MGK Opens up About Health Scare During Intense Tattoo Session

WHO:

US Magazine - Machine Gun Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, is a 36-year-old rapper.

Yahoo News Canada - MGK collaborated with celebrity tattoo artist ROXX for his blackout tattoo.

WHAT:

US Magazine - MGK experienced a health scare during his blackout tattoo process.

Yahoo News Canada - MGK's skin turned "yellow" during the tattooing process, which he completed in two months instead of the recommended two years.

Yahoo News Canada - MGK debuted his blackout tattoo in April 2024.

Yahoo News Canada - MGK described the tattooing process as "the most painful s--- I've ever experienced in my life."

WHERE:

Yahoo News Canada - The tattooing process took place on MGK's upper body.

WHEN:

Yahoo News Canada - MGK's interview with Billboard Canada was published on June 8.

Yahoo News Canada - MGK appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show in September 2025.

WHY:

Yahoo News Canada - MGK sought a change that was "not just a sound wave" and wanted to "redesign what the human skin could look like."

Yahoo News Canada - MGK felt he could not "recognize himself" with his previous tattoos, which he described as reflecting "death and drugs."

HOW:

Yahoo News Canada - MGK underwent the tattooing process without anesthesia or numbing, stating, "I had to focus out, big mistake, but my morals stand."

(UPDATED June 10, 2026 04:24 UTC)

Machine Gun Kelly, also known as Colson Baker, recently shared his experience of undergoing a blackout tattoo that took place on his upper body, a process he completed in just two months instead of the typical two years. During the tattooing, he faced a health scare when his skin turned yellow, and he described the pain as "the most painful s--- I've ever experienced in my life," opting to go through it without anesthesia. MGK debuted his striking new tattoo in April 2024, as he sought to redefine his appearance and move away from previous tattoos that he felt reflected "death and drugs."