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Machine Gun Kelly has been a prominent figure in the music industry since his debut album, Lace Up, in 2012. Since then, he has released multiple chart-topping albums and collaborated with various artists. One of the lesser-known members of his team is his drummer, Rook, who has already made a name for himself as one of the most skilled drummers in the music industry.
Machine Gun Kelly took in Rook as his drummer in 2012 while he was just a high schooler, and since then, he has risen through the ranks to become one of the most acclaimed drummers in the industry.
From JP Cappelletty To Rook
Rook, whose real name is JP Cappelletty, was born on October 13, 1993, in Toledo, Ohio. He picked up drumsticks at just two, as reported by 13 ABC. He attended Sylvania Southview High School, where he began to hone his drumming skills. Rook comes from a musical family, as his father, Johnny Cappelletty, was a band member of the American metal band Damien. He had always known that he wanted to pursue music professionally and worked tirelessly to hone his craft.
In an interview with Samson, Rook revealed that he didn't limit himself to one drumming style. He wanted to be ready for any opportunities that would come his way. He named heavy metal drummer Tommy Aldridge and Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe his main inspirations, as reported by The Things. Eventually, Rook got the chance to meet Tommy Lee through Machine Gun Kelly.
Dropping Out Of High School To Join MGK
The story of how Rook became Machine Gun Kelly's drummer is an interesting one. In 2012, when Rook was still in high school, he sent videos of himself drumming to Machine Gun Kelly. One day, while sitting in class during his senior year of high school, he received a phone call from Machine Gun Kelly. Rook walked out of class to answer the call and traveled to Cleveland with his uncle to audition for the rapper.
After the audition, Rook was invited to play a show in Michigan with Machine Gun Kelly at The Blind Pig. The show went exceedingly well, and Rook was invited to play at more and more shows until he eventually dropped out of high school and became the band's official drummer, as reported by next biography.
Rook and Machine Gun Kelly have been close friends since the 2012 Hostile Takeover tour. Rook even taught Machine Gun Kelly how to play the drums in the Mötley Crüe 2019 Netflix biopic, The Dirt, where the rapper portrayed Tommy Lee. The two have collaborated on multiple songs, and Rook is a vital part of Machine Gun Kelly's live performances.
Rook And MGK’s Long-Standing Bond
Rook has been Machine Gun Kelly's drummer since 2012, and the duo has collaborated on multiple songs. He has been an integral part of Machine Gun Kelly's live performances and has helped to bring the rapper's music to life. He's been credited with helping to shape Machine Gun Kelly's sound and style over the years.
Rook's impact on Machine Gun Kelly's music can be heard in many of the rapper's most popular songs. For instance, his drumming is a critical component of the hit song Wild Boy, which features a driving beat and frenetic energy that has become a hallmark of Machine Gun Kelly's style. In Rap Devil, Rook's drumming adds a sense of urgency and aggression that perfectly complements the song's scathing lyrics.
In 2021 Rook was walking down a street in Hollywood Hills when he was apprehended by two robbers, which led to a physical altercation and thousands of dollars worth of commodities being stolen from Rook, as per TMZ. A car rammed him further, leading to severe injuries and hospitalization. Machine Gun Kelly went to the hospital to cheer up his favorite drummer and close friend, thus expressing his deep bonding with Rook.
With his talent and work ethic, Rook is sure to continue making waves in the music industry for years to come. Whether he's backing up Machine Gun Kelly on tour or collaborating with other artists in the studio, he is a force to be reckoned with behind the drum kit. So next time you see Machine Gun Kelly perform live, take a moment to appreciate the incredible skill and passion of the man behind the drums— JP Cappelletty, a.k.a. Rook.
Sources: TMZ, next biography, The Things, 13 ABC