Machine Gun Kelly has revealed the health issues he faced after undergoing hours of inking for his massive blackout tattoo. The rapper, whose real name is Colson Baker, turned yellow and experienced severe sickness following the procedure.
Ignoring Professional Advice
The 36-year-old star first showcased his dramatic body art in 2024, but only now has he disclosed the extent of its impact on his health. He initially disregarded tattoo artist ROXX's recommendation to spend two years working on the design. He explained, "She warned me that it was going to be near impossible, even from a pain tolerance standpoint. I said, 'Yeah, we got two months.'"
Health Complications
Speaking to Billboard Canada, Kelly described his ordeal: "After the first week, we hit my lymph nodes around my armpits and shoulders, and I got really sick. My skin was turning yellow. I wasn't able to sleep. I stopped being able to move certain parts of my upper body."
The tattoo covers the majority of his upper body, symbolizing a new chapter in his life. He explained, "I was looking for a change that wasn't just a sound wave. It had to be something physical. I saw death and drugs in all these patterns that I was literally writing on my body."
No Regrets
Despite the health struggles, Kelly admitted he does not regret his decision because it left him "extremely inspired." He credited this to what he had "overcome," recalling the sense of "shame" he felt while starting the tattoo during his partner Megan Fox's pregnancy with their daughter.
He also discussed his journey with sobriety: "I was dealing with sobriety really heavy, having itches that I didn't know how to scratch." Kelly felt he was losing himself in his work but is now focused on more important aspects, such as his family.
Vulnerability and Connection
During a recent event at the Grammy Museum in Downtown Los Angeles, Kelly shared his perspective on fan connection: "I found through my fan base that I think they relate a lot more to the realness or the vulnerability. Or maybe the archetype of someone who rose from the ashes like a phoenix or someone who's more broken because I feel like that's a more common feeling around the world than people who are always in control or feel good about themselves."
The singer, who has a 16-year-old daughter Casie with ex-partner Emma Cannon and a 15-month-old daughter Saga with Megan Fox, continues to push through his artistic and personal challenges.
