Machine Gun Kelly, the rapper-turned-pop punk singer, has shocked his fans and critics with a bold new look: a massive blackout tattoo that covers most of his upper body. The 33-year-old star revealed his new ink on his Instagram account on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, with a caption that read: “For spiritual purposes only.”

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The tattoo, which was done by renowned Los Angeles-based artist Roxx, features black ink covering his chest and arms, leaving only a cross and some symmetrical lines in negative space. Some of his previous tattoos, such as “Locals Only” and “I Want Change” on his stomach, are still visible. Roxx, who hails from London, shared a photo of MGK on her own Instagram account and wrote: “Made some art with @machinegunkelly. Never met a tougher one.”

According to TMZ, Roxx started working with Machine Gun Kelly on his new look in mid-December 2023. The process involved 13 six-hour sessions, and there is still some more tattooing to do. Roxx told the outlet that MGK wanted to cover his old ink with something more meaningful and spiritual. She said that the cross represents his faith, while the lines symbolize balance and harmony.

Mixed Reactions from Fans and Critics

Machine Gun Kelly’s new blackout tattoo has sparked a lot of reactions on social media, both positive and negative. Some of his fans praised his new look and expressed their admiration for his artistic expression and courage. One fan commented on his Instagram post: “You are amazing. I love your new tattoo. It’s so cool and unique.” Another fan wrote: “Wow, this is incredible. You are such an inspiration. I respect your decision and your spirituality.”

However, some of his critics slammed his new look and accused him of being insensitive and disrespectful. Some people claimed that his blackout tattoo was a form of cultural appropriation, as it resembled the traditional body art of some indigenous groups. One critic tweeted: “MGK’s new tattoo is offensive and ignorant. He is stealing from other cultures and erasing his own identity. He should be ashamed of himself.” Another critic wrote: “This is the ugliest tattoo I have ever seen. He looks like a burnt toast. He ruined his body and his career.”

Some of his critics also mocked his new look and made jokes at his expense. Some people compared his blackout tattoo to a trash bag, a Sharpie marker, or a black hole. One person tweeted: “MGK’s new tattoo looks like he fell asleep on a newspaper and woke up with ink all over him.” Another person wrote: “MGK’s new tattoo is a cry for help. He needs an intervention. He is clearly going through something.”

MGK’s Tattoo History and Future Plans

Machine Gun Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, has been known for being heavily tattooed since the beginning of his career. He has over 70 tattoos on his body, including portraits of his idols, lyrics from his songs, and symbols of his personal beliefs. He has also tattooed his daughter’s name, Casie, on his chest, and his girlfriend’s name, Megan Fox, on his collarbone.

Machine Gun Kelly has said that his tattoos are a way of expressing his emotions and telling his story. He has also said that he enjoys the pain and the adrenaline of getting tattooed. He once let his 13-year-old daughter, Casie, tattoo him on his wrist. He also tattooed himself on live television during an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden in 2022.

Machine Gun Kelly has not revealed his plans for his future tattoos, but he has hinted that he might get more blackout tattoos on other parts of his body. He has also said that he might get some tattoos removed or covered up, as he has changed his mind about some of them over the years. He has also said that he might get some tattoos that match with his girlfriend, Megan Fox, who is also a fan of body art.

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