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Binge (EP)
Binge (EP)
Binge (EP)
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Binge
EP by
Machine Gun Kelly
ReleasedSeptember 21, 2018 (2018-09-21)
Recorded2018
GenreTrap[1]
Length24:28
Label
Producer
Machine Gun Kelly chronology
Bloom
(2017) 		Binge
(2018) 		Hotel Diablo
(2019)
Singles from Binge
  1. "Loco"
    Released: August 2, 2018
  2. "Rap Devil"
    Released: September 3, 2018
  3. "Lately"
    Released: September 21, 2018

Binge (stylized in all caps) is the second extended play by American rapper Machine Gun Kelly. It was released on September 21, 2018 under Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records. The EP includes a sole guest appearance from 24hrs, along with the single "Rap Devil", a diss track directed at Eminem.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[2]
HipHopDX3.2/5[3]
NMEStarStar[4]
SputnikmusicStarHalf star[5]

Binge received generally negative reviews, with critics citing lack of lyrical content, unique sound, and the artist's dependence on his feud with Eminem as reasons for low ratings. As a result, the EP has only one star on the U.S iTunes store.[6]

Commercial performance

[edit]

In the United States, the EP debuted at number 24 on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 21,519 copies.[7] It dropped to number 111 on the Billboard 200 in its second week selling 14,000 copies,[8] and fell off completely in its third week.

Track listing

[edit]

Credits adapted from Tidal.[9]

Binge[10]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Long Time Coming"
  • SlimXX
  • BazeXX
1:02
2."Loco"
  • Baker
  • Allen
  • Basil
  • SlimXX
  • BazeXX
2:37
3."GTS"
  • Baker
  • Allen
  • Basil
  • SlimXX
  • BazeXX
  • Stefan Gordy
2:22
4."Rap Devil"
4:41
5."Nylon"
  • Baker
  • Allen
  • Basil
  • Earl Johnson
  • JP Did This 1
  • BazeXX
1:48
6."Lately"
  • Baker
  • Spence Jr.
  • Allen
  • Ronny J
  • SlimXX
3:15
7."Signs" (featuring 24hrs)
Hit-Boy2:46
8."Get the Broom"
  • C.N.O.T.E.
  • Negro Noodle
2:32
9."Live Fast Die Young"
  • Baker
  • Allen
  • Basil
  • SlimXX
  • BazeXX
3:14
Total length:24:28

Notes

  • All track titles are stylized in all caps.

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2018) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[11] 62
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[12] 98
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[13] 17
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[14] 117
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[15] 47
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[16] 39
US Billboard 200[17] 24
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[18] 16

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Binge (EP)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Binge (stylized as BINGE) is the second extended play (EP) by American rapper Machine Gun Kelly (born Colson Baker), released on September 21, 2018, through Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records. The project follows his debut EP Half Naked & Almost Famous (2012) and arrives amid personal and professional challenges, including his publicized feud with Eminem. The EP's release was heavily influenced by MGK's publicized feud with , which escalated earlier in 2018 after Eminem referenced MGK on his surprise album . In response, MGK dropped the "Rap Devil" on September 3, 2018, a direct diss track targeting Eminem that debuted at number 13 on the US and topped charts worldwide. Eminem fired back with "Killshot" on the same day as Binge's announcement, intensifying the rivalry and boosting the EP's visibility through and media coverage. Binge comprises eight tracks, blending aggressive rap with introspective elements, and features a sole guest appearance from rapper 24hrs on "Signs." The tracklist includes:
  • "Long Time Coming"
  • "Loco"
  • "GTS"
  • ""
  • ""
  • "Lately"
  • "Signs" (featuring 24hrs)
  • "Get the Broom"
Produced primarily by MGK's frequent collaborators like Slim Gudz and , the EP explores themes of addiction, fame, and resilience, with "" serving as its centerpiece. It debuted with 21,519 equivalent units , reflecting modest commercial performance despite the surrounding . Critics offered mixed reviews, praising MGK's raw energy and lyrical vulnerability while critiquing some tracks for relying on pop-rap tropes.

Background and recording

Development

The development of Binge was heavily influenced by Machine Gun Kelly's public feud with Eminem, which escalated in late 2018 and served as a primary catalyst for the project. Eminem dissed Kelly on the track "Not Alike" from his surprise album Kamikaze, released on August 31, 2018, prompting Kelly to record and release the response track "Rap Devil" on September 3, 2018. This exchange intensified when Eminem fired back with "Killshot" on September 14, 2018, leading Kelly to accelerate plans for a full release incorporating the diss track. Kelly announced Binge on September 15, 2018, just one day after "Killshot," positioning the EP as a direct extension of the while building on his earlier single "Loco," released August 3, 2018. The initial track selection drew from trap-influenced material recorded earlier in 2018, including "Loco" and other unreleased songs that aligned with Kelly's shift toward harder-hitting, bass-heavy production to counter perceptions of his style. Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records quickly greenlit the project, capitalizing on the massive publicity generated by the feud, which had already boosted streams and social media engagement for both artists. This rapid approval allowed for a swift turnaround, with the eight-track EP dropping on September 21, 2018, less than a week after the announcement.

Recording process

The bulk of the tracks for were recorded during the summer of 2018, aligning with the release of "Loco" on August 3, which featured production emphasizing trap influences such as booming 808 bass lines and intricate hi-hat patterns typical of the genre. Sessions incorporated these elements to craft the EP's energetic, bass-driven sound, with Machine Gun Kelly laying down vocals over beats that blended rapid percussion and subwoofer-rattling low ends. The feud with provided additional motivation during this period, pushing the creative intensity in the studio. "," a direct response to Eminem's , was recorded as a last-minute shortly after the album's release, with the diss track dropping independently on September 3. This placed its sessions in early 2018, integrating it into the project amid escalating tensions. The overall timeline spanned July through , capturing a focused burst of activity that captured the raw energy of the moment. Production faced challenges from the feud's rapid escalation, as the EP was announced just one week before its September 21 launch, necessitating hurried mixing and finalization to capitalize on the buzz. This compressed schedule highlighted the logistical pressures of aligning artistic output with real-time publicity demands, though it allowed for the inclusion of timely material like "."

Music and lyrics

Musical style

Binge is characterized by a predominant trap sound, blending elements of hip-hop and pop-rap throughout its nine tracks. This stylistic direction marks a return to Machine Gun Kelly's rap roots, emphasizing booming trap instrumentals and bass-heavy production that evoke the high-energy, party-oriented vibe of contemporary . The EP's sonic palette draws from trap's core conventions, including repetitive, hard-hitting beats designed for club and streaming playback, while incorporating pop-rap accessibility through melodic hooks. Key production features include pervasive on vocals, which adds a glossy, modern edge to Kelly's delivery, often creating a layered, hedonistic texture across the project. Minimalist beats dominate, with sparse arrangements that prioritize rumbling 808 bass and atmospheric synths to build tension and drive momentum, as heard in tracks like "Loco." These elements contribute to a cohesive yet aggressive soundscape, where synth-heavy instrumentation underscores the EP's raw energy without overwhelming the vocal focus. Producers such as contribute to this trap-centric approach, delivering trunk-rattling beats that amplify the project's indulgent themes. Compared to Machine Gun Kelly's previous album Bloom (2017), which leaned into pop-rap experimentation, Binge shifts toward darker, more aggressive trap aesthetics, reflecting a harder-edged return to hip-hop amid personal and professional tensions. The EP's total runtime spans 24 minutes, with tracks averaging around 2:45 in length, allowing for punchy, concise compositions that maintain high replay value in the trap format. This brevity enhances the project's intensity, focusing on impactful bursts rather than extended narratives.

Lyrical themes

The lyrics of Binge prominently feature themes of defiance and retaliation, most explicitly in the track "," where Machine Gun Kelly directly confronts Eminem's criticisms of his career, age, and legacy, with lines mocking the veteran's relevance such as "About to be 46 years old" and accusing him of being "sick of you bein’ rich and you still mad." This confrontational stance extends to broader assertions of independence, positioning Kelly as an underdog challenging hip-hop's established hierarchy. Recurring motifs throughout the EP delve into personal struggles, including and its consequences, which the title evokes as a reference to excessive substance use amid self-destructive cycles, as seen in "LIVEFASTDIEYOUNG" with admissions like "I ain’t gonna stop getting high / Even though I almost died." Tracks like "LATELY" further explore emotional turmoil from a broken home and depression, reflecting Kelly's raw introspection on familial pain and challenges. Relationships emerge as another key element, portrayed with vulnerability and toxicity in songs such as "LATELY," which laments relational fallout tied to personal demons, and "SIGNS" (featuring 24hrs), where casual encounters with a "bad bitch" underscore fleeting connections amid . The EP employs braggadocio and intricate within a trap-influenced framework, boasting about success and resilience in "LOCO" through lines like "So much I gotta boast," while using explicit to amplify intensity, as in repeated profanities and violent across tracks like "" and "GTS." These elements also highlight fame's downsides, with references to isolation and boredom in the industry, particularly in jabs at Eminem's and stagnation, contrasting Kelly's unapologetic excess. Compared to his earlier mixtapes, which often blended polished narratives with rock-rap flair, Binge adopts a more raw and unfiltered lyrical approach, prioritizing immediate emotional release and street-oriented aggression over structured storytelling, marking a shift toward unpolished trap lyricism.

Release and promotion

Singles

"Loco" was released on August 2, 2018, ahead of the EP's announcement, produced by SlimXX and BazeXX. The track features aggressive trap beats and lyrics addressing personal conflicts and industry rivalries. An official , directed by Jordan Wozy, premiered the same day and stars comedian in a chaotic narrative that amplified its viral appeal on social media platforms like and , where fans shared reactions to the high-energy visuals and Davidson's cameo. The lead single from Binge, "Rap Devil", was released on September 3, 2018, serving as a pointed diss track against in response to the latter's mentions of Kelly on his album . Produced by and Nils, the song critiques Eminem's relevance and legacy over a tense, minimalistic beat, igniting a high-profile feud that dominated hip-hop discourse. The accompanying , released simultaneously, depicted Kelly in a stark warehouse setting and quickly garnered over 10 million views in its first week, fueled by social media debates, memes, and endorsements from artists like , which propelled it to widespread buzz across and communities. Coinciding with the EP's release, "Lately" dropped on , 2018, shifting to more vulnerable territory with introspective themes of emotional turmoil, , and amid fame's pressures. Produced by , the track's melancholic production and raw lyrics resonated with fans seeking depth beyond the EP's bombastic elements. Its black-and-white music video, directed by Colson Baker, portrays Kelly in isolated, contemplative scenes, enhancing the song's moody atmosphere and generating engagement through fan edits and discussions on platforms like , where users connected it to broader conversations in hip-hop.

Marketing and rollout

Machine Gun Kelly announced the Binge EP on September 15, 2018, via social media platforms including and , where he shared the cover art and confirmed a release date of September 21. The announcement capitalized on the ongoing public feud with , which had escalated earlier that month following MGK's diss track "" and Eminem's response "Killshot," generating significant buzz and positioning the EP as a direct extension of the conflict. The EP launched exclusively in digital formats on September 21, 2018, through Bad Boy and Interscope Records, with no physical releases available at the time of debut. This streaming-focused rollout aligned with the rapid hype from the feud, allowing immediate accessibility on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Promotion centered on media appearances that highlighted the Eminem beef, including a high-profile interview on The Breakfast Club on September 20, 2018, where MGK discussed the origins of the rivalry, dismissed Eminem's "Killshot" as underwhelming, and framed Binge as a bold artistic statement amid the controversy. Additional press tied the project to MGK's defiant persona, emphasizing how the feud amplified his visibility in hip-hop circles. Post-release activities included live tie-ins, with MGK debuting during opening sets on Fall Out Boy's in fall 2018, such as a performance in on that drew mixed crowd reactions but reinforced the EP's confrontational themes. These concerts served as key promotional vehicles, integrating Binge tracks into his setlists to sustain momentum from the digital launch.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release in September 2018, Machine Gun Kelly's EP received mixed-to-negative reviews from music critics, who largely praised the standout diss track "" while critiquing the project's overall lack of depth and reliance on the artist's ongoing feud with . NME awarded the EP 2 out of 5 stars, describing it as "underwhelming" and directionless beyond the feud, though it commended "" for its "fast, smart and full of adept lyrical " energy, and noted stronger moments in tracks like "Lately" and "Livefastdieyoung" for their honest exploration of . gave it a 3.2 out of 5, highlighting "" as a "formidable" track with valid points against and praising "Lately" for its catchy flow addressing depression, but faulted the rest for failing to elevate past the , calling most songs "noisy, auto-tuned, and lack[ing] substance" in a rushed compilation of leftovers. rated it 1.5 out of 5, labeling it Kelly's "worst release" due to excessive and "piss-weak repetitious bars" on tracks like "Lately" and "Signs," while acknowledging ""'s raw energy and minimal effects as a highlight, alongside glimmers of potential in "Loco" and "GTS." Critics frequently pointed to filler tracks such as "" and "Signs" as emblematic of the EP's shortcomings, with heavy and hedonistic tropes overshadowing any innovation. Aggregate critic scores from outlets like Album of the Year averaged around 54 out of 100 based on four reviews, reflecting the general consensus of disappointment despite the buzz from "."

Retrospective analysis

In the 2020s, Binge has been viewed as a pivotal but uneven moment in Machine Gun Kelly's , with "" often highlighted as a defining track in his rap discography despite the EP's inconsistencies. The project is seen as a bridge toward his later shift, representing a final exploration of trap-rap that reflected his frustrations within hip-hop. The EP's legacy remains tied to the feud, with "" symbolizing underdog challenges in rap rivalries and contributing to discussions on generational dynamics. This connection has sustained interest in the project within hip-hop discourse, even as Kelly moved away from rap. Binge received no major awards or nominations from institutions like the Grammys or . However, "" has achieved over 224 million streams on as of November 2025.

Commercial performance

Sales figures

In the United States, Binge debuted with 21,519 equivalent album units during its first week of release, including 9,000 in pure sales. Streaming played a key role in the EP's performance, particularly from the "Rap Devil," which has generated significant streams and helped drive equivalent units through on-demand audio consumption.

Chart performance

Binge debuted at number 24 on the US chart upon its release, marking Machine Gun Kelly's sixth entry on the ranking. The EP remained on the chart for two weeks, dropping to number 111 in its second week. It also peaked at number 16 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, reflecting its strong performance within the genre. Internationally, Binge entered the Canadian Albums Chart at number 17, benefiting from the buzz surrounding its lead track "Rap Devil." In , the EP reached a peak of number 62 on the ARIA Albums Chart. In Belgium's region, it charted at number 98 on the Albums Chart. Additionally, Binge attained number 47 on the Albums Chart, where it spent one week.
Chart (2018)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
US 242
US 16—
Canadian Albums ()17—
Australian Albums (ARIA)62—
Belgian Albums ( )98—
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)471
The EP's chart trajectory demonstrated moderate global reception, driven primarily by streaming and the controversy-fueled attention from its diss track, though it experienced a sharp decline after its debut week in most territories.

Track listing

Standard edition

The standard edition of Binge is a nine-track extended play with a total runtime of approximately 24 minutes. Songwriting credits for all tracks are led by Colson Baker, professionally known as Machine Gun Kelly, with co-writers including Brandon Allen, Stephen Basil, and others varying by song. Producers also vary across the project, including collaborations with BazeXX, SlimXX, Ronny J, Hit-Boy, and Honorable C.N.O.T.E..
No.TitleDurationProducer(s)
1"Long Time Coming"1:02BazeXX, SlimXX
2"Loco"2:37BazeXX, SlimXX
3"GTS"2:22BazeXX, SlimXX
4""4:41
5""1:48JP Did This 1, BazeXX
6"Lately"3:13Nils,
7"Signs" (featuring 24hrs)2:46, Corbett
8"Get the Broom"2:32Honorable C.N.O.T.E.
9"LiveFastDieYoung"3:14BazeXX, SlimXX

Personnel

Production credits

The production of Binge was primarily overseen by Machine Gun Kelly (Colson Baker), who served as a key creative force across the EP. handled production duties for multiple tracks, including the diss track "," "Lately," "Signs," and "Get the Broom." Additional production came from collaborators such as BazeXX and SlimXX, who contributed to "Long Time Coming," "Loco," and "GTS," and , who produced "." The EP features no major reported samples or interpolations in its tracks. Mixing was managed by Fabian Marasciullo and "Rock Star" Dickey, with track-specific contributions like on "Loco." Mastering for the entire project was completed by Tony Dawsey at The Lodge, New York.

Additional musicians

The Binge EP features one guest artist, rapper 24hrs, who appears on the track "Signs." Machine Gun Kelly handles all primary vocals across the project, with no other major guest rappers involved. The EP's sound relies on digital production elements typical of trap-influenced hip-hop, and no live or additional band credits are documented in official listings.

References

  1. https://musicbrainz.org/release/540bb37c-c7b7-4c0c-9a85-4448a2d12e13
  2. https://genius.com/albums/Mgk/Binge
  3. https://www.xxlmag.com/machine-gun-kelly-binge-ep/
  4. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/machine-gun-kelly-ep-binge-eminem-diss-track-rap-devil-8476262/
  5. https://open.spotify.com/album/5YuscmEJSgkwWzBafTBKse
  6. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/170768-mgk-s-binge-ep-does-underwhelming-numbers-in-first-week-sales-news
  7. https://ratingsgamemusic.com/2018/09/21/machine-gun-kelly-binge-ep-review/
  8. https://www.complex.com/music/a/cmplxjoshua-espinoza/machine-gun-kelly-binge-stream
  9. https://www.rap-up.com/article/2018/09/15/machine-gun-kelly-announces-binge-ep
  10. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/machine-gun-kelly-new-ep-binge-what-we-learned-8476320/
  11. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2018/09/21/machine-gun-kelly-cashes-eminem-feud-awful-new-ep-binge/1379637002/
  12. https://www.rap-up.com/article/2018/09/20/machine-gun-kelly-binge-ep-stream
  13. https://genius.com/Mgk-loco-lyrics/q/release-date
  14. https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2018/09/machine_gun_kelly_returns_ot_r.html
  15. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/ep/machine-gun-kelly/binge/
  16. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/77988/Machine-Gun-Kelly-Binge/
  17. https://www.nme.com/reviews/machine-gun-kelly-binge-review-2382880
  18. https://www.eonline.com/news/970432/machine-gun-kelly-drops-binge-breaking-down-his-lyrics-about-eminem
  19. https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/review-machine-gun-kellys-binge-ep-fails-to-elevate-past-eminem-beef/
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fniv-m7TeA4
  21. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/machine-gun-kelly-rap-devil-lyrics-decoded-eminem-diss-track-feud-8473471/
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zvWfI2iF64
  23. https://www.rap-up.com/article/2018/09/15/machine-gun-kelly-announces-binge-ep/
  24. https://www.altpress.com/machine-gun-kelly-responds-killshot-announces-binge-ep/
  25. https://music.apple.com/us/album/binge/1436365851
  26. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/machine-gun-kelly-response-eminem-killshot-breakfast-club-interview-8476097/
  27. https://www.rap-up.com/article/2018/09/18/machine-gun-kelly-accused-of-tricking-fans-into-anti-eminem-photo
  28. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/122009-mgk-binge.php
  29. https://www.mystreamcount.com/track/63TyoT9Ee03rQxv8xmdJ2l
  30. https://musicchartsarchive.com/albums/machine-gun-kelly/binge
  31. https://creativedisc.com/2018/10/billboard-200-album-chart-14-oct-2018
  32. https://www.billboard.com/artist/machine-gun-kelly/
  33. https://acharts.co/album/116531
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeKTepEvkVc
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ang9tOLhniA
  36. https://www.shazam.com/en-us/song/1436365862/loco
  37. https://www.discogs.com/release/13583191-Machine-Gun-Kelly-Binge
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