Tuesday, December 30, 2008

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I just walked in my house from seeing one of the best movies in my lifetime,
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button starring Brad Pritt. Laughter, sadden, love, forgiveness, and life, all of these feelings full this movie. It will make you look at your life and be thankful for everyone that has crossed your path. I thought back of my life back home in Asheville, NC and all the people who molded me into the man I am today. From the artist to the drug dealers, to my grandmothers and her friends to the drunks and dope fiends who walked the streets at night I'm thankful and blessed to have all of them in my life. That movie was beautiful, and I can't really put words to it, just GO SEE IT for yourself. If your a lover of good writing, a beautiful love story, human nature, and of course characters who will stay in your minds for forever this is for you....it's pure beauty on screen, ART on film. If you loved The Color Purple or Forest Gump you will add this movie to your collection.

We are tattooing in Baltimore & Washington, DC (Jan.23-28)

BALTIMORE & WASHINGTON, DC (Pinz-N-Needlez) Jan. 23-28

We are coming your way on that C.O.I Tattoo Convention Tour:
Baltimore:
Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel
101 W. Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 752-1100

January 23th through January 25th
Friday 23rd 2 PM - 12 AM
Saturday 24th 12 PM - 12 AM
Sunday 25th 12 PM - 8 PM

http://profile. myspace. com/index. cfm?fuseaction=user. viewprofile&friendid=349298252

Washington D.C.
We will be Tattooing @ Pinz and Needles
926 U st N.W. Washington D.C." (202) 387-2INK

January 26th through January 28th
from 1pm to 10 pm

Miya Bailey has a limited amount of spots to fill, we also have 4 other accomplished City of Ink Tattoo Artist attending: Tuki Carter, Anthony, Corey Davis, and Chris McAdoo they too are available to tattoo you..

if you want one of these spots we have to set you an appointment and a deposit will have to be made to C.O.I to secure your time and choice of artist.

Please contact me Demayne @ www. myspace. com/cityofinkbooking for more information.

time is running out..

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Goodbye......

Have you ever loved someone enough to know when it's time to let that person go so they can be happy with someone else? Love is an emotion words can not explain. It feels good and it hurts like hell. Over time love changes and people grow apart. You just want to see them smile again even if your no longer the person making them smile. You just want to see them happy again no matter what. Love is letting them go so they can grow as a person and to do their own soul searching. Maybe another person can put their heart at ease and their mind at peace. Goodbyes are painful..and birth is painful but needed...BOTH are needed.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Now taking Appointments!! I have openings!!!!

I now have openings for the end of 08...and some in 2009.

If your in ATL or want to come to ATL to visit City of ink and to get a CUSTOM tattoo done by me, please call 404-525-4465 to book me.

For 2009 I will only take "3" appointments per day (so I don't burn myself out)
There is a $50 deposit to hold a spot on my list, the $50 will go towards your tattoo....but if you don't show up or you cancel your appointment you CAN NOT get a refund on your $50.

I only like to tattoo from my soul, so please come original, all I need you to do is follow these steps:

1.) Call 404-525-4465 (1pm-10pm) to book the appointment
2.) Mail a $50 money order to "Miya Bailey" to hold your spot.
3.) I will design you tattoo on the spot. All you have to do is VERBALLY tell me your ideas and I will see it clearly in my mind and I will draw it right there in front of you.
4.)If you like the tattoo please TIP your tattoo artist :)

NOTE: I don't not do price quotes, at City of Ink we design to YOUR spending budgeting meaning you name your own price and the artist will design something nice in your price range...so ALL tattoos are affordable.

I ONLY take clients that want to do at less an hour and up on their tattoos so my custom art starts @ $150, and I also design to YOUR spending budget. All sleeves and backpieces that are done in sessions are $150 per hour so you can bring any ammount you would like to bring to get started.

Miya Bailey "City of Ink"
323 Walker Street
Atlanta, GA 30313
404-525-4465 (1pm-10pm)
www.miyabailey.blogspot.com
www.youtube.com/miyabailey



Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The Recession, Xmas, and Single Parents

I just wanted to spread some love to ALL the single mothers and fathers on the grind hustling hard to give their children a Merry Xmas.

I remember seeing my mother work 2 and 3 jobs just to make sure me and my brothers and sister have a good Xmas full of gifts. Now it's a recession and times are even harder. Rent, bills, and gifts for the children can make any parent stress out. But keep your head and spirits up, times will get better. Pray for the other families who couldn't even have Xmas. Be thankful for the little that you do have.

So all the single mothers and fathers, I thank you for be strong and maintaining in these troubled time. Stay strong for your children, and teach them its not all about gifts but about family, pride, honor, and LOVE.

Many blessings, from Miya Bailey & City of Ink

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Stic Man (Dead Prez) Speaking on Obama and America

I remember buying the first Dead Prez cd in the 90's and I was in love with the message. Years later Tuki tattooed Stic Man over at City of Ink. I later met Stic through my brother Mike Flo (of The RBG Family). I will be tattooing Stic VERY soon and I will post the photos for yall. I have been curious to hear what Stic had to say about Obama.. I know Mike's opinion on the new prez elect. So I was hoping they would give the brother a chance to prove himself in office first..here is a video I found today and it's always good to hear Stic's opinion the world, America, our black, the struggle...and of course a blackman winning the election...so here you go...UHURU!!!

Big Von's Video featuring The City of Ink

I have known Von aka Vision for years..I love this dude to death and he has always been a stand up guy. Thank you for featuring The City of Ink in your video bruh!
many blessings, from your brother, Miya Bailey.....wassup KED, get back to ATL bruh!

Monday, December 15, 2008

I Support The City of Ink Movement

It's that time of year again and we need more " I SUPPORT THE CITY OF INK MOVEMENT" Photos....
The RULES:
You can HAND WRITE a sign, or even write on your body: " I Support The City of Ink Movement"
I really need this photos asap, so please email them to:

CITYOFINK@YAHOO.COM
subject: COI SUPPORT

We are using them for a special project...so be creative, rep for us, and do it anyway you like....

cityofink@yahoo.com
for example go to: http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=37060051&albumId=1160417

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Drew's Music Sleeve

My homeboy, Drew dropped by City of Ink yesterday for another session on his music sleeve. This brother always give me creative freedom so of course he is one of my favorite clients. Plus he is laidback and sit well for a long period of time. Alot of dudes tap out over 4 to 6 hour sessions, but he is a true soldier. Thanks bruh for letting me do my thing. The next session is on the house!



Whats the catch???

Alot of people have dropping by City of Ink for the $40 special. This special is for 20-25 min. of freehand custom tattooing, but some people are trying to abuse this offer and my team has been getting upset because people have really be trying to get HOURS of tattooing for $40, some even wanted to get cover-ups for $40...and thats not going to happen. I guess people don't understand the big picture. I created this offer so I can introduce my team to Atlanta. Since it's a recession and before Xmas I wanted to do something special for the people and my staff. It's like a drug dealer giving samples of their drugs for free, then the customer comes back for more building up a clientele. We are all differen artist some of us work faster than others, so it's NOT about SIZE but all about TIME...20-25 min. of custom SOUL for only $40, thats beautiful! Even I have jumped in and did a few $40 tattoos. A few of my midwest appointments canceled because of the layoffs so I had a few free hours to take a few walk-ins myself. I haven't done a $40 tattoo in YEARS, so it's not easy for me to do the smaller stuff..I can do a fine art style black & grey piece in 25 min. no problem, but please don't try to get over on me, if you keep it real with me, I will always give you more than what you paid for...I just LOVE art and making people happy in this time of struggle and recession.

Dripping Stars....

These Dripping Stars have built a CITY OF INK and this city will grow with the support of the masses. The masses will look up to the Dripping Stars, so the stars must always shine bright for them. Shine bright and they will follow your glow. NEVER shine negative energy, it will never grow healthy fruit and the masses will reject the taste of bad fruit....Miya Bailey "City of Ink"

We are all Stars....

We are all stars in this Universe but only a few stars inspire others. These chosen few must drip down on the masses and inspire them through ART. Art is a tool given to the chosen few from the Most High. These dripping stars have a duty to change the minds and souls of other stars who don't follow their dreams of expression and freedom. Use this positive energy of ART to inspire, to move souls, to feed families, to teach, and to understand the true meaning of FREEDOM.

..Miya Bailey "City of Ink"

Sunday, December 7, 2008

New Tattoos!

I have updated all the photo folders....new tattoos...alot of new tattoos....!!!











Not Finished Yet....part 1















* Leave some comments...show some love...Miya Bailey

Saturday, December 6, 2008

PART 2 of Chris McAdoo Tattooing my leg

6 Months ago.....

It has been 6 months since my first solo artshow, Miya Dreamland. Alot has changed in 6 months. We started filming for our reality show. Our brother, Jax from Binkis passed away, a few of the homies are locked up in jail, Obama won, we are in a recession, and Kanye West did a whole album with that auto tone bullshit (leave it to Teddy Riley & T-Pain)
Just wanted to share this video filmed by my man, Goldi Gold from Jungle 45....

Kids say no to drugs........weed from the Earth :)

Jesus's Cousin.....The New Religion :)

When times are rough we turn to religion and blame others....how bout we just follow God...fuck the middleman!





Getting my new TATTOO by Chris McAdoo

Check out the new piece by Chris McAdoo of City of Ink...



I will be posting Part 2 later....tonight or in the morning I'm tired ass hell I been tattoo straight allday, JUST got home and it's 3:10am!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

How can you get a $40 TATTOO by Miya Bailey???

It's a recession and we all need to relax some stress, so we are opening the doors for people to come and hang out with the staff of City of Ink....listen to come good music, check out the art gallery, grab some drinks at Slice or 255 Lounge...OR get a small tattoo for ONLY $40 by some of the BEST artists in ATL.

I have appointments BUT if you WALK IN and I'm not busy with an appointment I will even do a $40 tattoo for you....we want the people to understand that we feel your struggle and we don't want to break your pockets around Xmas...I can't tattoo everyone so I would ATL to support my team at City of Ink.

Alot of time people come in asking for me, Tuki, or Corey....but there are 4 other AMAZING artists I would like to introduce to this scene. And if they are working at City of Ink then you KNOW they are good.....

Please do not abuse this $40 walk-in deal....don't try to get a sleeve or a tattoo that will take over an hour for $40...respect the artist and show them love and support.

EVERYONE is welcomed at City of ink (and you never know when will be filming) so be fresh and positive...as artist we feed off your energy.

I will not be answering any detailed questions about what a $40 tattoo looks like.....you will have to come INTO City of ink to ask me ANY questions...thats why it's called the "WALK-IN SPECIAL" talk to me face to face, and ask me any questions you like....

Samba (shop manager) opens City of Ink at 1pm....we lock the doors at 10pm and work the whole night away.

for directions to CITY OF INK, just call 404-525-4INK (4465)

Thursday, November 27, 2008

The BEST Tattoo Shop in DC.....period!!!

There are alot of tattoo shops in DC, and I try to visit them all but one always stood out. It's VERY rare to find a professionally trained tattooist who can do HIGH QUALITY tattoos on black skin. Alot of the tattoos I seen on black people in DC were from those hood tattoo parties. I can't knock anyones hustle, if someone is dumb enough to let a dude come to their home and tattoo everyone for $40 thats all on them. But you don't have to do the DC tattoo party thing (which is very dangerous by the way) you can go to a SAFE and CLEAN place like Pinz-n-Needlez. They have affordable prices, every artist are REAL artist so they can get custom one of a kind tattoos. Thats the reason I only tattoo at Pinz-n-Needlez when I'm in DC, because they care about quality over price....support Chris and his crew, their amazing!



Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Tattooing in MIAMI.....Jan 9th-11th

January, 9th-11th, 2009
Miami Tattoo Expo
Miami Beach Convention Center
Hotel: Days Inn South Beach

I will be tattooing in Miami again...it's been a long time so it's time for my return.

The PRICES will all depend on Hotel cost, plane tickets, rental car, my booth cost for the Miami Tattoo Expo, and our tour manager.

If you would like to get tattooed by me in MIAMI please contact our road manager at www.myspace.com/cityofinkbooking

Please send him this following info:

NAME:

AGE:

EMAIL:

PHONE:

CITY:

TATTOO IDEA:

TATTOO SPENDING BUDGET:

THE DATE YOU WANT YOUR TATTOO:

www.myspace.com/cityofinkbooking
404-525-4465
1pm-10pm

PS.....I will not be able to tattoo everyone so I'm bring Sophie & Melvin with me (see their work on my TOP friends list)

Friday, November 21, 2008

J Dilla vs. Prince TONIGHT Live Art by Miya Bailey & More.....

It's friday and YES we are taking WALK-INS for tattoos today from 1pm-10pm
call 404-525-4465 for directions & Info.

After you left City of Ink tonight drop by Suga Hill and check out the J Dilla vs. Prince show...I will be there doing LIVE ART, and Tuki will be there performing with Hollyweerd......see yall TONIGHT, Miya Bailey





Click the FLYER.....

VIP Passes are @ City of Ink, you have to drop by to pick them up.......1pm-10pm

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

JAX...forever King



I LOVE YOU JAX, I know you watching us..I feel u bruh

R.I.P. JAX..... I love you my brother always

It's 3:51am and my soul is in deep pain. One of our brothers, Jax passed away tonight. I really don't have any words right now, all I can say is "I LOVE YOU JAX." My heart and prayers goes out to his, Queen and his family. Jax I know you looking at us and I promise to be there for Flux and Nagee. We are family! Neblos, BGP, Binkis for LIFE.oll
You will be missed...I love you

Jax 3-35-01
2001

Binkis Recs 10-5-99
1999

Sunday, November 2, 2008

One of my favorites MIKE GIANT

Sorry I been away, it's been a really busy these past weeks. I'm booked until Dec. with appointments so I been on my grind. Reading alot of books, doing alot of drawing, and I've been dreaming about painting again. I was doing a google search on one of my favorite artist tonight and found a dope ass interview with the legend himself, cool ass MIKE GIANT.This artist inspires me in many ways. Coming from a graffiti backgound, then to tattooing and now owner and designer for one of the nicest clothing lines out REBEL 8 (on my Top friends on myspace).I hope this interview inspires you like it has me. Many Blessings, Miya Bailey

Sunday, October 12, 2008

We are filming all this week @ City of Ink

We will be filming ALL week at City of Ink. Drop by and be apart of the City of Ink history....as you know we have been working on a reality show. We took it in our own hands to hook up with film makers and prodcuers who see, FEEL, and understand OUR vision of what the City of Ink movement is about.

Drop by from 1pm-10pm and get apart of it...u don't have to get tattooed unless you want to...but I would love to see the beautiful people of ATL support us on this protect...

Meet the whole entire family of City of Ink...Sophie and Julia, to Corey and Chris.....we will ALL be there sharing our stories with yall including our newest member of COI.

I hope to see everyone I have tattooed drop by this week..and everyone who has supported our monthly art shows.....THANK YOU...and I'm honored to know each and every one of you.....many blessings, Miya Bailey

Call 404-525-4465 (1pm-10pm) mon-sat for Filming INFO

Miya Bailey



PS....Photographers, writers,bloggers, and reporters are welcomed

Monday, October 6, 2008

15 City TATTOO TOUR '09

My manager has counted the polls....A few cities tied but here is my list. I did not include DC/Bmore, and Asheville because I'm always there tattooing so you KNOW I will be there often.

If your city DID NOT make this list, then you need to have the people on your friends list ADD me www.myspace.com/miyabailey

Also putting me on your TOP 5 makes it easier for people to add me, so here is my email address: miyabailey@hotmail.com

1.) San Francisco
2.) Houston, LA, NY
3.)Charlotte, Philly, Detroit
4.) Miami
5.) Chicago, London
6.) Durham
7.)VA Beach, Boston

If you know of any tattoo conventions in your area that you think I should be apart of in 2009, send me that info and we will do our best to make it there.

Miya Bailey
404-525-4465
1pm-10pm

Friday, September 26, 2008

Life in Motion is TONIGHT @ City of Ink 7pm-12am

I'm just now waking up. It's been a LONGGGGG work week at City of Ink. I been getting home around 4am. But I have dreams to reach so the hard work will pay off, I just miss my wife and children being at work allday and night. On a postive note, TONIGHT is the "Life in Motion" Photography Exhibit from 7pm-12am. We will have free food, drinks, and music by DJ Wildlife. I hope to see yall all out there tonight.

CITY OF INK presents Life In Motion A Photography ExhibitFriday, Sept. 26, 2008

Bring you friends and family and spread the word!....blessings, Miya Bailey

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

From Ashy to Classy

I really hope they do Biggie's story justice. I have faith, I think it's a good idea to do a movie about the raise and fall of the legend. Maybe some of these so-called rappers will learn something. B.I.G. was one of the dopeness to do it and his life was very inspiring to me when I was coming up. I LOVE to see a brother go from ashy to classy, from the hood to Hollywood, from the projects to flying on jets. RIP BIGGIE!

Monday, September 22, 2008

The Lastest VIDEO Interview with PBA 30

Check out the video of segment that aired lastnight on PBA 30 in ATL.

Shout outs to: Jack, Phil, and Dirk

http://www.pba.org/programming/programs/thisisatlanta/2584/

Dirk Hays, owner of East Atlanta Tattoo, Miya Bailey, a partner in City of Ink, and Phil Colvin, owner of Memorial Tattoo, are long-time tattooers. But don’t pigeonhole them. They’re all accomplished painters as well, and Dirk and Miya have even incorporated art galleries with regular exhibits into their shops.

On This is Atlanta, we talked to these three to get a sense of how an interest in art turns into a career in tattoos, what skills are required to move back and forth between skin and canvas, and what it’s like where the Atlanta tattoo scene meets the art world.

http://www.pba.org/programming/programs/thisisatlanta/2584/

PS......hit me back and let me know what you think.

Southern Hip-Hop CLASSIC: Big Mike: Somthin' Serious 1994

These young kids don't know shit about REAL southern hip-hop. They think the south is all about snappin' & trappin' so here is a flashback to 1994 with Big Mike. One of the first (if not the first) southern rapper to step out of the N.O. before No Limit and Cash Money. After moving to Houston and hooking up with Rap-A-Lot's Prince and joining groups like the Convicts & Geto Boys, Big Mike dropped a southern hip-hop classic album "Somthin' Serious". I remember being in PVA and Erskin Street projects in Asheville NC when this cd dropped and man was everyone playing this in every hood. Enjoy this throwback, I will be back with more southern classics.

R.I.P. Pimp C

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Ok here is the PBS Flyer....hope you tune in

I will be on PBS (or Atlanta Public Broadcasting) TONIGHT @ 7pm

PBS or Atlanta Public Broadcasting I will have to look for the email again to find the channel. So tune in and check me out. I haven't seen it yet but a few people have and sent me some love.

Saturday, September 20, at 8 pm
Sunday, September 21, at 7 pm
Tuesday, October 7, at 10 pm
Saturday, October 11, at 8 pm
Monday, October 27, at 10:30 pm

PS....someone record it for me :)

To: Travis Barker & DJ AM....Many Prayers

Prayers go out to Travis Barker & DJ AM. RIP to those who lose their lives. May you recover and cont' to bless the world with your talent.

Friday SEPT. 26 @ City of Ink 7pm-12am

I have been waiting for a good photography show. Some of the best photographers I have seen will be featuring their work at City of Ink next friday. I'm a big fan of photography so I know I will be buying a few pieces for my art studio. Can't wait!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Today is Tuki Carter's 33rd Birthday!

Happy Birthday Tuki!!!

Today is Tuki's bday. So if your in ATL drop by City of Ink tonight. After everyones last tattoo for the night, we will be having some drinks at the shop. After that we will be heading over to the club, MJQ (on Ponce). Everyone 21 and over are welcomed to drop by for a few drinks, chill out with Tuki, me, and City of Ink and follow us over to Ponce. If you like good music and tired of hearing all that radio bullshit, then MJQ on friday nights is the place to be. I will see yall at the shop tonight, call 404-525-4465 for info about Tuki's Bday.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Goodtimes....The first year of City of Ink

I just wanted to share the first year of City of Ink. We hustled hard, touring in different cities to raised the money to remodel an OLD building we found in Castleberry Hill (downtown ATL). It was alot of work....but those months of building COI were priceless...Thank you, Joe, Samba, Prophet Family, the COI Staff, ATL, DC, Baltimore, Philly, Asheville, Brooklyn NY, and all the cities in between that have supported me and this movement I'm apart of.





City of Ink "INSPIRE YOUR CITY!"

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Looking for Photographers "Life in Motion"

Rolling Out TV: 1/2 of Hollyweerd (Tuki & Dreamer)

My homies, Tuki & Dreamer, Rolling Out interview with Hollyweerd. They explain the birth of their group...just check it out, I'm typin' too much..lol blessings

Craig "FLUX" Singleton....one of my favorite artist

If your in ATL and read the "Rolling Out" weekly paper then I know you have seen Flux's artwork. I met Flux in 1994 when were we both going to AIA. He has always been an amazing artist and everytime I see new work from him he inspires me to work even harder on my paintings. I was on youtube and hit up one of my favorite channels, Jungle45 TV. Goldi Gold filmed Flux finishing up his, Mary J painting for the Arts, Beats, Lyrics art show. I had to share this video clip with yall..and I hope it inspires you the same way it inspired me. Art lives in ATL!





Saturday, September 13, 2008

The City of Ink: REALITY TV Show?

Is America ready for a black tattoo reality show? We are black, even if we do tattoo ALL races of people at City of Ink would this help other tattoo artist of color? If we do sign the contracts, we promise to showcase our REAL lives. Alot of people and production companies have came to us with the TV idea, but its really hard to work with producers if they have no clue what that tattoo culture and lifestyle is about. And how can we sign to your netwerk if you have no idea what the City of Ink Movement is? We don't want a tattoo show based off the celebs we tattoo, we want to see and stories of everyday working class people. They get BETTER tattoos and have wayyyyy better tattoo ideas than rappers do....not dissing rappers, but just look at the type of ink they are getting these days...and look at the work the NBA player are getting, same ole shit from the 90's time to upgrade to fine art. Tattoos suppose to be timless not fads or trendy. If the money and FREEDOM is right, City of Ink will sign the deal.

Until then, all my City of Ink supporters WRITE & EMAIL: TBS, BET, MTV, VH-1, TLC, A&E, etc... and tell them it's time for more artist of color on TV...Props to Twig (Inked), Chris N. (Miami Ink),and Kat Von D (LA Ink) for opening the TV doors of tattoo artist of color.

Best-Tattoo-Sites.com

I would like to thank "Best-Tattoo-Sites.com" for including me in their list of tattoo artist. I'm honored to be even on the same list with artist like, Guy Aitchison, Mario Barth, and Paul Booth

Thank you, and I will work even harder to grow as a tattoo artist.....MB

http://www.best-tattoo-sites.com/

My Ink brother, Juan Carlos....PROPS!

I'm very proud of tattoo artist, Juan Carlos (of Marked Tattoos). Over 7 years ago I met him though my close friend, DJ Wildlife. I ended up doing a tattoo in honor of his mother on his back. Since Juan was an artist I tried to talk him into letting me train him in tattooing but he was strong into the graffiti scene at that time. A few years later Tuki talked him into joining us over at our private Prophet Art Studio on Peachtree St. Tuki hired Juan, and we both started training him in both of our styles in our own way. Later Corey Davis joined us and we opened, Mitchell Street Customs. On Mitchell St. I seen Juan's tattoo style grown into it's own. When Juan left the nest to tattoo on his own I knew it would be good for him. He would learn more about the business side of tattooing. He would meet all the snakes and liars in this business and come out on top as one of the most popular tattoo artist in the urban tattoo scene. Now Juan is touring with Lil' Wayne and has been featured in Urban Ink & Blender magazine. I love you bruh...reach for the top and NEVER stop. You are a tattoo artist and there is no life like it in the world. Me and Tuki VERY proud of you and we are happy that you have now started your own tattoo family with Marked (Juan, Trevor, & Joe) Many blessings!

Lil Wayne and The Game Mark Up with Urban Ink

Latest issue of tattoo magazine features cover stories on Hip Hop’s biggest stars.

Paramus, NJ, August 15, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Urban Ink Magazine, The Only Tatttoo Magazine For People Of Color, has released their fifth issue and it’s the ink publication’s biggest yet. This issue of the 200,000-circulation magazine offers two collector’s edition covers that feature Hip Hop mega-stars, Lil Wayne and The Game. Each of the two collector’s edition covers show these rap artists in full color action shots that prominently display their body art front and center for the world to see. Each copy of this latest issue of Urban Ink Magazine includes a feature story on both The Game and Lil Wayne, as well as a full color poster of both collector’s edition covers.

Since Urban Ink Magazine first hit the streets in July of 2007, the publication has emerged as the country’s leading magazine reporting on the fastest growing trend in urban culture– tattooing. Every issue of Urban Ink Magazine offers the reader in-depth bios on the cutting-edge tattoo artists on the urban inking scene such as Zulu and Miya Bailey. Interviews and essays on these artists are accompanied by pages of photographs of the work being done by these very important artists in the urban community.

Urban Ink Magazine also goes around the world to bring readers a close up look at artists of color from many different nations, who offer insight into the state of skin art in their country as well as the history of body art as it pertains to specific cultures across the globe.

The sexier side of urban culture is never ignore in an issue of Urban Ink, as every issue also offers many pages devoted to beautiful women of color who show off their skin and ink proudly in “Hot Chicks, Cool Ink” pictorials.

Of course no issue of Urban Ink Magazine would be complete without celebrity profiles and photo features such as the current issue’s stories on Lil Wayne and The Game. Each issue of the magazine brings fans a unique look at their favorite inked celebrities and personalities of color from the worlds of entertainment and sports.

Urban Ink Magazine is available wherever magazines are sold, and in major distribution chains across the country including Barnes & Noble, Walmart and Virgin Megastores.

For media and business inquiries, contact Paul Gambino (201) 843-4004 Ext. 128.

Contact Information
Urban Ink Magazine
Dan Brown
201-843-4004 Ext. 153
dbrown@urbanink.com
myspace.com/urbanink

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Edible Phat.... CHAPTER TWO

Hollyweerd is back with another MASTERPIECE...this video is a perfect visual to the music their create. The funny thing about their video is they are always filmed in the AM after the club (MJQ) so they are drunk and high ass hell in the videos..real artist. Justin directed and edited this video and their will be alot more....I love this one!

The Plush 357 Cartoon....by my lil homie, Corey Davis

Corey Davis has been with me for almost 3 years now and I'm VERY proud of this young man. I have seen him grow from just an artist, to a tattoo artist, to a fashion designer to a businessman. Corey reminds of a younger version of myself. He's only 22 years old and has his own clothing line and store in downtown ATL. Once me and Tuki got Corey we tried out best to be postive role models for him. Sometimes I can be a lil' over protective of the young man, and it is well known in the streets of ATL if anyone fucks with him, I will knock the mouth off their face...lol just joking but I'm dead serious :) This is Corey's FIRST cartoon, please enjoy I will post more later. Also support him and order some of his t-shirts on www.PLUSH357.com

The Edible Phat Mixtape : CHAPTER ONE

Some of yall might know there are many sides of the "City of Ink Movement" and this also includes music. From Hollyweerd to Corey and Aware's group, Mach 5. Alot of hip-hop and music group leak on the visual side of the music industry. Remember when tapes and cd covers had DOPE art and amazing music videos. Now all you see are video hoes and "rappers" who really think they street niggaz on BET. I want to introduce yall to 4 of my family members and their video to the first song of their mixtape "Edible Phat". The genuis behind creating these music videos is my homeboy, Justin. I met Justin when we was trying to get City of Ink together. He came over to my house to get a tattoo done by me before COI opened up. When I first met him I thougt he was just a photographer but later on I found out he was also a graphic artist, fashion designer, and into video making (and he also has an amazing collection of RARE music by Prince). Check out this video this is CHAPTER ONE...there will be a video for each song on the mixtape. If you want to download the Edible Phat Mixtape, just go to: www.myspace.com/hollyweerd (and its FREE)

Monday, September 8, 2008

City of Ink....in Beijing'08

The City of Ink Movement is growing in MANY ways. Last year I got an email from a writer over in Germany by the name, Dooler. He wrote me about coming to the states and getting a tattoo done in all brown inks. I was really excited about it because I didn't even know they knew about me over in Germany. I always had a London UK following and even a few from Paris...but never Germany. He called, Samba (the shop manager) booked his appointment and a few months later he was in the states for his tattoo. He was really cool and down to earth. The tattoo only took 3 hours to do because it was all brown ink so it was very a easy tattoo for me. Later that night me and Tuki wanted to show him what ATL was about so we met him over at "MJQ" on Ponce. It was friday night and DJ Rasta Root was doing his thang on the turntables. The music was dope that night so we all got drunk and partied the night away. Dooler invited us to Germany and asked if Tuki's group "Hollyweerd" would come and perform in his country...I hope Tuki do it! Dooler inspired me in many way. To be his age and travel the world like he do is beautiful to me. I hope my children will oneday have that same desire to see the world and be inspired by other postive souls...2 weeks ago Dooler emailed me a photo of himself in Beijing for the summer games. Many blessings to you my brother, and cont' to travel the world...people like you follow dreams and desires and that inspire those who only dream about it...keep making it reality.

City of Ink....in Beijing08 He flew in from GERMANY for this piece.....

My brothers.....

We have been through alot together. I remember moving to ATL at the age of 19 a year later I met my future business partner Tuki Carter, and Samba Sillah (the shop manager of City of Ink). Tuki was this hyper LA hip-hop break dancer playa type and Samba was the 18 year old kid fresh from out his mother's nest. Now in 2008 we run one of the most popular tattoo shops in the South and hands down the trendsetters of urban tattooing in ATL. Like all families we bump heads, fight, and fuss with each other but at the end of the day our goal is to stay #1 in our form of tattooing.
Alot of the time the media and magazines want to single me out from the others but I want to let the world know I'm NOT solo, I'm just one of the many members of City of Ink. Samba make sures the shop is ran right and we stay booked up with appointments while me and Tuki focus on tattooing and creating art without the stress of setting our own appointments or answering the phone. I wouldn't be where I am now without my crew (The Prophet Family) or without my new family at City of Ink so I THANK YOU ALL....I'm not going to name every single person in the Prophet Family or City of Ink but they all know who they are and they all know I love them all the same way...

Ghost in the Hall???

When I was going to Asheville High School in the 90's there were always talk about kids seeing ghost.I'm not a believer of folk stories, ghost, or goblins...but I do know a few goons (with goldteeth). But what the fuck is this "shadow" thing that was caught on tape in AHS???