Rapper Machine Gun Kelly revealed why he’s ‘oozing’ the 90’s Grunge sound, and discussed his Nirvana, Kurt Cobain, and Radiohead fandom in a new Rolling Stone interview.
You’re one of the few rappers who play guitar onstage.
That’s why I first picked up the guitar. It seemed like that was missing from this generation. Is there someone who can play guitar better than me technically? One hundred percent. But does anyone look better playing a guitar in my generation? Absolutely not.
You’ve talked a lot about Nirvana and Radiohead. Why do you think the Nineties produced so many great bands?
I have Nineties music oozing out of my pores. What made rock & roll back then is that it was uncensored. It was raw and dark. Think of “Something in the Way,” by Nirvana – he was telling everyone how he felt. Now we’re in the age of politically correct. I hope to shave that down and bring purity back into things.
You’ve said your next album is inspired by Radiohead.
I was listening to a lot of Kid A when I made it. They use unconventional sounds to fill up the production. I have the same goal: to push people’s minds.