When you think of Hip Hop, what comes to mind? Crazy cash? Endless, tongue-twisting rhymes? How about art? Tattoos have been the physical indentation of mostly every Hip Hop artist, male and female. It proves itself evident to cover the hands, necks, faces and chest of our most respected moguls and future iconic figures in the entertainment industry. Artists like Wiz Khalifa, Tyga, The Game, Travie McCoy and Lil Wayne to name a few, let their artwork speak for itself. The modern generation has changed rapidly and tattoos have become more accepted. The permanent ink is not designed for every set of skin. Despite what some elders may think, tattoos are the epitome of what beautiful art is. Tattoo artists are extremely imaginative at connecting with the client and creating an image that is pleasing to them. Some people want tattoos simply to show others, proving their bravery or how many they have. Others may want tattoos to express themselves. Everyone does not display their emotions verbally or writing journals; some shy souls are captivated, motivated and inspired by the thought of their body being a permanent display of a human canvas of art. Picasso, Van Gough and Da Vinci are innovative artists who made astounding paintings, but those paintings would not be any less beautiful if they were tattoos. One can be surprised at how much meaning a simple tattoo can have. The stories will continue to be told through embedded tattoo ink for centuries.
The cast of VH1’s brand new hottest show, Black Ink Crew is leaving an imprint on each its viewers. Each cast member is more than full of life. The owner, Caeser, is definitely a flirt and not only to the attractive women who come to get tattooed. As a new business owner, the amount of success he’s receiving and how quickly business is picking up may be overwhelming at times. He spreads himself pretty thin at times but “Caes” can only be who he has always been. Puma is quite a character and he runs the Public Relations aspect of the business. Regardless of losing his front tooth, he’s still down for the Black Ink Crew Team. Sassy is the warm, homegirl feel type of character and does the event planning for the shop. She is in transition mode of choosing to become stable in a growing career or continue to allow her youth to plan her future. Dutchess is like the first lady of the tattooing team. The Southern Belle makes Harlem her new home. An education to match her savvy demeanor, she is one that cannot be overlooked with her wait long dreads and endearing smile. Alex is the blonde haired front desk person who’s a major flirt and model. Teddy and Walt help out and show their faces here and there. O’ S**t was recently fired from Black Ink and in turn lost his apartment and his daughter was forced to move back with her mother in Texas. This show displays full blown reality while adding the aspect of tattooing. The thrill of what is to come is what keeps the viewers tuned in every week. It is full of drama and excitement and a great Monday night treat that immediately follows Love and Hip Hop NY. Tune in and see what happens next. -Free @InkStains_