From Emo Nite to the National Guard: MGK’s Wild Sample Clearance Story!

In a surprising twist at Emo Nite, Stephan Jenkins, the frontman of Third Eye Blind, crossed paths with Machine Gun Kelly, aka MGK. The two rock stars had more than small talk on their minds—MGK had just secured the clearance to use a sample from the iconic “Semi-Charmed Life” for his new track “starman.” It’s not every day you see a 90s alt-rock legend mingling with today’s rap-rock powerhouse, but here we are!

What’s even more entertaining? MGK revealed that to get the sample cleared, he had to charm a member of the National Guard. Imagine the scene: a soldier in uniform and a rock star talking samples and melodies. MGK confidently asked if he could get support for his mission, and the guard responded by wanting to hear that sample on the album. Talk about a unique way to secure clearance, right?

As we watch these collaborations unfold, it raises a fun question for fans: how do you feel about artists sampling classic hits? Is it a compliment to the original artists or just a lazy way to make music? Either way, it seems like MGK knows how to generate buzz, mixing the past with the present while bringing unique stories to life. Whether you’re a fan of the original or just curious about this new iteration, it’s a reminder of how music continues to evolve and connect different generations.

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