MGK: I Just Punched Back at Corey Taylor

Machine Gun Kelly, reflecting on his public dispute with Slipknot's Corey Taylor, asserts he was simply defending himself. The conflict escalated after MGK voiced his criticisms of the rock music scene in December 2020, calling for more "attitude" and criticizing established bands. Taylor publicly rebuked artists who transitioned from other genres to rock, a comment widely perceived as directed at MGK's pop-punk album, 'Tickets To My Downfall'.

This exchange intensified in September 2021 when MGK publicly confronted Taylor during a performance. It later emerged that Taylor had withdrawn from a planned guest appearance on MGK's album due to creative differences. MGK likened the situation to being "punched in the face" and stated his response was purely reactive. Taylor, however, has contested this narrative, asserting that MGK initiated the feud. As of 2026, the two artists have reportedly never met in person to discuss their differences, and the public spat has since cooled off.