Lace Up [Deluxe Edition]

MGK | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 9, 2012)
• Original Release Date: 2012
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: EST19XX / Bad Boy / Interscope
• ASIN: B008Z94O0U
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,633 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Set to be one of the standout debuts of 2012, Lace Up is sure to prove to critics and music lovers alike why the Cleveland rapper is one of the hottest new talents to hit the music scene.
MGK's debut is led by the 1st single, Invincible featuring acclaimed songwriter, Ester Dean. The inspiring single, which MGK performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno recently, was also selected as a theme song for WWE's WrestleMania 28. The debut LP will feature appearances from such artists as hip-hop legend Bun B, Young Jeezy and DMX among others. Standout tracks include Stereo, Hold On (Shut Up) and the title track Lace Up featuring Lil Jon. In addition, the album will provide an eclectic mix of hip-hop, rock and punk genres, which will surely surprise as well as please fans.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Full-Length Debut from MGK October 13, 2012

By Michael Brent Faulkner, Jr. VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Newbie MGK releases his debut LP Lace Up [Deluxe Edition],via Bad Boy (distributed via Interscope). Machine Gun Kelly holds his own in a saturated crop of new rapper. Throughout Laced Up, the Cleveland MC's flow is both agile and wordy, characteristic of midwest rap. Lace Up, quite a solid album, features many guests including Bun B, former crunk star Lil Jon, Waka Flocka Flame and DMX amongst other. Production is handled by star producers as well, including Boi-1da, Drumma Boy, and Alex Da Kid.

"Save Me" stars the album capably, featuring members of metal band Avenged Sevenfold. The production combines hip-hop and rock sensibility, attuned well for MGK's pointed rhymes detailing his personal struggles to succeed. M. Shadow's (lead vocalist of Avenged Sevenfold) anthemic hook caps off a solid opener. "What I Do" featuring Bun B and Dubo, sports a sound clearly slated in the rap idiom. Dubo and MGK work in tandem to deliver an aggressive, street-savvy hook. Bun B delivers a strong first verse but MGK is by no means out-rapped as he delivers a compelling second.

"Wild Boy," produced by GB Hitz and Southside and featuring Waka Flocka Flame, remains MGK's staple from its party savvy hook to its club-banging production. MGK is as potent on the verses ("I'm an East side Cleveland wild boy...we got baseball bats like the Indian and my team pop off like cowboys...") while Flocka's second verse is loud, brash and utterly ludicrous. "Wild Boy" is one to be remembered. "Lace Up," produced by Drumma Boy and reintroducing Lil Jon, proves to be a sound title cut. Lil Jon handles the hook in his signature style (and with profanity) as well as receiving the third verse to himself.... MGK remains on autopilot, no questions asked.

"Stereo" features Fitts of The Kick Drum. The production is refreshing, compromising rock/pop and hip hop. Fitts delivers a solid and memorable chorus: "So turn me on/you set me free/just look inside your speakers/and there you'll see me/so turn me on/you set me free/just look inside your speakers/and there you'll find me..." MGK keeps on going strong as an MC.

"All We Have" features Anna Yvette, who co-writes and performs the chorus. The cut is solid, though less notable than the `elite.' "See My Tears" a reprisal from MGK's Half Naked & Almost Famous EP stands out stronger here than its first incarnation. Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and sampling electronic artist Armin Van Buuren ("Rain" featuring Cathy Burton on vocals), J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League add clapping snares and pummeling kicks while MGK `pours out his emotions.'

"D3MONS" finds MGK collaborating once more with DMX. "D3MONS" is `twisted' dealing with menacing demons; MGK alludes to substance abuse ("...My skin is bluish, voices in my head saying...") and confirms how the `demons' are getting to him. MGK and DMX cleverly split the verses, with MGK taking the first half of the first verse and DMX closing it out while the second verse is opposite. "D3MONS" is a personal favorite.

"Edge of Destruction" features Tech N9ne and Twista and is produced by Michael `Silent Mike' Brascom and Irvin `Swirv' Whitlow. Albeit solid, "Edge" is second tier at best. "Runnin'" half as long as "Edge of Destruction," but packs a more definitive punch. Planet VI sings the chorus with great smoothness and clarity. Boi-1da's production is `lightweight', but bodes well given that approach.

"Invincible" features and is co-written by Ester Dean. Produced by Alex Da Kid, the cut is well produced and Dean's vocals capable. Even with solid rhymes from MGK, "Invincible" is good, not necessarily `elite.' "On My Way," provides MGK with a reminiscent moment. The MC is honest about life experience, incorporating a spoken word interlude in between two rapped verses. The final verse is extremely compelling, where MGK strings a bunch of film titles into his life story: "Okay I heard they want the classics, my life's a movie like the Truman show w/o the cameras/they look at us like we a couple Boyz N Da Hood...I was Superbad in the class I just Dazed Off..." Clever.

"End of the Road" featuring blackbear ends the standard edition of the effort. Continuing MGK's testimony, "End Of The Road" is an sound closer without being revolutionary. The Deluxe version features "Half Naked & Almost Famous," "Hold On (Shut Up)" (featuring Young Jeezy, which is arguably the best bonus track), and "Warning Shot" (a reprisal as well, featuring Cassie).

Lace Up [Deluxe Edition] is another fine debut rap effort in 2012. There are no big missteps, making the album consistent from start to finish. MGK definitely gives the midwest rap market and his home city of Cleveland a lift. Read more ›

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lace Up MGK ( The Voice ) October 9, 2012

By Elizabeth Wonderham

Format:Audio CD

When I first heard MGK over a year ago, I fell in love with him at hello. In my opinion he is unique, even though people try to say he sounds like this rapper, and this rapper. I think he is his own artist. I will say I like his mixtape Lace Up more, than the album Lace Up, that's just my opinion. I like when MGK does songs by himself, more than when he has other people with him on songs. I do like that you get lyrics in the booklet. If you buy the best buy edition you get a t shirt which is really nice. In my opinion MGK is our generation. He's the current voice. I don't listen to much rap anymore, because it has become really repetitive. I think MGK stands his ground. I seen him on Warped Tour, and it was really amazing. You must see him live, he puts all his energy into the performance, to me it's more than a performance. I can tell this means everything to him. Please by this album don't download it. He really needs the support. He needs to sell records. He deserves it, because he is real. He connects with us the people, and we understand him.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing November 2, 2012

By Mack

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

Wow
This cd is absoloutely epic. It Has a little taste of everything. Buy it now you wont regret it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great album November 2, 2012

By Patrick

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

This album is awesome. The "press play" value is utterly outstanding. MGK sounds very hungry. He is representing the mid-west very well.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome debut album, stayed true to his roots October 30, 2012

By Bryan Nee

Format:Audio CD

This is an awesome debut from MGK, and even hardcore MGK fans will agree with this. I'll admit, I just got into MGK recently, but my brother showed me some of his more underground stuff that hardcore MGK fans love and I thought to myself, there's no way he sticks with that style on a major record label. I totally expected MGK to sort of "sell out" a bit, to make more radio hits than anything else. Boy was I wrong, this CD is full of sick tracks that you can consider your favorite depending on your mood. Trust me, get this album if you're an MGK fan. You won't be dissapointed.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT 1st album October 24, 2012

By TXpride9

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

GREAT 1st cd from MGK. From top to bottom the cd delivers. If you ever have the chance, check him out live. Puts on the best hip hop show by far!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Album of the year! November 10, 2012

By J. Jones

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Such a dope album, MGK goes hard and is constantly underrated. This is a great album and is worth buying.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lace up! March 5, 2013

By David Laplante

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you are a real MGK fan like me, you need to add this cd to your collection. Every song carry a strong message!

Lace up!