Machine Gun Kelly Gives Engaging Lecture at Harvard Business School
BOSTON, MA – In an unexpected but highly engaging turn, multifaceted artist Machine Gun Kelly, born Colson Baker, exchanged his microphone for a lecturer’s podium on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, gracing the hallowed halls of Harvard Business School. The 35-year-old rapper-turned-pop-punk sensation spent the day sharing insights into his remarkable career trajectory, leaving an indelible mark on students and faculty alike.
Baker, who has carved a distinct path in the music industry, documented his academic excursion on Instagram, humorously declaring, “harvard has a new professor.” Images shared with his millions of followers captured a day filled with engagement: from posing confidently beside the iconic Harvard Business School sign, sporting a brown leather jacket, gray dress pants, and a white baseball cap promoting his seventh studio album, Lost Americana, to interacting with enthusiastic students. He even donned a crimson Harvard tie emblazoned with the university’s motto, “Veritas” (truth), signaling a deeper embrace of the institution’s spirit.
During his lecture, parts of which were shared in video snippets, Baker offered a glimpse into his creative process and ethos. He was seen writing “Water Fire Air Earth” on a chalkboard – a moment briefly interrupted by a playfully broken piece of chalk – before ultimately concluding the session with a “class dismissed” message in a final clip. His presence at such an esteemed institution is particularly notable given his past sentiments. In a 2011 interview, Baker candidly admitted he had “not a damn” plan for college, questioning whether a degree was truly a measure of intelligence. His journey from that perspective to now lecturing at Harvard underscores a significant evolution in his approach to education and personal growth.
For the students of Harvard Business School, the session likely offered a unique perspective on brand building, career reinvention, and resilience in the face of public opinion. Baker, a Grammy-nominated artist, recently addressed the widespread criticism he has often faced. In an August interview with PEOPLE, he spoke about being “hated for no reason,” attributing it to his refusal to “stay contained into a societal box” through his fashion and music. His ability to navigate and ultimately “let it go completely” resonates as a powerful lesson in self-belief and artistic integrity, traits crucial for any entrepreneur or leader.
MGK’s visit seamlessly blended the worlds of pop culture and academia, showcasing how unconventional career paths and personal narratives hold valuable lessons for business and beyond. His Lost Americana album, which continues to engage fans, serves as a testament to his artistic evolution, a theme undoubtedly explored during his insightful lecture. As the day concluded, Baker’s temporary foray into professorship highlighted not only his multifaceted persona but also the evolving definition of expertise in the modern age.
