Mainstream Sellout
mainstream sellout is the sixth studio album by American musician Machine Gun Kelly (also stylized as mgk), released on March 25, 2022, through Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records.[1][2] The album, executive produced by Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, consists of 16 tracks and runs for approximately 40 minutes, continuing Kelly's exploration of pop-punk following his 2020 breakthrough Tickets to My Downfall.[2][3][4] The record features collaborations with artists including Bring Me the Horizon on "maybe", Willow on "Emo Girl", blackbear on "Make Up Sex", and Lil Wayne on "Drug Dealer", among others.[5][1] Lead singles preceding the album included "Papercuts" in August 2021, "Emo Girl" in February 2022, and "Ay!" in March 2022, with "Twin Flame" serving as the closer.[6][7] Upon release, mainstream sellout debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning 93,000 album-equivalent units in its first week and marking Kelly's second consecutive chart-topping album after Tickets to My Downfall.[4][8] It also reached number one in Canada and the top ten in several other countries, including Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.[9][10] Critically, the album received mixed reviews, with a Metascore of 55 out of 100 based on 11 publications, praised for its energetic production and honest lyrical themes addressing fame and authenticity but criticized for lacking the innovation and emotional depth of Kelly's prior work.[11][12] The title reflects Kelly's response to accusations of "selling out" by embracing mainstream pop-punk, a motif explored in tracks like the title song and "Born with Horns".[12][1]Background and recording
Development and influences
The development of Mainstream Sellout began with a symbolic collaboration between Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, who got matching arm tattoos reading "Born with Horns" on August 9, 2021, announcing the project's initial working title and their joint creative partnership.[13] This tattoo session highlighted Barker's role as executive producer, building on their successful work together on MGK's previous album, Tickets to My Downfall (2020), which marked MGK's pivot to pop-punk.[14] In January 2022, MGK changed the album's title to Mainstream Sellout, a decision he shared in a video with Barker, embracing the term as a self-aware nod to criticisms of his commercial shift toward mainstream pop-punk while critiquing industry sellout culture.[15] The recording sessions took place primarily over two months in late 2021 and early 2022 at studios in the Los Angeles area, where Barker emphasized a raw pop-punk sound with three-chord structures, live guitar elements, and themes of addiction, depression, and personal disillusionment.[16] This process continued MGK's evolution from rap roots, incorporating influences from classic pop-punk bands like Blink-182—evident in Barker's drumming style and production—and Green Day's melodic punk energy, positioning Mainstream Sellout as MGK's second consecutive full-length in the genre.[17] MGK's personal life significantly shaped the album's emotional depth, particularly his high-profile relationship with actress Megan Fox, which began in 2020 and inspired vulnerable lyrics exploring infatuation, commitment, and turmoil across tracks like "Twin Flame," where Fox even contributes a spoken-word interlude.[18] Living together in Los Angeles with their blended family, MGK drew from this romance's intensity—marked by public displays of devotion and shared interests in mysticism—to infuse the record with raw, confessional tones that blended his rap heritage with pop-punk's angst.[16]Announcement and title changes
On August 9, 2021, Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Travis Barker announced MGK's upcoming sixth studio album via social media posts showcasing matching forearm tattoos reading "Born with Horns," signaling a continued pop-punk direction following the style of his 2020 album Tickets to My Downfall.[19][20] The reveal, which included the release of the lead single "papercuts" on August 11, generated immediate excitement among fans and media, positioning the project as Barker's full executive production effort.[21] Throughout late 2021, fan speculation intensified around the album's release timeline and content, fueled by MGK's festival performances where he delivered high-energy pop-punk sets, such as at Austin City Limits in October, and teases in interviews about evolving further from his rap origins.[22][23] Media coverage highlighted MGK's discussions of the genre shift, including a October interview where he described Born with Horns as "more guitar-heavy" than prior work, building anticipation amid rumors of a possible early 2022 drop.[24][25] On January 31, 2022, MGK revealed a title change to Mainstream Sellout in a TikTok video confessing the update to Barker, framing it as an ironic embrace of critics' "sellout" label for his mainstream pop-punk pivot and commercial success.[13][26] The shift addressed evolving themes of fame and authenticity, with MGK later explaining in interviews that the title reflected owning accusations of chasing broader appeal while staying true to his artistic risks.[15][27]Music and lyrics
Genre and production style
Mainstream Sellout is predominantly a pop-punk album characterized by punk rock energy, featuring power chords, fast tempos, and driving rhythms that evoke the genre's high-octane style.[28] Produced primarily by Travis Barker, the album employs live drum tracking to deliver thunderous, propulsive beats reminiscent of Blink-182's signature sound, with guitar-heavy mixes emphasizing distorted riffs and urgent instrumentation.[16] Barker's production choices include drop-D tunings and jagged, three-chord solos that contribute to the record's raw, adolescent edge, while polished mixing by Interscope Records ensures broad radio appeal without sacrificing the genre's snotty aggression.[12] The album incorporates emo and alternative rock elements, such as anthemic choruses and brooding atmospheres, which add emotional depth to its buoyant energy.[28] Guest features from artists like Willow on "Emo Girl" and Machine Gun Kelly's collaborations with rock-leaning performers enhance the album's credibility within the pop-punk revival, blending hook-driven melodies with arena-sized ambition.[12] Specific production techniques highlight high-energy distortion on tracks like the title track "mainstream sellout," where snarling guitars and rapid-fire drums create a sense of urgency, contrasting with acoustic intros on more introspective ballads that provide dynamic shifts in tempo and texture.[16] Overall, Mainstream Sellout draws comparisons to the 2000s pop-punk revival, positioning Barker's Blink-182-inspired beats as the core rhythmic foundation that propels the album's fast-paced, rebellious sound.[12] This approach, executed through late-night jamming sessions and hybrid rock elements like subtle 808 integrations, results in quick, catchy songs that prioritize feel-good momentum while nodding to the era's mall-punk predecessors.[28]Themes and songwriting
The album Mainstream Sellout centers on themes of fame's pitfalls, self-doubt, and the ironic pursuit of mainstream success, often framed as a deliberate "sellout" to critique industry authenticity. In the title track, Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) addresses accusations of inauthenticity in Hollywood while mocking gatekeeping from rock purists, with lyrics like "I heard the feedback, I'm a poser / With a guitar and a choker." This self-aware irony underscores the album's exploration of celebrity scrutiny and the pressures of commercial viability.[29][28] Personal vulnerability permeates the lyrics, particularly in tracks addressing tumultuous relationships, mental health struggles, and MGK's shift from rap to rock. Songs like "Make Up Sex" (featuring blackbear) and "Twin Flame" delve into infatuation and emotional dependency, the latter incorporating a voice recording from partner Megan Fox to blend heartbreak with raw intimacy. Mental health is confronted head-on in "God Save Me," where MGK confesses to suicide attempts amid media frenzy, and in "5150," which references California's psychiatric hold law (Section 5150) to depict self-hatred. The track "Papercuts" reflects his genre transition, likening it to Kanye West's evolution with lines such as "Y’all said that I switched genres / I saw the limit and took it farther," highlighting an identity crisis rooted in his rap origins. References to family loss in the lyrics, such as the "dead father" in "Papercuts," are metaphorical, reflecting estrangement rather than literal death at the time of writing (MGK's father passed away in 2024).[29][28][30][31] MGK's songwriting approach is notably collaborative, with producer Travis Barker contributing to song structures and earning writing credits on multiple tracks, alongside input from guest artists like Willow on "Emo Girl." This method employs direct, confessional language to convey angst and bravado, paired with catchy pop-punk hooks for broad accessibility. Tracks like "Emo Girl" exemplify this evolution from his earlier rap persona, blending 2000s nostalgia with themes of outsider identity and emotional turmoil to bridge his past and present selves. The production style amplifies the urgency of these lyrics, enhancing their emotional impact through dynamic riffs and rhythms.[32][28][29]Release and promotion
Singles and artwork
The lead single from Mainstream Sellout, "papercuts", was released on August 11, 2021, and peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.[33] The track's accompanying music video, directed by Cole Bennett, features a surreal, psychedelic narrative depicting Machine Gun Kelly navigating a chaotic environment symbolizing media scrutiny and personal turmoil, aligning with the song's themes of feeling alienated by public perception.[34] Subsequent singles built anticipation for the album's March 25, 2022, release. "emo girl" featuring Willow was issued on February 4, 2022, reaching number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100.[35] "ay!" with Lil Wayne followed on March 4, 2022, charting at number 82 on the Hot 100.[36][37] "maybe" featuring Bring Me the Horizon arrived on March 16, 2022, and debuted at number 1 on the UK Rock & Metal Singles chart while peaking at number 6 on the US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. Later, "make up sex" with Blackbear was released as a single on April 26, 2022, following its initial album appearance, and topped the Alternative Digital Song Sales chart. The original album artwork, revealed on March 14, 2022, was a self-portrait by Machine Gun Kelly showcasing his signature pink hair and aesthetic against a vibrant pink background, evoking a playful yet ironic commentary on fame and reinvention.[38] An alternative cover for the Target exclusive edition, featuring revised imagery with a more subdued tone and additional graphic elements, became the new standard digital artwork on March 29, 2024.[39][40] Promotion for the singles emphasized the album's pop-punk revival through official music videos directed by high-profile collaborators, widespread radio airplay on alternative and rock stations, and viral TikTok challenges that encouraged fans to recreate emo-inspired looks and lip-sync the tracks' anthemic choruses.[41] These efforts highlighted the singles' nostalgic nods to early 2000s punk energy while integrating modern hip-hop elements.Deluxe edition and marketing
On June 24, 2022, a deluxe edition of Mainstream Sellout subtitled Life in Pink was released through Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records, adding six new tracks to the original 16-song lineup.[42] These included "9 Lives", "More Than Life" (featuring Glaive), "Why Are You Here", "Last November", "Fake Love Don't Last" (featuring Iann Dior), and "Misery Business" (a cover of Paramore's song featuring Willow), which further explored themes of personal struggle and relationships in a pop-punk style.[43] The expanded release aimed to extend the album's momentum following its chart-topping debut earlier that year.[8] Marketing efforts for Mainstream Sellout leaned into the album's ironic title, embracing accusations of commercialism through targeted merchandise and digital campaigns. Pink-themed apparel, such as T-shirts featuring the album's cracked portrait artwork and laser-eyed imagery of Machine Gun Kelly, was prominently sold via partnerships with retailers like Hot Topic, aligning with the record's vibrant, satirical aesthetic.[44] Promotional strategies on official channels mocked the "sellout" narrative by highlighting the album's genre-blending as a deliberate artistic choice, building on the buzz from pre-release singles.[45] The album's nomination for Best Rock Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023 provided additional promotional leverage, with Machine Gun Kelly publicly acknowledging the recognition as validation of the project's impact during ongoing media appearances and updates.[46] This accolade helped sustain interest amid various retail variants, including colored vinyl editions that maintained visual consistency with the original pink-dominated cover art.[47]Mainstream Sellout Tour
The Mainstream Sellout Tour was a concert tour by American musician Machine Gun Kelly in support of his sixth studio album, Mainstream Sellout.[48] It commenced on June 8, 2022, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, and concluded on October 12, 2022, at AFAS Live in Amsterdam, Netherlands, encompassing 52 shows across North America (38 dates) and Europe (14 dates).[48][49] Support acts varied by tour leg and included Blackbear, Iann Dior, Avril Lavigne, PVRIS, Trippie Redd, Willow, 44phantom, and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, who performed select dates and contributed to the pop-punk atmosphere.[49][50] The setlist prominently featured tracks from Mainstream Sellout, such as the title track and "Emo Girl," alongside earlier hits like "Bloody Valentine" and "My Ex's Best Friend"; performances incorporated pyrotechnics, stage dives, and direct crowd interaction to amplify the high-energy pop-punk vibe.[51][52] Financially, the tour generated a box office gross of $33.68 million, with numerous sold-out venues, including the Cleveland homecoming show on August 13, 2022, at FirstEnergy Stadium, which drew over 50,000 attendees and marked the end of the North American leg.[53]Concert film and legacy events
The concert film Mainstream Sellout Live from Cleveland: The Pink Era, directed by Sam Cahill, was released for digital purchase and rental on Apple TV and iTunes on January 1, 2025.[54] It captures Machine Gun Kelly's 2022 homecoming performance at Cleveland's FirstEnergy Stadium during the Mainstream Sellout Tour, featuring the full setlist with high-energy visuals, guest appearances by artists such as Lil Wayne, and elaborate stage production that drew over 50,000 attendees.[55][56] The film extends beyond the concert footage to include behind-the-scenes segments showcasing tour production challenges, artist preparations, and intimate fan interactions, while emphasizing the album's signature pink aesthetic through vibrant lighting and set design.[57] These elements provide a retrospective look at the tour's cultural impact, coinciding with MGK's shift toward country music in subsequent releases like Lost Americana (2025).[58] No major album re-releases or extensions have occurred since the 2022 tour, positioning the 2025 film as a key milestone in preserving its legacy.[59] Legacy events tied to Mainstream Sellout have been limited but notable, including festival appearances in 2024 where MGK revisited tracks such as "concert for aliens" and "drunk face" at venues like Cheyenne Frontier Days and the North Dakota State Fair.[60] Additionally, MGK Day 2024 in Cleveland, held August 9–13, featured an exclusive screening of the concert film, charity events, and a performance incorporating album songs like "maybe," celebrating the rapper's hometown roots and the tour's enduring fanbase.[61][62]Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release in March 2022, Mainstream Sellout received mixed reviews from music critics, earning a Metacritic score of 55 out of 100 based on 11 reviews, which reflected divided opinions on its pop-punk execution.[11] Positive assessments highlighted the album's energetic delivery and emotional rawness. NME awarded it four out of five stars, commending its "surprisingly vulnerable" lyrics, raw angst in tracks like "God Save Me," and high-energy anthems that captured outsider frustration with joyful intensity.[28] Kerrang! gave it three out of five stars, praising the impactful guest appearances—such as Willow on "Emo Girl" and Bring Me the Horizon's Oli Sykes on "Maybe"—for adding dynamism and sleek production flair to the pop-punk sound.[63] Critics on the negative side found the record formulaic and underdeveloped. Rolling Stone described it as a "self-hating celebrity pop-punk purge," critiquing its reliance on buzzsaw-guitar clichés and lack of fresh depth beyond entertaining surface-level hooks.[64] The Guardian rated it three out of five stars, noting its fun evocation of early-2000s punk-pop but faulting the over-reliance on nostalgic tropes without meaningful innovation in songcraft.[65] Across reviews, the polished production—largely credited to Travis Barker—was commonly praised for its tight, radio-ready sheen that amplified the album's reckless vibe.[63] However, many faulted the lyrics for superficial treatment of fame and selling-out themes, often viewing them as self-indulgent complaints rather than insightful commentary.[12]Accolades and retrospective analysis
Mainstream Sellout received a nomination for Best Rock Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023, marking Machine Gun Kelly's first nomination in the rock category after a decade-long career primarily in hip-hop.[46] The album did not win, with Ozzy Osbourne's Patient Number 9 taking the award.[46] This recognition highlighted MGK's successful pivot to pop-punk, providing personal closure as he reflected on his artistic evolution.[66] In retrospective assessments, the album is viewed as a key entry in the early 2020s pop-punk revival, building on MGK's prior work Tickets to My Downfall by blending punk energy with mainstream accessibility, though it faced criticism for formulaic elements. The 2023 concert film Mainstream Sellout Live From Cleveland: The Pink Era, documenting the homecoming show of the supporting tour, captured this era's intensity and earned strong audience approval, underscoring the project's enduring appeal among fans.[59]Commercial performance
Chart positions
Mainstream Sellout debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart for the week ending April 9, 2022, marking Machine Gun Kelly's second consecutive number-one album following Tickets to My Downfall.[67] The album also topped the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart upon release, underscoring its strong performance within the rock genre.[67] Internationally, it achieved number one on the Canadian Albums Chart and the Australian ARIA Albums Chart, representing Machine Gun Kelly's first chart-topping album in Australia.[9][68] In the United Kingdom, the album entered the Official Albums Chart at number two, behind Michael Bublé's Higher, and spent a total of eight weeks on the chart.[69] Across Europe, it reached the top ten in several countries, including number three in Germany and number seven in Ireland.[70] The album's chart longevity included 20 weeks on the Billboard 200, reflecting sustained interest through streaming and fan engagement. It ranked at number 121 on the US Billboard 200 year-end chart for 2022 and number 42 on the UK year-end albums chart for the same year. Post-release, the album's visibility was bolstered by the 2023 deluxe edition and the Mainstream Sellout Tour, leading to re-entries on various international charts in 2023, particularly in rock and alternative categories driven by streaming growth. The deluxe edition, released on June 24, 2022, contributed to sustained performance.| Chart (2022) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 1 |
| Canadian Albums (Billboard) | 1 |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) | 3 |
| Irish Albums (IRMA) | 7 |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 2 |
| US Billboard 200 | 1 |
| US Top Rock Albums (Billboard) | 1 |
Sales certifications and updates
"Mainstream Sellout" achieved Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on August 31, 2023, denoting 500,000 album-equivalent units in the United States, but has not reached Platinum status as of November 2025.[71] In Canada, the album was awarded Platinum certification by Music Canada in 2023 for sales exceeding 80,000 units, reflecting strong regional performance.[72] The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified it Silver on October 21, 2022, equivalent to 60,000 units in the United Kingdom.[73] Globally, "Mainstream Sellout" surpassed 1 million album-equivalent units shipped by 2024, incorporating physical sales, downloads, and streaming equivalents across major markets.[74] Updates in 2025 confirm ongoing digital momentum, with sustained streaming activity on platforms like Spotify contributing to its long-term commercial viability.[74]Credits
Track listing
The standard edition of Mainstream Sellout consists of 16 tracks with a total runtime of 40:10. The album was executive produced by Travis Barker, with production primarily handled by Barker alongside Nick Long, BazeXX, and others across tracks. No samples are noted in the track credits.| No. | Title | Featured artist(s) | Length | Writer(s) | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Born with Horns" | 2:28 | Colson Baker, Travis Barker, Nick Long | Travis Barker, Nick Long | |
| 2 | "God Save Me" | 3:01 | Colson Baker, Aaron Bow, Modesto Fernandez | BazeXX, SlimXX | |
| 3 | "Maybe" | Bring Me the Horizon | 2:51 | Colson Baker, Nicholas Furlong, Jordan Fish, Matthew Kean, Lee Malia, Oliver Sykes, Travis Barker | Dark Waves, BazeXX, Nick Long, Travis Barker |
| 4 | "Drug Dealer" | Lil Wayne | 2:53 | Colson Baker, Nicholas Furlong, Dwayne Carter, Travis Barker | BazeXX, Nick Long, Travis Barker |
| 5 | "Wall of Fame (Interlude)" | Pete Davidson | 0:33 | Colson Baker, Nicholas Furlong, Pete Davidson | Nick Long, Travis Barker |
| 6 | "Mainstream Sellout" | 1:48 | Colson Baker, Travis Barker, Nick Long | Travis Barker | |
| 7 | "Make Up Sex" | blackbear | 2:03 | Colson Baker, Matthew Tyler Musto, Nicholas Furlong, Travis Barker | Nick Long, Travis Barker, Machine Gun Kelly |
| 8 | "Emo Girl" | Willow | 2:40 | Colson Baker, Nicholas Furlong, Travis Barker, Willow Smith | Nick Long, Travis Barker, Machine Gun Kelly |
| 9 | "5150" | 2:55 | Colson Baker, Nicholas Furlong, Travis Barker | Nick Long, Travis Barker | |
| 10 | "Papercuts (Album Edit)" | 3:02 | Colson Baker, Nicholas Furlong, Travis Barker | Nick Long, Travis Barker | |
| 11 | "WW4" | 1:13 | Colson Baker, Nicholas Furlong, Travis Barker | Nick Long, Travis Barker | |
| 12 | "Ay!" | Lil Wayne | 2:05 | Colson Baker, Nicholas Furlong, Dwayne Carter, Travis Barker | Nick Long, Travis Barker |
| 13 | "Fake Love Don't Last" | Iann Dior | 2:24 | Colson Baker, Nicholas Furlong, Michael Olmo, Travis Barker | Nick Long, Travis Barker |
| 14 | "Die in California" | Gunna, Young Thug | 3:28 | Colson Baker, Nicholas Furlong, Travis Barker, Modesto Fernandez, Sergio Kitchens, Jeffery Williams | Nick Long, Travis Barker, L-Jay Currie |
| 15 | "Sid & Nancy" | 3:10 | Colson Baker, Nicholas Furlong, Travis Barker | Nick Long, Travis Barker | |
| 16 | "Twin Flame" | 4:00 | Colson Baker, Nicholas Furlong, Travis Barker | Nick Long, Travis Barker |