Machine Gun Kelly’s newfound pop punk career is one of many horrendous recent attempts to revamp the punk genre. 

As of late, it seems that “alternative” culture is no longer being considered alternative, mainly because of the apparent trendiness of the pop punk subculture. All of a sudden, pink hair dye and overpriced black clothes have been labeled as “punk.”

MGK’s career, however, was not initially supposed to end up here. He started as a rapper, but controversies arose after he made inappropriate comments towards rapper Eminem’s daughter, and he was shunned from the rap scene, causing him to flee towards a new audience. 

The alternative scene has suffered ever since. 

The MGK effect has also brought forward other problematic artists, including the band the Tramp Stamps.

The members of the Tramp Stamps include Caro, Marisa Maino, and most importantly, Paige Blue. While Caro and Maino are just average women with online personas, Blue has a history of expressing racist and upsetting opinions on her social media. 

The alternative scene supports progressive and anti-establishment messages. Bands like the Tramp Stamps are the exact opposite – claiming to be punk while selling out in a cash grab. 

Along with the new generation of poser artists, there’s also a resurgence of washed-up pop punk bands attempting to make a comeback. 

Bands like Blink-182 were definitely revolutionary in the timeline of pop punk, but their time in the spotlight was over by the late 2000s. But somehow, they’re relevant again today. 

Blink is currently selling tickets for a world tour with over 70 dates, and tickets are well over $100. So much for the “anti-establishment” message.