Tech N9ne & Machine Gun Kelly – Live @ Soundstage, Baltimore, MD Pt. I/II (VTT Photos)

In the same evening as Santigold & Theophilus London‘s Baltimore performances, the downtown area of our adored Mid-Atlantic city also got a dose of some more hard core sh*t in Tech N9ne & Machine Gun Kelly. While we at VTT were lucky enough to hit both and amazingly see all, as one might be able to imagine, the change in scene was drastic – and f*cking awesome.

We’ve been fans of MGK for some time now, and if you listen to any Tech N9ne or at least hear his interviews, it’s difficult not to hop on his amazingly-sized underground bandwagon as well. However, there was much we learned of them both simply by attending one of their concerts – both through the incredibly enthusiastic and dedicated fan bases, and from the performance styles of each of the lyricists.

vtt 16 Tech N9ne & Machine Gun Kelly Live @ Soundstage, Baltimore, MD Pt. I/II (VTT Photos)

If there was any doubt that punk-rap is a real thing, then a concert like this will have you convinced and very likely wanting more. Fans are donned out in all-red for Tech N9ne, tattoos and gauges for MGK, and a general sense of “f*ck you” for all….

[see / read more] – [all photos by Sean Dackermann]

vtt 19 Tech N9ne & Machine Gun Kelly Live @ Soundstage, Baltimore, MD Pt. I/II (VTT Photos)

Starting with the Cleveland kid, it was instantly impressive that he can rage as hard as he does, and deliver as tight a set as one sees. If you’ve seen MGK live, or any footage for that matter, or read hip hop news, it’s no secret that he goes hard – climbing on stage supports, rapping upside-down, licking titties, smashing cymbals with his head, etc…However, the most impressive thing of all this was how incredibly tight Kells’ set really is. It’s been noted before that among any other XXL Freshman or other up-and-comers today, MGK has more live experience than most anyone out there, and you’re damn right it shows.

Aside from the totally awesome energy up on stage, you can hear every word that the kid spits, and he’s continually on-point. The set itself is diverse, touching upon the Lace Up classics, new-age bangers, and ending in a high-energy house mix that just sets the place off. All throughout, Kells maintains a personal, emotional connection and appreciation for his fans that are there going just as hard as he is, which you can definitely get a feel for from the pics here. See MGK live if you ever have the chance, it’s awesome.