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Lace Up
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Lace Up
Standard cover art for the album, deluxe version features the same cover with a red background
Studio album by
Machine Gun Kelly
ReleasedOctober 9, 2012 (2012-10-09)
Recorded2010–2012
GenreHip hop
Length49:41
Label
Producer
Machine Gun Kelly chronology
Half Naked & Almost Famous
(2012) 		Lace Up
(2012) 		Black Flag
(2013)
Singles from Lace Up
  1. "Wild Boy"
    Released: September 27, 2011
  2. "Invincible"
    Released: April 24, 2012
  3. "Hold On (Shut Up)"
    Released: August 6, 2012

Lace Up is the debut studio album by American rapper Machine Gun Kelly. It was released on October 9, 2012, by Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records.[1] Puff Daddy, who served as the executive producer on the album, enlisted the guest appearances from Cassie, DMX, Planet VI and Avenged Sevenfold;[1] as well as the production that was provided by Alex da Kid, JP Did This 1 and J.R. Rotem, among others. The album was supported by four singles: "Wild Boy" featuring Waka Flocka Flame, "Invincible" featuring Ester Dean, and "Hold On (Shut Up)" featuring Young Jeezy, along with a promotional single, "Stereo" featuring Alex Fitts.

Reviews for the record were generally positive, but critics felt that it was a disappointment, compared to his previous mixtapes. Lace Up debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 57,000 copies in the United States. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of over 500,000 copies.

Singles

[edit]

The album's lead single, "Wild Boy" was released on September 27, 2011. The song features guest vocals from fellow American rapper Waka Flocka Flame, with production being provided by GB Hitz and Southside. It was initially featured on his fourth mixtape, Rage Pack (2011), and on his debut EP, Half Naked & Almost Famous (2012). The song debuted at number 98 on the US Billboard Hot 100 on the week of January 28, 2012, and number 49 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It serves as his first song to be charted on both Billboard charts.[2][3]

The album's second single, "Invincible" was released to digital retailers in the United States on April 24, 2012,[4] and was solicited to rhythmic contemporary radio and contemporary hit radio on May 15 to July 31, 2012, respectively.[5] The song features guest vocals from American singer-songwriter Ester Dean, and was produced by British producer Alex da Kid. MGK shot a music video for the single, which features an appearance from the singer Ester Dean, and uploaded the video on YouTube under his VEVO account, on June 3, 2012.[6]

"Hold On (Shut Up)" featuring Young Jeezy, was released as the album's third single on August 6, 2012.[7] The music video was released on November 19, 2012.[8]

Promotional singles

[edit]

On September 20, 2012, "Stereo" was released with an accompanying music video, as the album's promotional single (although this track was formerly part of the mixtape with same title as the album). The song features guest vocals from Alex Fitts. The track would also be included, alongside "Invincible" and "Hold On (Shut Up)", as part of the MGK's Music Unlimited exclusive EP, titled Lace Up - The Prelude (released on October 2, 2012).[9]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic69/100[10]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[11]
DJBoothStarStarStarHalf star[12]
HipHopDXStarStarStar[13]
Rolling StoneStarStarStar[14]
Spin5/10[15]
XXL4/5 (XL)[16]

Lace Up received favorable reviews but music critics found the record overall uneven, compared to Kelly's previous mixtapes. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received average score of 69, based on 6 reviews which indicates generally favourable reviews.[10] Adam Fleischer of XXL praised the production throughout the album and MGK for being consistent with his rapid-fire flow concluding with, "though he may no longer be quite the underdog he once was, rapping like it—at least for now—still works."[16] Fred Thomas of AllMusic also praised the album for its production and putting MGK in the spotlight, calling it "a beast of a debut, and some of the heaviest mainstream-friendly hip-hop happening in 2012, a picture of young energy at its zenith."[11]

Edwin Ortiz of HipHopDX gave a mixed review of the album, praising tracks like "Edge of Destruction" and "D3mons" for their intensity but found "Invincible" and "All We Have" put MGK into "industry purgatory." He concluded with, "Lace Up is an imbalanced project that fails to establish MGK’s grand message. His debut is decent at best, with hope that his following projects yield better results."[13] Phillip Mlynar of Spin felt that the special guests throughout the album were more of a hindrance to the main artist saying, "Instead of turning this debut proper into an expansive listen, the guests seem like they're papering over holes in both the music and the message."[15]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The album debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 57,000 copies.[17] It slid down to number 22 in its second week giving it a total of 65,000 copies.[18] Sliding down to number 37 in week three it sold 10,000 more copies.[19] As of September 2015, the album has sold 263,000 copies in the United States.[20]

Track listing

[edit]

Album credits adapted from official liner notes.[21]

Lace Up  — Standard version
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Save Me" (featuring M. Shadows and Synyster Gates)
  • Woodro Skillson
  • Rami Beatz
3:12
2."What I Do" (featuring Bun B and Dub-O)
  • Syk Sense
  • Swirv
4:32
3."Wild Boy" (featuring Waka Flocka Flame)
3:51
4."Lace Up" (featuring Lil Jon)
Drumma Boy3:02
5."Stereo" (featuring Alex Fitts)
  • Baker
  • Alex Fitts
Alex Kickdrum3:55
6."All We Have" (featuring Anna Yvette)
  • Baker
  • Bryan Fryzel
  • Anna Masone
3:27
7."See My Tears"
J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League4:10
8."D3MONS" (featuring DMX)
  • Dame Grease
  • Snaz
4:21
9."Edge of Destruction" (featuring Tech N9ne and Twista)
  • Silent Mike
  • Swirv
5:08
10."Runnin" (featuring Planet VI)
2:47
11."Invincible" (featuring Ester Dean)
Alex da Kid3:07
12."On My Way"
  • Baker
  • Jon Bishop
  • Whitlow
  • JRB
  • Swirv
4:10
13."End of the Road" (featuring blackbear)
  • MGK
  • Slim Gudz
4:04
Total length:49:41
Lace Up — Deluxe version (bonus tracks)
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Half Naked & Almost Famous"
  • MGK
  • Slim Gudz
  • Alex Kickdrum
2:51
15."La La La (The Floating Song)"
Chase N. Cashe3:54
16."Hold On (Shut Up)" (featuring Young Jeezy)
JP Did This 13:30
17."Warning Shot" (featuring Cassie)
  • Baker
  • J.R. Rotem
  • Peter Ring
  • Jack Bevan
  • Edwin Congreave
  • Walter Gervers
  • Yannis Philippakis
  • Jimmy Smith
3:21
Total length:63:16
Notes
  • ^[a] signifies a co-producer
  • ^[b] signifies an additional producer
  • "Save Me" features additional vocals from M. Shadows.
  • "La La La (The Floating Song)" features additional vocals from Betty Idol.
Sample credits, taken from liner notes.

Personnel

[edit]

Credits for Lace Up adapted from AllMusic.[22]

Chart performance

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[27] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label
Germany[28] October 5, 2012 CD, digital download Bad Boy, Interscope
Canada[29] October 9, 2012
United States[30]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lace Up

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lace Up is the debut studio album by American rapper Machine Gun Kelly. Released on October 9, 2012, through and , it serves as MGK's major-label debut following his independent mixtapes. The album debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart and number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 51,000 copies in its first week. It was later certified gold by the (RIAA) on July 13, 2017. Executive produced by MGK, Sean "Diddy" Combs, , and James McMillan, Lace Up features 12 tracks blending rapid-fire flows, rock influences, and motivational themes reflective of MGK's roots and rags-to-riches story. Notable collaborations include "Wild Boy" with , which peaked at number 98 on the , "Invincible" with , and the title track with . The project draws from MGK's 2010 mixtape of the same name, expanding on its high-energy style with producers like GB, The Mekanix, and . The 's title and title track popularized the "Lace Up" , symbolizing determination and unity for MGK's fanbase, known as Everyone Stands Together (EST 19XX). This mantra underscores the record's core message of overcoming adversity, resonating with listeners through anthemic tracks like "Stereo" and "Hold On." Lace Up established MGK as a rising force in hip-hop, blending punk-rock aggression with lyrical storytelling, and laid the foundation for his genre-shifting career.

Background and recording

Development

The phrase "Lace Up" originated as a motivational popularized by Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), symbolizing perseverance and readiness to face life's challenges, which he first embodied in his self-released mixtape Lace Up on November 18, 2010. This project built on his earlier underground buzz in , where MGK had released mixtapes like 100 Words and Running (2010), establishing a raw, high-energy hip-hop style influenced by street narratives and rock elements. The mixtape's success, including tracks like "Alice in Wonderland," helped propel him toward a major label deal, setting the stage for expanding the "Lace Up" concept into a full studio album. Following the mixtape's release, MGK signed with and Interscope on August 3, 2011, a move he described as aligning with a legacy of artists like who transitioned from indie roots to mainstream impact. Sean "Diddy" Combs, as , emphasized mentorship over direct creative control, allowing MGK to retain artistic direction while providing guidance on branding and media strategy. Initially slated for an early release, the album's development focused on creating a "coliseum-worthy" sound—energetic and anthemic—to differentiate it from MGK's mixtapes and appeal to live audiences, drawing inspiration from timeless themes rather than transient trends like . Songwriting for Lace Up emphasized personal storytelling and cross-genre experimentation, with MGK prioritizing verses that captured his upbringing and fan-driven "EST" (Everybody's Something That) movement. Production began incorporating diverse influences, such as nu-metal and rock, to reflect MGK's eclectic tastes, including nods to Korn and . Key tracks emerged from in-studio sessions where MGK collaborated directly with features to foster authenticity; for instance, the DMX-featuring "D3MONS" was crafted in an intense, candle-lit environment sampling Hans Zimmer's Gladiator score for a dramatic tone. Not all contributions were simultaneous—Twista and Tech N9ne's verses on "" were recorded separately but layered to amplify energy—yet MGK aimed to "bring the best out" of each artist through mutual respect for the project. Development faced delays, pushing the release to October 9, 2012, as MGK refined the tracklist to include high-profile guests like , , and , whose metal-infused intro on "Save Me" exemplified the album's genre-blending ambition. This process marked MGK's evolution from indie rapper to major-label artist, balancing commercial pressures with his underground ethos.

Recording process

The recording of Lace Up, Machine Gun Kelly's debut studio album, spanned from 2010 to 2012 and involved sessions across multiple studios in the United States. Primary recording took place at Rage Cage Studios in , , where much of the core work occurred under the guidance of engineer Slim Gudz of EST 19XX Productions, who handled vocals for MGK and several featured artists on tracks like "Save Me," "," and "End of the Road." Additional sessions were held at in ; Daddy’s House Recording Studios in ; The Vault Studios in North Hollywood, ; and Red Bull Studios in , among others such as FreqShow Music Studios in Whitestone, New York, and The Saltmine in . Executive production was overseen by Sean "Diddy" Combs and MGK himself, with co-executive producers Harve Pierre and James McMillan, though Diddy focused on mentorship rather than direct involvement in day-to-day recording or track selection. The album featured contributions from a diverse array of producers, including Alex da Kid for the lead single "Invincible," Drumma Boy for the title track "Lace Up," J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League for "See My Tears," Southside and GB Hitz for "Wild Boy," and Dame Grease for "D3MONS," reflecting a blend of hip-hop beats tailored to MGK's high-energy style. Mixing was completed at facilities like Larrabee Sound Studios in Hollywood, California, and The Hit Factory in Miami, Florida, with final mastering by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood. All collaborations were recorded in-studio with MGK present, eschewing remote verse submissions to foster organic energy, as emphasized in interviews where he described the process as collaborative and driven by mutual respect rather than commercial pressures. Notable sessions included the intense recording of 's verse for "D3MONS," where DMX reportedly cleared the room, lit red candles, and created an "eerie" atmosphere inspired by a Gladiator sample, contributing to the track's raw emotional depth. For "Edge of Destruction," not all features convened simultaneously; and Tech N9ne's contributions were laid down in separate sessions, with Twista drawing inspiration from Tech N9ne's performance. Engineers like Justin Sampson assisted on key tracks such as "Wild Boy" and "Runnin'," while MGK occasionally engineered his own vocals on songs like "D3MONS" and "Lace Up." This multi-location, producer-driven approach allowed the album to evolve from MGK's independent roots into a polished major-label release while retaining its gritty, anthemic essence.

Music and lyrics

Musical style

"Lace Up" is primarily a hip hop album characterized by its high-energy trap influences and rapid-fire delivery, drawing from Midwest rap traditions. Machine Gun Kelly employs a fast-paced flow reminiscent of artists like and , delivering verses at warp speed while infusing them with emotional depth and storytelling about personal struggles. The production features synth-heavy beats and prominent 808 drums, creating an aggressive, up-tempo sound that blends trap elements with occasional rock and pop-rap fusions, including guitar riffs from members on "Save Me," as heard in tracks like "," which incorporates alt-rap rock vibes. The album's style also incorporates Auto-Tuned hooks and schmaltzy R&B flourishes, particularly in radio-friendly anthems such as "End of the Road," balancing visceral aggression with more polished, accessible production. Influences from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and DMX are evident in the rat-a-tat-tat rhythmic patterns and raw, confrontational energy, positioning "Lace Up" within the early 2010s trap era club rap scene. Collaborations with guests like Waka Flocka Flame and Lil Jon amplify the trunk-rattling, party-oriented beats, while introspective cuts like "D3mons" showcase a more refined, emotional hip hop introspection. Overall, the musical style reflects MGK's defiant, bootstraps mentality, merging underground rap grit with mainstream polish to appeal to a young, energetic audience, though some critiques note the beats as generic synth-driven fare lacking deeper innovation.

Themes and songwriting

The lyrics on Lace Up predominantly explore themes of personal struggle and resilience, drawing from Machine Gun Kelly's (MGK) experiences with hardship, including , early fatherhood, and a near-fatal crash. In tracks like "Save Me," MGK reflects on his origins and determination to overcome adversity, with lines such as "Mother fuck this rap shit, trying bury your boy six feet, let me show you ‘bout real," emphasizing authentic storytelling rooted in real-life challenges. Similarly, "Runnin'" conveys a persistent "chip on his shoulder" from limited means and relentless grind, portraying an mindset that persists despite commercial success. Songwriting on the album balances raw emotional vulnerability with motivational anthems, often blending hardcore rap delivery with introspective narratives. MGK's rapid-fire style incorporates trap influences and references while maintaining street authenticity. The album also delves into inner conflict and rage, with "D3mons" featuring to amplify themes of a tormented psyche and loyalty to one's roots, underscored by lines asserting groundedness amid fame: "We too grounded to be Hollywood, man." Hometown pride emerges as a recurring motif, celebrating Cleveland's influence and regional identity as a source of strength. The titular "Lace Up" (featuring ) serves as an anthem of unity and self-empowerment, with its chorus rallying resilience through the phrase "lace up," symbolizing readiness to face battles. However, some critiques note inconsistencies in lyrical depth, with radio-oriented tracks like "Invincible" appearing manufactured and less personal compared to earlier mixtapes, diluting the album's raw edge. Overall, MGK's approach prioritizes confessional storytelling, using features from artists like and in "" to enhance themes of perseverance without overshadowing his narrative voice.

Singles

Lead singles

The lead single from Lace Up was "Wild Boy", featuring and released on September 27, 2011, over a year before the album's launch to build anticipation for Kelly's major-label debut. Produced by GB, the track embodies the album's raw, energetic hip-hop style with aggressive verses and a high-energy hook, peaking at number 98 on the US in 2012 and helping establish MGK's breakout presence in the rap scene. It was certified by the RIAA in October 2012 for sales exceeding 500,000 units, later reaching multi-platinum status through streaming. Following "Wild Boy", the second official single "Invincible" featuring was released on April 24, 2012, shifting toward a more melodic and inspirational tone with Dean's soaring chorus complementing MGK's rapid-fire delivery. Produced by , the song highlighted MGK's versatility amid his rising profile and contributed to the album's promotional momentum, though it did not chart on the Hot 100. A directed by Isaac Rentz was released in June 2012, depicting themes of perseverance and triumph. The third single, "Hold On (Shut Up)" featuring Young Jeezy, arrived on August 6, 2012, closer to the album's release, blending gritty street rap with Jeezy's commanding guest verse over production by JP Did This 1. The track's defiant lyrics addressed overcoming adversity and doubters, aligning with the Lace Up ethos, and received radio play but did not enter major Billboard charts. Its release underscored MGK's collaborations with established Southern rap figures to broaden his appeal.

Promotional singles

"Stereo", featuring Fitts of the Kickdrums, was released as the promotional single for Machine Gun Kelly's debut studio album Lace Up. Issued on September 20, 2012, in a promotional CD format by Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records, the track aimed to generate buzz ahead of the album's October 9 release. The song, which samples "Stereo Love" by Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina, received an accompanying music video directed by Colin Tilley on the same date. Filmed at the Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility in Whittier, California, the video portrays Machine Gun Kelly driving a bus transporting female inmates, intercut with scenes of a high-speed police pursuit, emphasizing themes of escape and resilience. As the fifth track on the standard edition of Lace Up, "Stereo" blended pop-rap elements with electronic influences, contributing to the album's promotional campaign following the lead singles. It did not chart on major Billboard rankings but supported the project's marketing efforts through radio play and online streaming.

Release and promotion

Album release

Lace Up was released on October 9, 2012, by Bad Boy Records and Interscope Records as Machine Gun Kelly's debut studio album following his signing to the labels in August 2011. The album became available in both physical and digital formats, including a standard edition compact disc with 13 tracks and a deluxe edition CD and digital download featuring 17 tracks with bonus content such as remixes and additional collaborations. No vinyl edition was issued at the time of release. The official release date was announced by Machine Gun Kelly during a live Ustream session on August 7, 2012, with pre-orders opening immediately afterward through the dedicated site mgklaceup.com. This announcement coincided with the debut of the track "Hold On ()" featuring Young Jeezy, building anticipation for the project as MGK's first major-label effort after independent mixtapes and EPs. The album's rollout emphasized its role as a culmination of MGK's "Lace Up" movement, inspired by fan support and street culture, with the title track serving as an anthem.

Marketing and tours

The promotion of Lace Up centered on building the "Lace Up" movement, a slogan originating from Machine Gun Kelly's (MGK) roots that symbolized resilience and fan unity, which he sought to expand nationally and internationally following his 2011 signing with . This grassroots approach included high-profile single releases like "Wild Boy" featuring , which achieved RIAA Gold certification for over 500,000 units sold and earned MGK his first plaque presentation during the album rollout. Collaborations with artists such as , , , , Young Jeezy, and on the album tracks further amplified visibility through cross-promotional features and media appearances. MGK leveraged live performances and media events to sustain hype leading into the October 9, 2012, release, including a set at the 2012 where he previewed album material to eager audiences. The album's marketing emphasized its role as a breakthrough for an independent rapper under Diddy's Bad Boy imprint, positioning it as a motivational hip-hop project with rock influences to appeal to diverse listeners. Post-release, touring played a key role in sustaining momentum. In summer 2012, ahead of the album drop, MGK joined the Vans Warped Tour across multiple U.S. dates from June to August, performing at venues like the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in (June 21), and the Susquehanna Bank Center in (July 20), which introduced his high-energy style to alternative and punk crowds. Immediately following the release, he opened on the MMG Tour in November 2012, supporting , , and Wale at shows including the in University Park, Pennsylvania (November 4), where he debuted Lace Up tracks to hip-hop audiences. The headlining Lace Up Tour in 2013, launched February 28 at the in , , marked a direct extension of the album's branding, running through March 30 in , with stops at venues like the in (March 1), and the in , (March 9). To market this tour innovatively, MGK personally visited city streets to announce dates and rally fans, as documented in promotional videos that highlighted the "EST 4 Life" and "Rage Face" themes tied to the album's . This hands-on strategy, combined with online ticket pushes via mgklaceup.com, underscored the tour's role in solidifying the Lace Up movement's live presence.

Critical reception

Reviews from critics

Upon its release in October 2012, Lace Up received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning a Metascore of 69 out of 100 on based on six reviews. Reviewers praised (MGK) rapid-fire delivery, raw energy, and personal storytelling rooted in his upbringing, often comparing him to for his working-class aggression and dense rhyme schemes. However, some criticized the album's glossy production and radio-friendly tracks for diluting its authenticity and failing to match the intensity of MGK's earlier mixtapes. Rolling Stone gave the album a positive , highlighting its blend of hip-hop and punk influences that gave it a fresh, aggressive sound, with standout tracks like "Wild Boy" for its high-energy delivery and "" for emotional depth. The positioned MGK as Cleveland's answer to , noting his clever, nail-gun-like rhymes that captured themes of struggle and perseverance. In contrast, SPIN gave it a lower 5 out of 10, describing it as a "soulless affair" where MGK compromised his raw edge to chase mainstream appeal, though it commended "Save Me" as a passionate highlight recapturing his mixtape-era precision. HipHopDX called Lace Up a "decent at best" effort, appreciating intense cuts like "Save Me," "," and "D3mons" for MGK's lyrical dexterity and strong guest features from and , but faulting manufactured radio tracks such as "Invincible" and "All We Have" for lacking depth and pulling him from his strengths. Cleveland.com viewed it more positively as a "solid debut" with tight beats and shiny production, emphasizing MGK's rapid-fire rhymes inspired by and , and its reflection of life through themes of anger, hope, and survival, bolstered by cameos from artists like , , and . Overall, critics agreed the album showcased MGK's talent and charisma but struggled with balance, marking it as a promising yet uneven introduction to his major-label .

Accolades and retrospective views

Lace Up achieved commercial recognition when it was certified gold by the (RIAA) on August 30, 2017, indicating shipments of 500,000 units in the United States. The album's lead single, "Wild Boy" featuring , was certified gold by the RIAA earlier in October 2012 for exceeding 500,000 digital downloads and later certified 3× platinum in May 2018. Retrospective assessments view Lace Up as a pivotal breakthrough that established Machine Gun Kelly as a prominent figure in hip-hop, particularly for representing Cleveland's rap scene with its raw energy and rapid-fire delivery. Critics have praised its personal storytelling and comparisons to , noting how it captured the artist's working-class struggles and propelled him from underground mixtapes to major-label success under Diddy's . Over time, the album is credited with laying the foundation for Kelly's genre-shifting career, though some later reviews its production as generic while acknowledging its role in building a dedicated fanbase through themes of resilience and defiance.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

"Lace Up" debuted at number four on the US chart, selling 51,000 copies in its first week. It also reached number two on the US chart. In the , the album peaked at number 33 on the .
Chart (2012)Peak position
US Billboard 2004
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums2
UK Albums (OCC)33

Sales and certifications

As of September 2015, the album has sold 263,000 copies in the United States. It received a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on August 15, 2017, denoting 500,000 album-equivalent units shipped, including sales and on-demand streaming equivalents. No certifications have been awarded for the album outside the .

Track listing

No.TitleFeaturingLength
1"Save Me" and 3:12
2"" and Dub-O4:32
3"Wild Boy"3:51
4"Lace Up"5:23
5"Stereo"Alex Fitts3:36
6"All We Have"Anna Yvette3:36
7"See My Tears"4:10
8"D3MONS"4:21
9"Edge of Destruction" and 5:08
10"Runnin'"Planet VI2:47
11"Invincible"3:51
12"On My Way"3:52
13"End of the Road"Jordan Downey3:42
All tracks are written by Colson Baker (Machine Gun Kelly), except where noted.

Personnel

Executive production

  • Sean Combs – executive producer
  • Colson Baker (MGK) – executive producer
  • Harve Pierre – co-executive producer
  • James McMillan – co-executive producer

Production

  • Alex da Kid – producer (track 11)
  • Boi-1da – producer (track 10)
  • Dame Grease – producer (track 8)
  • Drumma Boy – producer (track 4)
  • Frequency – producer (track 6)
  • GB – producer (track 3)
  • J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League – producers (track 7)
  • MGK – producer (track 13)
  • Slim Gudz – producer (track 13)
  • Southside – producer (track 3)

Recording

  • Aubry "Juice" Delaine – recording (track 11)
  • – recording (track 6)
  • Justin Sampson – recording (track 3)
  • MGK – recording (tracks 4, 8, 11)
  • Phil Schlemmer IX – recording (track 8)
  • Slim Gudz – recording (all tracks)

Mixing

  • Ben Schigel – mixing (track 5)
  • Fabian Marasciullo – mixing (tracks 4, 8, 9)
  • Kevin "KD" Davis – mixing (tracks 2, 12)
  • Leslie Brathwaite – mixing (track 7)
  • Manny Marroquin – mixing (tracks 1, 6, 11)
  • Steve "Rock Star" Dickey – mixing (tracks 3, 10, 13)

Mastering

  • Chris Bellman – mastering

A&R

  • Alicia Graham – A&R (Interscope)
  • Hughes Felizor – A&R coordinator (Bad Boy)
  • Gwendolyn Niles – A&R administration (Bad Boy)
  • Shawn Suggs – A&R administration (Interscope)
  • Tunji Balogun – A&R coordinator (Interscope)
  • Irvin Whitlow – A&R (EST 19XX)

Art and design

  • Morning Breath Inc. – art direction, design
  • Jonathan Mannion – photography
  • Matthew "Spordy" McMahon – photography
  • – creative direction (Interscope)

Additional personnel

  • Anthony "DJ Xplosive" Jackson – scratches (track 12)
  • J. Browz – bass, guitar (track 11)
  • Mat Musto – (track 13)
  • – guitar (track 1)

Legacy and impact

Lace Up served as a pivotal major-label debut for Machine Gun Kelly, solidifying his position as a rising star in hip-hop and laying the groundwork for his subsequent genre explorations into rock and . The album's high-energy blend of rapid flows and influences anticipated MGK's later stylistic evolutions, as seen in works like (2020). The title track and overarching theme popularized the "Lace Up" , emblematic of perseverance and unity, which became central to MGK's identity and his fanbase, EST 19XX—standing for "Everyone Stands Together," emphasizing solidarity irrespective of age, race, or background. This movement, originating from his earlier mixtapes, gained widespread traction through the album, cultivating a devoted that has supported MGK across his career transitions. Additionally, Lace Up boosted Cleveland's visibility in the national hip-hop landscape, bridging to the city's rap heritage exemplified by . MGK's unapologetic representation of his roots resonated locally, with strong ties to DJs and venues reinforcing the album's role in revitalizing regional pride and scene infrastructure.

References

  1. https://genius.com/albums/Mgk/Lace-up
  2. https://www.rap-up.com/article/2012/08/08/machine-gun-kelly-announces-album-release-date
  3. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chart-juice-mgks-lace-up-debuts-at-no-2-on-rbhip-hop-albums-chart-474571/
  4. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Machine+Gun+Kelly&ti=Lace+Up#search_section
  5. https://www.discogs.com/release/5100921-MGK-Lace-Up
  6. https://music.apple.com/us/album/lace-up/1440884188
  7. https://genius.com/albums/Mgk/Lace-up-mixtape
  8. https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/machine-gun-kelly-announces-deal-bad-boyinterscope-they-understood-our-idea-67193/
  9. https://www.spin.com/2012/10/machine-gun-kelly-lace-up-diddy/
  10. https://respect-mag.com/2011/11/exclusive-interview-machine-gun-kelly-goes-gonzo/
  11. https://hiphopdx.com/news/machine-gun-kelly-describes-collaborations-on-lace-up/
  12. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/machine-gun-kelly-digital-booklet/14601411
  13. https://hiphopdx.com/news/machine-gun-kelly-describes-collaborations-on-lace-up
  14. https://www.spin.com/2012/10/mgk-lace-up-bad-boyinterscope/
  15. https://www.cleveland.com/music/2012/10/mgks_lace_up_an_angry_at_times.html
  16. https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/machine-gun-kelly-lace-up/
  17. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/mgk/lace-up/
  18. https://www.xxlmag.com/machine-gun-kelly-lace-up/
  19. https://machinegunkelly.fandom.com/wiki/Lace_Up_%28album%29
  20. https://musicchartsarchive.com/artists/mgk
  21. https://www.cnbc.com/2012/10/09/mgk-releases-his-much-anticipated-debut-album-lace-up.html
  22. https://www.rap-up.com/article/2012/10/17/machine-gun-kelly-laces-the-charts-with-top-5-debut
  23. https://hiphop-n-more.com/2012/06/video-machine-gun-kelly-invincible-feat-ester-dean/
  24. https://music.apple.com/ca/song/hold-on-shut-up-feat-young-jeezy/1440813235
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/21934687-MGK-Ft-Fitts-Stereo
  26. https://www.allmusic.com/album/lace-up-mw0002419661
  27. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mgk-releases-his-much-anticipated-debut-album-lace-up-173370811.html
  28. https://music.apple.com/us/album/lace-up-deluxe-version/1440812331
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/4013795-MGK-Lace-Up
  30. https://www.discogs.com/master/623278-MGK-Lace-Up
  31. https://www.xxlmag.com/machine-gun-kelly-sets-debut-album-lace-up-for-october-9/
  32. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/freshman-haze-machine-gun-kelly-talks-label-bidding-war-laced-up-470498/
  33. https://www.xxlmag.com/machine-gun-kelly-talks-releasing-debut-album-lace-up-today/
  34. https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/64nbwi/follow-the-leaders-mgk/2r73uq
  35. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/machine-gun-kelly?page=1&year=2012
  36. https://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/11/14/machine-gun-kelly-hops-from-warped-tour-to-mmg-slot/
  37. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/mgk/2012/bryce-jordan-center-university-park-pa-6bdab27e.html
  38. https://mgkestfam.com/2014/09/12/mgk-tour-dates-2009-present/
  39. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/machine-gun-kelly?page=1&year=2013
  40. https://www.complex.com/music/a/sam-weiss/video-machine-gun-kelly-takes-to-the-streets-to-announce-the-lace-up-tour
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsMSb_6yt5s
  42. https://www.metacritic.com/music/lace-up/mgk
  43. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/lace-up-127552/
  44. http://www.riaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/RIAA-AUGUST-2017-AWARDS.pdf
  45. https://www.billboard.com/artist/machine-gun-kelly/
  46. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/user/crocodiledippy/album/24772-lace-up/
  47. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/26864/mgk/
  48. https://top40-charts.com/artist.php?aid=17075
  49. https://www.complex.com/music/a/jordan-zirm/why-lace-up-is-huge-for-cleveland
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