Key Takeaways:
– Machine Gun Kelly debuted a new blackout tattoo covering his upper torso and arms.
– The tattoo was completed with 44 needles by renowned LA blackwork artist Roxx.
– The artist’s social media followers gave mixed reactions, with excessive criticism.
– His post was also reacted to by controversial ‘Tiger King’ star, Joe Exotic.
Machine Gun Kelly, the 33-year-old renowned hip-hop and rock artist, created a stir on social media as he revealed his new body art – a striking blackout tattoo gracing his upper torso and arms. On Tuesday, the rapper shared his bold statement on Instagram, where his significant body transformation echoed a drastic aesthetic shift.
A Statement for “Spiritual” Reasons
Unveiling what looked like a long-sleeved crop-top painted in pure black ink, Machine Gun Kelly shared that his move was for “spiritual purposes only.” The new look covers most of the rapper’s earlier tattoos on his chest and arms.
The Grammy-nominated artist posted an image of his radical makeover, posing with his upper body covered in the massive blackout tattoo. His lower torso, meanwhile, retained some of his original tattoos, such as “locals only,” a man holding a sign saying “I want change,” and a portion of an anarchy symbol.
The Tattoo’s Creation and Reaction
The bold body art, crafted by Roxx, a Los Angeles-based blackwork artist, required 44 needles. Providing additional insight into the process, MGK, whose real name is Colson Baker, hinted at his new ink in a Monday video, saying, “Been wearing a turtleneck for 3 months, taking the shirt off tomorrow.”
Upon unveiling his dramatic transformation, the former “Amatuer Night at the Apollo” champ implored his followers to share their views on his new look. The responses were somewhat divided but contained predominantly negative feedback.
One of the many comments read, “Stupidest f—ing thing I’ve ever seen.” This comment went viral on the platform, accumulating thousands of likes within a short time. Another user speculated about Machine Gun Kelly’s motive behind his dramatic transformation, suggesting, “Kells wanted to be accepted by the rap community so he turned black.”
Commentary Controversy
In a seemingly sarcastic reference to the controversial usage of the ‘n-word’ by white hip-hop artists, popular podcaster Nadav Itzkowitz commented, “You still can’t say it.” One follower even accused the rapper of wanting to use derogatory racial terms, stating, “Bro wants to say the n word so badly.”
In the sea of negative comments, there were some lighter moments too. Notably, a tongue-in-cheek response from the incarcerated ‘Tiger King’ star Joe Exotic, who quipped, “A tiger and a bit of meth and you would be mine. Lol.”
Final Thoughts
Machine Gun Kelly’s bold, blackout body art statement stirred mixed reactions in the world of social media. While some criticized him for trying too hard to fit in, others commented on broader societal issues like racial stereotyping in their responses. However, amid such serious discussions, some even managed to find humor in the situation. Ultimately, his music and distinct persona continue to make waves in the entertainment divisions, tattoo or not. The art is out there, and the reactions keep pouring in, undeniably solidifying his presence in the pop-culture discourse.