Rapper Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) has candidly discussed a serious health scare he experienced during the process of getting an extensive blackout tattoo. In a recent interview with Billboard Canada, the musician, known for hits such as “Emo Girl,” shared insights into this physically demanding transformation that resulted in a significant illness.
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In April 2024, MGK unveiled a dramatic “dark mode” tattoo that covers much of his upper body. However, the tattooing process proved perilous. MGK revealed that he undertook this extensive work in just two months, which was notably shorter than the recommended two years proposed by his tattoo artist. This decision would lead to unexpected consequences for his health.
During the interview, MGK recounted how his body reacted adversely to the tattooing process. “After the first week, we hit my lymph nodes around my armpits and shoulders, and I got really sick,” he explained. He described alarming symptoms, including his skin turning yellow and an inability to sleep. This rapid alteration of his physique took a toll on his mobility, as he struggled to move certain parts of his upper body.
Despite the difficulties he faced, MGK found solace in his experience. He stated, “I came out of recovery extremely inspired,” attributing his newfound motivation not just to the tattoo itself, but to the challenges he overcame during the process. It appears his struggles were intertwined with creative inspirations for his recent project, a mixtape called *Blog Era Boyz*, which he collaborated on with artist Wiz Khalifa.
MGK disclosed that the desire for this transformation stemmed from a personal journey of introspection. He remarked how he could not “recognise” himself when looking in the mirror at his existing tattoos, thinking, “Who the f— am I?” He further elaborated, sharing that the tattoos he had accumulated reflected a tumultuous relationship with themes of life and death. “There were happy tattoos, sad tattoos, holy tattoos, hellish tattoos. It was like my bipolarity was screaming off my skin,” he expressed.
Two years prior, MGK had taken his fans along for the arduous journey through social media. A harrowing video showcased the pain he experienced, including clips of blood and himself donning an oxygen mask while undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy for recovery. He had described the tattooing ordeal as “the most painful s— I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
On *The Jennifer Hudson Show* in September 2025, MGK stated that his tattoo was intended to “redesign what the human skin could look like.” He also confirmed his commitment to endure the pain without anaesthesia or numbing agents, stating, “I had to focus out, big mistake, but my morals stand,” highlighting his desire to endure the process authentically rather than opting for relief.
MGK’s experience has sparked discussions about the limits of body modification and the potential health risks involved in such extreme personal choices. His story serves as a cautionary tale for those considering significant physical changes, underlining the importance of heeding professional advice for one’s health and well-being.
Through his journey, MGK not only transformed his physical appearance but also gained a deeper understanding of himself, illustrating the complex relationship between art, health, and identity. As he continues to evolve as an artist and a person, fans and followers remain intrigued by his unique approach to self-expression.