Quickies: Machine Gun Kelly seemingly changes stage name, plus Kate Middleton, Prince William, Rob McElhenney, Bianca Censori, news and more

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Colson Baker, aka the rocker previously known as Machine Gun Kelly, has just dropped a game-changing announcement that’s rocking the foundations of streaming platforms and social media alike. Say goodbye to “Machine Gun” and hello to the sleek, enigmatic “mgk.”

The dynamic rapper and pop-punk maestro, who first seized the stage with a moniker echoing the notoriety of a Prohibition-era outlaw, is now steering clear of any associations with gun violence – a move that’s spurred heated debates and wild cheers among fans and critics.

Flashback to Iowa, September 2022, where the bold YouTube duo Chad and JT unfurled a banner mid-concert demanding, “Change Your Name!!!”. Their plea? “We want to take out the ‘machine gun’, so we don’t glorify machine guns.” The crowd’s reaction was a whirlwind of emotions – from boos to applause.

Machine Gun Kelly attends the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards at Barclays Center on September 12, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV/ ViacomCBS)

Fast forward to the GQ Awards 2023, where mgk playfully nudged photographers, hinting at dropping “Machine Gun” from his name for good. “Just hit me with Machine next time?” he quipped. Fast on this revelation’s heels, he’s streamlined his persona to “mgk” across Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, YouTube, and X/Twitter, making this shift as sharp as his lyrics.

Last month, mgk unveiled a jaw-dropping tattoo makeover that’s nothing short of spiritual. A sea of black ink now swathes his upper body, covering almost every inch of his previous tattoos. At the heart of this oceanic expanse is a commanding cross, with lines that cascade down his arms. Stripping down to reveal this monumental artwork, remnants of his past – including the “Locals Only” inscription and a poignant piece showing a man clamoring for change – peek through the darkness.

“For spiritual purposes only,” mgk captions his bold Instagram reveal, letting the world know this transformation runs deep.

Plus, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Rob McElhenney, Bianca Censori news, and more! Keep scrolling to check out today’s entertainment and pop culture news.