Overview
- In a June 8 interview with Billboard Canada, Colson Baker said he compressed a blackout 'dark mode' tattoo into about two months instead of the two years recommended by artist ROXX and that the fast schedule triggered a severe health episode.
- He described specific symptoms that began after work near his armpits and shoulders, saying his skin turned yellow, he could not sleep, and he temporarily lost movement in parts of his upper body as nearby lymph nodes reacted.
- ROXX and some reports describe an intensive set of sessions at her Los Angeles studio, but exact session counts, hours and needle details vary across accounts and have not been independently confirmed.
- MGK documented parts of the process on social media, showing graphic recovery footage and use of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and he says he ultimately recovered and felt creatively renewed by the experience.
- Medical experts cited in coverage note tattoos can provoke immune reactions, infections or allergic responses when healing breaks are skipped, making this disclosure a wider warning about health risks when large blackout work is rushed.