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“Bad Things” is a breakout pop-rap single by American rapper Machine Gun Kelly and singer-songwriter Camila Cabello. Released on October 14, 2016, the song became one of the biggest hits of both artists’ early careers, reaching the top five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum certifications worldwide. The official music video on YouTube brings the track’s edgy yet melodic vibe to life with bold visuals and emotional chemistry between the performers.
Featured as the lead single from MGK’s album Bloom, “Bad Things” blends elements of pop, rap, and alternative influences into a mid-tempo ballad that captures the intoxicating pull of a relationship that’s as compelling as it is complicated. The song interpolates the bassline from Fastball’s 1999 song “Out of My Head,” giving it a familiar yet fresh sound that contributed to its broad appeal.
About the Song
Musically, “Bad Things” features melodic hooks supported by rhythmic production from The Futuristics, combining pop sensibilities with hip-hop cadence. Cabello’s vocals deliver a memorable chorus — “Am I out of my head? / Am I out of my mind? If you only knew the bad things I like…” — while MGK’s verses provide an edgy contrast, portraying a narrative of tension between desire and restraint.
Lyrically, the track explores themes of passion and conflict in romantic relationships, particularly the thrill of pursuing someone despite knowing it might be “bad” for you. This back-and-forth dynamic is reflected in both the vocals and the song’s structure, which keeps listeners engaged with its catchy melodies and emotional tension.
Music Video Overview
The official music video for “Bad Things,” directed by Hannah Lux Davis, premiered on December 1, 2016, and quickly accumulated hundreds of millions of views on YouTube. The visuals follow MGK and Cabello through a gritty, cinematic story that amplifies the song’s themes of rebellious romance and complicated love. Scenes show the duo living fast and wild — from late-night meetups to intense adventures — creating a narrative that mirrors the emotional push-and-pull of the lyrics.
Performance shots intercut with storytelling scenes help bring the song’s emotion to life, making the video both engaging and visually memorable. The chemistry between the artists and the dramatic pacing contribute to its enduring appeal among fans of both pop and rap music.
Why the Song Became Popular
One of the key reasons “Bad Things” resonated with audiences is the blend of melodic pop with raw hip-hop energy. Cabello’s memorable hook and powerful chorus made the song instantly catchy, while MGK’s gritty verses added depth and contrast. The track’s universal theme of a tumultuous relationship — balancing desire with conflict — made it relatable for many listeners, further boosting its popularity on radio, streaming platforms, and social media.
The collaboration also marked a major moment for both artists: it was one of MGK’s first major pop-leaning chart hits and one of Cabello’s first top-ten singles outside her group Fifth Harmony, helping launch her successful solo career.
Impact and Legacy
“Bad Things” became a defining track of the mid-2010s pop-rap landscape, achieving multi-platinum status in several countries and earning accolades such as Best Collaboration at the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards. The song’s fusion of catchy pop hooks with hip-hop elements influenced other cross-genre collaborations and remains a fan favorite years after its release.
Whether experienced through its official YouTube video, on classic playlists, or through live performances, **“Bad Things”** continues to connect with music fans around the world as a bold, dynamic duet that pushed both Machine Gun Kelly and Camila Cabello into mainstream success.
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