Tattoos

Anthony Davis' tribute tattoo to Kobe Bryant was revealed this week ... and you can see in a new detailed photograph of the artwork, the piece is pretty amazing.

Remember, just days after Kobe and his daughter, Gianna, tragically passed in a helicopter crash ... both AD and LeBron James went under the needle for Kobe-inspired ink.

LeBron revealed his tat before the Lakers' game last Friday ... showing off artwork that featured a black mamba, Kobe's numbers, two roses and a "Mamba 4 Life" inscription.

But Davis hadn't publicly released his art until just this week ... when his tattoo artist showed off the piece on social media.

The ink is beautiful ... featuring a black mamba circled around Bryant's famous brand logo.

Justin Bieber found more real estate on his body to add a new tat, and this one says a lot about where he is right now ... and where he plans on going.

The Biebs really branched out this time, getting a laurel wreath across his collar bone. The 2 branches connect in the area above his chest and below his neck ... nice and symmetrical.

JB flaunted his new ink Thursday outside a gym in L.A. -- one of his buds gave it an up-close inspection.

As for the meaning of the tattoo ... the laurel wreath is known as a symbol of triumph and nobility. There could also be a religious significance -- many view the wreath as a reminder that victory can only be attained by following God.

Justin's obviously been very open about his Christianity, and he's also revealed he's been through a lot recently, including his Lyme disease diagnosis.

He's fought through it, though, and already this year ... he's released a new single and a documentary. The future's looking bright too, with an upcoming album and tour.

Seems like he's feeling pretty triumphant about it.

"Ink Master" star Oliver Peck is packing up his tools and saying goodbye to the show in the fallout after his blackface scandal ... TMZ has learned.

Peck says his exit is a mutual decision, telling us ... "After filming 13 great seasons of Ink Master, the producers and I have decided it’s best to part ways." He also acknowledged the blackface pics, saying, "The offensive photos of me which recently surfaced from many years ago can only be a distraction to the amazing show I have loved being a part of and its many talented artists."

He ended on a conciliatory note, saying ... "I want to thank the show’s cast, crew, contestants and awesome fans. It’s been a blast and an honor and I wish my friends and colleagues the very best in whatever the future holds." He's been on as a judge since 2012.

Peck's now ex-employers at Paramount Network also denounced the scandal, saying ... "We, like many others, were appalled when we saw the photos of Oliver. We were glad to see his apology and accept that he is taking full responsibility for the damaging impact of his actions."

Post Malone has a lot of plans for the new year -- and it sounds like it involves more ink on his mug ... this after debuting a brand new tat his mom may or may not approve.

The singer was in NYC Tuesday showing off his new face tattoo, which was glistening in the sun after a fresh shave. A journalist tracked him down and asked him about it -- apparently, Post's had this one in the brain chamber for a while and finally pulled the trigger.

It also sounds like it hurt like hell, considering how intricate it is. He tells the camera man there'll be more body art to come in the new year too ... also, he loves his ma.

Post also touched on his recent acting gig, and what might follow in front of the camera in the 2020s. Don't get too excited though ... he insists he's not going full Hollywood, mostly because he's got a face for radio and villainy (especially now). His words, not ours!

PM gets into a few other topics, including best albums of the year and what lies ahead for the Cowboys and head coach Jason Garrett. He's pretty diplomatic on both ... classic Post.

Aaron Carter might finally be gun-free, but he never said anything about giving up tattoos ... his face now being exhibit A of exactly that.

The singer debuted a new tat over the weekend, which is plastered right on the side of his mug ... taking up a massive section, which almost runs up to his forehead. The tattoo depicts what looks a lot like Medusa -- the Greek monster with snakes for hair.

He also has the word "Love" scribbled across the top of his cheek -- very Post Malone-like, right? It's unclear who commissioned the new ink, but Aaron documented a good portion of the process on his social media ... and seemed to be in good spirits about it.

Imagine Dragons bassist Ben McKee is wearing his intuition on his sleeve ... literally.

The pop rocker recently hooked up with famed Los Angeles tattoo artist Dillon Forte for a super sick work of art stretching from Ben's left shoulder all the way down to his fingertips!!!

The sleeve's one cosmic creation -- it's inspired by a higher consciousness. What the hell does that mean? Well, smoke something if ya got it, and bear with us.

We're told the repeating pattern represents "the interconnectedness of all life and the unified field of vibrations resonating cosmic intelligence." Ummm ... puff, puff, pass?

Ben started his sleeve last year, and then decided he wanted the ink to run down to his fingertips. Remember, the universe is ever expanding -- so the musician sat down for a 4-hour sesh at Dillon's Sri Yantra Tattoo Studio in Venice.

Dillon's inked up tons of celebs with his super intricate artwork ... including Kat Von D, Chris Hemsworth and a head tattoo for Usher!

Ben's tat will definitely add another wrinkle to Imagine Dragons' already killer live shows. Just don't get lost in the cosmicness, dude.

Cardi B's got Offset under her thumb leg -- and she proudly showed that off with a newly revealed tattoo while chatting with her hubby.

Offset posted a very up-close and personal snapshot Sunday of what appears to be a Facetime convo he was having with Cardi B, in which she hoisted up her leg and showed him a tat bearing his name on the backside of her thigh. Awww? Sure, why not.

He captioned his post, "CAN'T WAIT TO GET HOME," throwing in a bunch of tongue emojis for good measure. Offset also put a tongue-out emoji over his mug.

What's interesting about the tat is that it appears to have flown under the radar until now. We already knew Cardi was covered in ink (she's got upwards of 8 documented tattoos), but it's pretty sweet she's got her husband etched in too, considering their ups and downs.

Even more cool is the fact that Offset also has himself a Cardi tat on his neck, under a pic of Buttercup from "The Powerpuff Girls." It made its debut early last year, and CB herself sure seemed to like it in a video she posted of the body art.

Looks like Cardi returned the favor between then and now. That's amore, alright.

One of the prisoners Kim Kardashian helped free is now in global demand ... job offers are pouring in everyday ... such is the power of the Princess of Prison Reform.

The freed inmate, Paul Algarin, tells TMZ ... he's been getting hit up by people all over the world -- from Nigeria, the UK and beyond -- who want to team up with him in some fashion. Among the offers -- modeling and work in a tattoo parlor.

Paul's also been approached to help with prison reform. He benefited immensely after writing a letter to Kim after learning about her prison reform work. To his surprise, she responded and he was freed April 19 ... after serving 7 years at Central Prison in North Carolina.

As we reported ... Kim and Kanye West visited Paul and his family earlier this month in Charlotte. Kimye also brought a doctor to help start the face tattoo removal process so he can have a fresh start post-incarceration. Kim and Kanye are covering costs for the procedure.

Paul says the visit alone proved incredibly inspiring to one day get to Kim and Kanye's level.

Kim Kardashian is making house calls to some of the inmates she's recently helped free -- as one of them in North Carolina just discovered -- and she's pitching in to get their lives back on track.

This is pretty incredible -- Azaria Algarin's twin brother, Paul, got out of Central Prison in North Carolina on April 19 after serving 7 years, but while he was locked up he asked for Kim's address so he could send her a letter because he'd heard of the prison reform work she's been doing.

Azaria says she thought her bro was being ridiculous and it was a pipe dream that Kim would even read his letter, let alone respond. Turns out she did ... with a personal visit to meet him and his family.

Kim and Kanye West flew to Charlotte Tuesday -- the day after attending NYC's Met Gala -- to meet Paul, Azaria and their mom. She also brought a doctor to discuss removing Paul's face tattoos so he can have a fresh start post-incarceration. Kim and Kanye are covering the cost for the procedure.

Azaria's floored by the gesture, saying ... "Never in a million years did I think Kim would write him back (or even read his letter), fly in right after the met gala (not to mention her 4th baby is due at any minute), invest in our family & laugh / relate to us over the smallest things."

Azaria tells TMZ the group had lunch at The Lights Juicery & Cafe, then went to MedSpa nearby for Paul's first lasering session to remove his facial ink.

She says ... "I’m so proud of my brother for taking steps in the right direction," and she's grateful for Kim's involvement in "such a special day that I will forever cherish."

Tekashi69 might be locked up, but his girlfriend's still showing him love ... permanently.

The rapper and his GF, Jade, are going strong despite him currently being incarcerated for racketeering ... the proof's all over her chest, in the form of a brand new tattoo of 6ix9ine's mug.

Jade followed up her previous numerical "69" tattoo on her right shoulder with the massive ink homage to her boyfriend's face ... directly above her left breast.

She posted the pic with the caption, "Just got Chris brown tatted sh*t crazy." Our only reply to that would be ... um, what? That ain't Chris Brown!

Anyway, it's a very interesting placement, but judging by the look of the tattoo ... Tekashi's pretty stoked about it.

As we reported ... Jade was the first person to share a photo of Tekashi behind bars back in January, and he appeared to enjoy her company.

A lot's happened since then, though -- 6ix9ine and his former manager, Shotti, have pled guilty in their federal racketeering cases, but the rapper's awaiting the outcome of several other defendants tied to the case who are scheduled to go to trial this September.

Tekashi's hoping to get sprung from prison early and reunited with Jade on the outside soon, but on the downside ... he may be required to enter witness protection upon his release due to him being a snitch.

So, if Jade wants to go with him ... she might have to do something about her 69 tattoos.

"I think that it's perceived as kind of a douchey thing to do, but that's why it's funny!"

That's Steve-O -- the man who made getting tattoos of himself on himself famous -- weighing in on Ezekiel Elliott's tat ... and, spoiler alert, the guy LOVES what the running back did!

"Everybody's favorite topic of conversation is themselves," the former "Jackass" star tells TMZ Sports ... "So, why not just celebrate that?"

Remember, Steve-O once inked a GIANT pic of himself on his back ... and in case ya forgot what it looked like, watch the clip -- he showed us how it's aged over the years.

So, when got him out in L.A. on Tuesday ... we had to ask for his thoughts on the Dallas Cowboys superstar getting his mug etched into the side of his calf earlier this month.

No surprise here ... Steve-O says he's ALL FOR IT!!!

"You gotta have the ability to not take yourself too seriously. Poke a little fun at yourself. 'I'm self-centered, I enjoy myself,' and I think that's funny, you know?"

Jordan Clarkson is following up on his passionate nightclub speech on the late Nipsey Hussle with a more permanent tribute ... honoring the slain rapper with a tattoo on his body.

As we previously reported ... the Cleveland Cavaliers guard gave an emotional tribute to Nip at a Scottsdale nightclub hours after Hussle was murdered ... calling for an end to gang and gun violence.

Clarkson decided to go one step further to show love for Nip ... getting the rapper's face tattooed on his left arm on Wednesday ... along with "TMC," for Hussle's "The Marathon Continues" slogan.

JC already has a bunch of body art -- he's almost fully covered now -- but this one has to mean a lot to the baller, hitting up Canada-based artist Steve Wiebe for the job.

You've probably seen Wiebe's work before -- he also works with stars like Future, Kelly Oubre Jr., Rita Ora and P.J. Tucker.

Clarkson joins fellow NBAer J.R. Smith with the permanent tribute to Nip ... who also paid homage with body art.

#RIP

JR Smith will permanently honor the late Nipsey Hussle everywhere he goes ... getting an insanely realistic tattoo of the slain rapper on his leg!!

The heavily-tatted NBA star showed off the fresh ink job on Wednesday ... posting a pic of his new art of Nipsey's face on his right leg.

Nipsey was shot and killed outside his L.A. clothing store on Sunday. Names like LeBron James, Odell Beckham and Russell Westbrook have posted tributes honoring the late rapper.

"Praying for your family bro!" Smith said on Sunday. "WE GOT TO STOP KILLING EACH OTHER MAN THE SH*T SAD!!"

Smith went one step further with the body art route to show respect for the Grammy-nominated artist ... hitting up Ink Studio in NYC for the job.

The finished product is sick ... and don't be surprised if more athletes follow suit.

The BBB is DOA.

Lonzo Ball sent a painful message to his father -- covering up his famous Big Baller Brand tattoo in what seems to be the final nail in the BBB coffin.

The Los Angeles Lakers star hit up tattoo artist Herchell L Carrasco -- aka the RocknRoll Gangster -- who inked out the BBB art ... covering it up with a pair of red dice.

The move comes after allegations BBB co-founder Alan Foster stole more than $1.5 million of Lonzo's money.

Earlier this week, Lonzo's manager/close friend Darren Moore threw his BBB shoes in the garbage and called for a boycott of all BBB merchandise.

There are rumblings that Lonzo and his brothers are now estranged from their father, LaVar Ball, and that the company could fold within days.

Now, with Lonzo sending a message through his tattoos ... seems where there's smoke, there's fire.

Pete Davidson's got some new ink -- no, it's not Kate Beckinsale's initials or a giant portrait of her "Underworld" character on his back ... but it's still pretty majestic.

The 'SNL' star has a forever friend on his forearm now, thanks to a giant tattoo of the legendary mythical beast -- the unicorn.

Pete's pal and Top Shelf Tattoos artist, Ryan Mullins, shared a couple photos earlier this week of the making of the body art ... which appears to be Davidson's biggest tat yet.

It's unclear if Pete will be adding a flash of color to his unicorn, but the black ink version looks pretty impressive as is.

Also unclear if the comedian's tattoo is simply his spirit animal, or it is a secret love message to his latest boo, Beckinsale, but if he's learned anything from his past ... probably not.

Shane Ray is heading into free agency with some INCREDIBLE new body art ... the ex-Broncos stud just got his leg tatted -- and it might be the best $10,000 he's ever spent!

The stud pass rusher -- Denver's 1st-round pick in 2015 -- wanted to get some warrior-themed artwork done to represent all the battles he's faced in his NFL career so far.

So ... Shane hit up his friend and renowned tattoo artist, Katrina "Kat Tat" Jackson -- and they got to work.

Kat tells TMZ Sports she started on Ray's leg in L.A. a couple of weeks ago at Enigma Beverly Hills ... but the majority of the piece was done at Shane's Denver home this past weekend. And yeah, Shane paid for the plane ticket to fly her out. How baller is that!?

Kat says the sleeve took 3 sessions -- a 14-hour first day, 8 hours the next day and 4 more hours to cap it off ... and it all led to a SICK piece that features warriors of all shapes and sizes.

In all ... Kat tells us the tat took around 30 hours total to finish -- and cost in the area of $10,000 to complete!!!

By the way, Kat was the artist behind Shane's epic back piece that got the pass rusher in trouble with Denver fans because of the prominent Kansas City Chiefs logo.

(FYI, Shane's from the Kansas City area and the tat is a tribute to his hometown).

But, Ray is about to be a free agent later this month ... and Kansas City COULD always use another pass rusher -- so could that be where he ends up???

Stay tuned.