Machine Gun Kelly, or Kells, has become the new “King” of Cleveland, a position left vacant by Akron native Lebron James. At only 21 years of age, I am personally proud of the young musician for representing Cleveland and all of Ohio on such a grand scale. While waiting for the performance to begin, I voiced my enthusiasm for the young East Cleveland rapper to the wrestling fans around me. To my surprise a young man from Philadelphia, Mike Bell, showed me a sleeve of tattoos on his right arm with the lyrics of an MGK hit entitled “End of The Road.” Bell, also 21 has been following the rapper since the beginning of his career in 2008. That’s when I finally grasped the magnitude of how big of a star Machine Gun Kelly has actually become. It’s great to see someone from our home influence so many others around the world. In a time where music and its messages are so critical I honestly believe that MGK is a very positive artist with songs denouncing negativity and hate and promoting love and perseverance. My daughter and I listen to “End of the Road” and not too many artists make it that far, not while I am still in control of what she listens to.

 I am also proud to say once Kells hit the stage I erupted into a one man Cleveland Chant which I carried with steam for the good part of a minute. It was not the most popular chant in the home of the Miami Heat. Initially, this trip was intended for fun, but I could not put my camera or my pen down for the life of me. It only seemed fitting to bring the experience home to the University of Akron where I have honed many of my skills as a writer and a researcher. Although I’m a business major, I still have the opportunities and outlets here at UA to pursue my passions on a professional level while maintaining educational and real world career focus.