Did Machine Gun Kelly really think he could rush one of the most intense tattoo processes known to mankind without consequences? Girl, NO. The 36-year-old rock star (yes, we’re calling him that loosely) just dropped the most jaw-dropping confession about his blackout tattoo nightmare, and honey, it’s messier than his love life.
In a recent chat with Billboard Canada, MGK—whose real name is Colson Baker for those of us who still remember—revealed that his quest for that edgy, all-black aesthetic came with a price tag WAY beyond the tattoo artist’s fee. This man literally got SICK from his own ink. We’re talking yellow skin, people. YELLOW. Not the glow-up he was going for, obviously.
Working with celebrity tattoo artist ROXX, MGK allegedly rushed through what should be a methodical, carefully-paced process because apparently patience isn’t in his vocabulary. (Shocking, we know.) The blackout tattoo trend involves covering large portions of skin with solid black ink—and it’s not something you just speed-run like you’re trying to finish a video game before your mom yells at you. This isn’t a quick touch-up situation; this requires time, healing phases, and professional judgment. Three things MGK apparently threw out the window.
The result? Our favorite tatted-up musician ended up with a serious case of ink poisoning that literally changed his complexion. Because nothing says “I’m a serious artist” like turning into an extra from a zombie flick. The toxin reaction was so intense that MGK’s skin took on a jaundiced, yellowish hue—a look that definitely wasn’t on the mood board, even for someone with his “controversial aesthetic” vibes.
Fans are absolutely LIVING for this cosmic karma moment on social media. One Twitter user wrote, “Maybe listen to the professionals NEXT time?” and honestly? She’s got a point. There’s a reason tattoo artists recommend spacing out sessions and following proper aftercare protocols—SAFETY, darling. But MGK’s always been more about the shock value than the smart choices.
This whole debacle perfectly encapsulates why you don’t let your rock star ego override actual medical science. The blackout tattoo process demands respect, patience, and most importantly, listening to the experts. MGK learned this lesson the hard way—with his literal skin color changing as a permanent (well, hopefully not THAT permanent) reminder.
What do you think? A) MGK deserved this reality check B) He should’ve just listened to ROXX from the start