Before Taylor Swift, This Music Star Was in Travis Kelce’s Inner Circle!

While Travis Kelce has recently gained global attention for his relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift, there’s another famous musician who has been part of the Kansas City Chiefs tight end’s circle for much longer. Enter Colson Baker, better known as Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), the rap-rock hybrid whose career has soared to massive heights. And it turns out, the two share a connection that dates back to their childhoods in Ohio.

Before Swift’s presence at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas stole the spotlight, MGK was spotted in Kelce’s suite, enjoying the game with Travis, his older brother Jason, and other close friends. For fans familiar with Kelce’s background, it wasn’t surprising to see the rapper there, as he and Travis have a deep-rooted friendship from their shared hometown. Both hailing from the Cleveland area, Travis and MGK grew up just streets apart, unbeknownst to many.

In an interview with The Kansas City Star in 2023, Travis shared the backstory, revealing, “We actually grew up right down the street from each other. I knew of Cols growing up, but for the most part, I’ve just been a big, big fan of his through high school, through college.” He added, “Being able to see his success has been really cool knowing that we’re from the same area. He’s one of my favorite performers. He brings the juice every single time.”

The bond between the two extends beyond their shared roots. In 2023, Travis hosted his first annual Kelce Jam music festival in Kansas City, and who did he choose as the headliner? None other than MGK. The festival saw Travis join the rapper on stage for an unforgettable duet, solidifying their friendship in front of a live audience.

Though Travis is now a beloved figure in Missouri, his loyalty to his Ohio roots remains strong. MGK, too, hasn’t forgotten where he came from. In a humorous (and possibly serious) moment on the New Heights podcast in December 2023, MGK joked he would offer Travis $500,000 in cash, plus a donation to their old high schools and free breakfast for life, if he would leave the Chiefs and play for the Cleveland Browns. “You know that was the original dream, dog. You know that was the dream,” MGK teased. While Travis responded playfully, “The situation [was] pretty good in Kansas City,” it’s clear the bond between these two childhood neighbors runs deep.

MGK’s loyalty to Cleveland isn’t just a passing sentiment. Even after Travis’ rise to NFL stardom, the rapper has supported his friend’s success from afar. That unshakable connection speaks volumes, especially considering that just a few months later, Jason Kelce retired from the NFL. MGK’s offer to Travis seems all the more significant now, with both brothers having etched their names in sports and music history.

Though Taylor Swift may now be a central figure in Travis Kelce’s life, it’s clear that MGK’s place in Travis’ circle has been firmly in place for years. Their shared history, mutual respect, and love for their hometown of Cleveland continue to bind them, creating a unique friendship that transcends sports and music. And who knows? Maybe there’s more to come from these two childhood pals.