Machine Gun Kelly Gets Deeply Personal On "Hotel Diablo"

BY Erika Marie 28.0K Views
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The rapper blends his rock and rap influences to deliver a solid album.

Quick-rhyming rapper Machine Gun Kelly has faced scrutiny as of late following his highly publicized beef with Detroit's own Eminem. It's unclear who took home the title in the war of words between the two artists, but it certainly put them both back at the forefront of rap enthusiasts minds. For weeks MGK has been teasing fans with bits from his latest effort  Hotel Diablo, and on Friday morning the rapper-actor has dropped off his fourth studio album featuring Naomi Wild, Lil Skies, Trippie Redd, Madison Love, Phem, YUNGBLUD, and Travis Barker.

Throughout, MGK's focus seems to be drawing in listeners with personal tales of his life struggles. Although he has developed a reputation as being a spitfire rapper, MGK doesn't rely so much on those skills here. There's a synergy of rock and rap on Hotel Diablo, but not in an annoying way that comes across too aggressive. There's an obvious Linkin Park influence on certain tracks, especially on "Hollyood Whore." Aside from getting intimate with fans, MGK also mentions the battles those close to him have faced, including his best friend Pete Davidson who was recently reportedly suicidal. Take a listen to the noir-style record and let us know what you think.

Tracklist

1. Sex Drive
2. el diablo
3. Hollywood Whore
4. Glass House ft. Naomi Wild
5. Burning Memories ft. Lil Skies
6. A Message From The Count
7. FLOOR 13
8. Roulette
9. Truck Norris Interlude
10. Death In My Pocket
11. Candy ft. Trippie Redd
12. Waste Love ft. Madison Love
13. 5:3666 ft. Phem
14. I Think I'm Okay (with YUNGBLUD & Travis Barker


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.