A Peek at the Life of Machine Gun Kelly

Machine Gun Kelly, also known as MGK, is an American musician, actor, and all-around creative powerhouse. Born Richard Colson Baker on April 22, 1990, in Houston, Texas, he later adopted the stage name Machine Gun Kelly, drawing inspiration from notorious gangster George “Machine Gun” Kelly. MGK is best known for his rap career, though he’s made waves in rock music as well, blending genres and pushing boundaries.

Before becoming a chart-topping artist, MGK had a somewhat rocky start. He moved around a lot during his childhood, living in various cities, including Chicago and Cleveland. This constant change instilled in him a sense of independence and resilience that would later influence both his music and persona. MGK initially gained fame in the mid-2000s through his rapid-fire rap style and energetic performances. Since then, he’s released multiple albums, toured extensively, and made appearances in films like The Dirt and Project Power.

What really sets MGK apart, aside from his talent, is his bold, no-holds-barred approach to life. His music and personal style reflect his raw emotions, experiences, and willingness to push limits. His tattoos are a visual representation of this same rebellious and unapologetic spirit. MGK has accumulated a significant collection of tattoos over the years, each with its own unique story. These tattoos not only serve as a form of personal expression but also as a reminder of his journey and the key moments that have defined his life and career.

The Tattoos That Define Machine Gun Kelly

Machine Gun Kelly’s tattoos are more than just designs inked on his skin; they represent various milestones, struggles, and victories in his life. Each tattoo has a personal connection to an experience or belief, and many of them reflect his career, relationships, and the battles he’s fought along the way. Let’s take a closer look at some of his most significant tattoos.

The Starry Night

One of MGK’s most noticeable tattoos is the iconic Starry Night tattoo that covers his entire left arm. This tattoo is a tribute to the famous painting by Vincent van Gogh, and it’s one of the most detailed and colorful tattoos on his body. It is said that the tattoo reflects his passion for art and his admiration for van Gogh, a legendary artist who struggled with mental health but ultimately left behind a groundbreaking legacy.

The swirling patterns and vibrant colors of the Starry Night tattoo are a symbol of the chaos and creativity that often define MGK’s personality and music. Just as van Gogh expressed his inner turmoil and genius through his art, MGK channels his own emotions through music. The tattoo is a reminder of his love for art and the importance of embracing creativity, no matter how messy or difficult it may be.

The “Est. 1990”

On his right arm, Machine Gun Kelly has the words “Est. 1990” inked. This tattoo marks the year of his birth, and it serves as a reminder of where it all began for him. For MGK, this tattoo signifies his roots—his upbringing, his challenges, and the years that shaped him into the person he is today. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to honor the past and show pride in his journey.

The “Est. 1990” tattoo is also a symbol of self-awareness. MGK knows who he is, where he came from, and how far he’s come. He doesn’t take his success for granted and is fully aware of the struggles that helped him get to this point. This tattoo serves as a permanent reminder that no matter how far he goes in his career, he will always remember his beginnings.

The “Bad Boy” Script

Machine Gun Kelly is known for his “bad boy” image, and he has a tattoo to match that persona. On his neck, he sports the words “Bad Boy” in bold script. The tattoo is a reflection of the rebellious spirit that MGK embodies in both his music and his life. He’s always been unapologetic about who he is and how he lives, and this tattoo makes that statement loud and clear.

For MGK, the “Bad Boy” tattoo is not about glorifying trouble or bad behavior—it’s about embracing individuality and defying societal expectations. He has always gone against the grain, both in his music and in his personal life. The tattoo speaks to his determination to remain true to himself, no matter what anyone else thinks.

The “Memento Mori” Tattoo

On his chest, MGK has the Latin phrase “Memento Mori” tattooed. This translates to “Remember you will die” in English. While this might sound a bit morbid at first, the tattoo carries a deep and meaningful message. It serves as a reminder of life’s fragility and the inevitability of death. For MGK, this tattoo is a call to live in the moment and appreciate the time he has.

“Memento Mori” is often associated with the philosophy of carpe diem (seize the day). It reminds MGK to not take life for granted and to keep pushing forward, regardless of what challenges come his way. Life is short, and MGK’s tattoo reminds him to make the most of every moment.

The “In Loving Memory” Tattoo

Machine Gun Kelly has a tattoo dedicated to his father, who passed away in 2020. The tattoo reads “In Loving Memory,” and it’s a tribute to the impact his father had on his life. This piece is located on his left arm, close to his heart, symbolizing the emotional connection he still feels to his father even after his death.

MGK has spoken publicly about how his father’s passing affected him, and this tattoo is a way to honor that relationship. It serves as a permanent reminder of the lessons he learned from his father, as well as the deep love and respect he continues to have for him.

The Skull Tattoo

Another iconic tattoo that MGK has is the skull tattoo on his chest. Skulls are often seen as symbols of mortality and the cycle of life and death. For MGK, this tattoo could represent his recognition of life’s impermanence. It’s also a reflection of his connection to the darker, more rebellious side of his personality.

The skull tattoo serves as a reminder to MGK to live life on his terms. He knows that life can be unpredictable, and this tattoo is a symbol of his acceptance of life’s transience. It’s also a nod to his love of alternative and punk rock culture, where skull imagery is commonly used.

The “Tribal” Hand Tattoo

On his hand, Machine Gun Kelly has a bold tribal tattoo. This design is inspired by tribal art, known for its bold lines and geometric shapes. Tribal tattoos often carry personal or cultural significance, and for MGK, this tattoo may reflect his desire to stay grounded in his identity while also embracing a sense of individuality.

The hand is a prominent place for a tattoo, and this one specifically serves as a way for MGK to assert his control over his life. He’s not afraid to stand out, and his hand tattoo is a visual expression of his confidence. It’s a statement that MGK is in charge of his own destiny.

The Significance of Machine Gun Kelly’s Tattoos

Machine Gun Kelly’s tattoos aren’t just about aesthetics or making a statement—they’re deeply personal and reflect key moments in his life. From the tribute to his father to the reminder of mortality, each tattoo tells a part of his story. His tattoos serve as a visual representation of his evolution, from a rebellious teenager to a successful musician and actor.

The tattoos also speak to his love of art and self-expression. MGK has used his body as a canvas, allowing his ink to tell the world who he is and what he values. Whether it’s a tribute to his son, a reminder to live in the moment, or a nod to his artistic inspirations, his tattoos are a unique part of his identity.

For Machine Gun Kelly, tattoos are more than just decoration—they’re a part of his story, his journey, and his unfiltered approach to life.