carter. While not dropping an entire country album yet, MGK dabbled in the genre with “Lonely Road.” And besides being his first country song, it ended up winning the award for Best Crossover Song.
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Speaking with US Weekly about his welcome into country music, MGK compared it to walking on the moon. “I think it’s like the moon or something. It’s nice to see someone else come and land on it, you know? I feel like we’ve been used to what the moon looks like for a long time, some new boots stepping on it, putting a different type of footprint in the dirt.”
[RELATED: 4 Times Machine Gun Kelly Went Country—and It Worked]
Machine Gun Kelly And Jelly Roll Went From Enemies To Friends
Although some criticized country music in the past, MGK did the complete opposite when discussing his entrance into the genre. “To be honest, I’m very humbled and very grateful to be welcomed, I was welcomed with open arms. So many times in my career I’ve had to bust a door open and they opened the door very kindly for me. I’m going to step in with class and my job is to be a great musician, so I’m going to bring great music in.”
As for MGK’s friendship with Jelly Roll, the two found common ground after feuding for some time. During his acceptance speech, MGK declared, “Comparison is the thief of joy. There is enough room on the couch for everybody. We found camaraderie in the chaos. Last year, I was right there, sitting in that seat, watching my boy rock on that stage. And I was like, ‘Man, I hope one day we’re up there.’ And we’re here!”
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)