‘A Marginally Unknown Rapper’

Before he gained fame, MGK was the subject of Wesley Lowery’s savvy prediction and critical ear

Vivian Bowling and Grace Wilkinson|July 15, 2021

Former Shakerite EIC Wesley Lowery (’08) predicted wide success for Machine Gun Kelly in this 2007 mixtape review. Lowery, who has won two Pulitzer Prizes, published a profile of MGK, “the most famous person” in his graduating class, today in GQ Magazine.

Wesley Lowery (’08) was chief editor of The Shakerite when he wrote this review of a Machine Gun Kelly mixtape in 2007. Lowery and Colson Baker, known professionally as MGK, were classmates.

Lowery, now a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, is known best for his part in the Washington Post’s investigation of unreported police shootings of unarmed citizens and for his book, “They Can’t Kill Us All,” which documents the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. Among other pursuits, Lowery now works for CBS’ 60 Minutes and publishes profiles in GQ Magazine. His profile of Machine Gun Kelly was published today and references The Shakerite review, which appears below. The Nov. 26, 2007 Shakerite Limelight page also features a Q and A with MGK by Limelight Editors Kelsey DeForest and Simone Duval (’08).

Lowery predicted classmate Colson Baker, who performs under the name Machine Gun Kelly, would become prominent in the Cleveland rap scene. MGK has gone to international fame.

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About the 'Riter

Vivian Bowling, Editor-in-Chief

Vivian Bowling (‘22) is in her fourth year of The Shakerite. She is currently the Editor-in-Chief, overseeing all things Shakerite. As a Spotlight Reporter she covered important school events, breaking news and features. As a Print Editor she helped design and publish print stories. Other than The Shakerite, Vivian participates in the girls rugby team and is a member of the mock trial team. Outside of school, Vivian can be found working or traveling.

Grace Wilkinson, Print Managing Editor

Grace Wilkinson (‘22) has been with The Shakerite her whole high school career. She has been the Satire Editor since her Sophomore year, and it has been one of her favorite parts of school. Grace has her own T-Shirt company, is the vice president of Mock Trial, and founder of a Non-Profit. She enjoys spending time at school.

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