Rapper Machine Gun Kelly has stunned fans after unveiling his latest tattoo, which has turned his upper chest and arms completely black, obscuring most of his famous body art.
MGK was known for the colourful tattoos that adorned most of his upper body, which included pieces dedicated to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, including the city’s area code.
Now, just a fraction of the previous designs peek out from behind the black cross design that covers his upper torso and arms. Only his lower torso is left as it was.
Renowned black-work-only tattoo artists Roxx and Cats did the artwork, which has been confirmed as permanent by their representatives to The New York Post.
The work was completed over the Christmas and New Year period by Roxx, the representative said, adding that MGK was the “toughest client” she had worked with.
MGK revealed his shock new look on Instagram, with a shot captioned: “For spiritual purposes only. Thank you @roxx____”
Roxx replied, saying: “You’re so welcome. You’re a champ and you look amazing!”
Other than that, there has been no explanation for the dramatic change in look.
MGK – or Colson Baker, as it says on his birth certificate – had kept this secret; he had been pictured attending the pre-Grammy gala earlier this month, wearing a long-sleeved black top – conveniently hiding all the artwork beneath.
Fans have been split by the 33-year-old’s reveal. Some have praised the move, others are aghast that his trademark tattoos have been covered up, and others speculated on how long it took to do, and how painful it must have been.
Others haven’t taken the shot so seriously. One wag in the comments said: “why does it look like a crop top?”
MGK is believed to be working on a new album – the last came out in 2022 – but a release date hasn’t been confirmed.
