From 2pac‘s famous “Thug Life” tattoo on his stomach to Mike Tyson famous tattoo on his face more then ever Hip Hop artists alike are not only expressing themselves with music but through ink. Artist such as Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, 50 Cent, Flo Rida, Birdman, Oschino(Formely of State Property), Plies, Pharell, The Game, Young Jeezy, Jim Jones, B.G., Tyga, Three6Mafia, Jacki-O, Willy Northpole, Young Buck, Cashis(West Coast artist on Shady Records)to even Kanye West(placing his early beat placements on his arm) have joined in. There are only a hand full of artist that don’t have any tattoos such as Drake, Jay-Z and T.I. to name a few that comes to mind. I recently sat down with Tattoo Betty as she began to tell me her story behind her tattoos………

24: What was the first tattoo you got and how old were you at the time?

Tattoo Betty:  My first tattoo was when I was sixteen and it was of a blue flower on my lower back, which I later added too. Funny thing is I some how convinced my parents to take me. I’m guessing they knew I would have found a way to get it, so why not just take me(lol)I was a rebel as a teen. Now that I think about it I still am(smiling).
 
24: After getting your first tattoo I know a lot of people say that’s where it start’s but not where it ends, so I wanted to know was it like that for you as well? Once you got your first tattoo done you kept going back?

Tattoo Betty: I’d definitely say once you get one most time you want to go back and get another one and in my case I had about three, four before I was out of High School but later in life I became what you call(Heavily Tattooed)!

24: How many tattoos do you have in total?

Tattoo Betty: I stopped counting once I hit ten, but some are now counted as one piece rather then individual tattoos.

24: I know people get tattoos to express themselves in different ways from pain to joy so explain the reason behind a few of your tattoos?

Tattoo Betty: My tattoos are very diverse from cartoons I like, sayings/words that mean a lot to me to thing’s that symbolize where I’m from. I feel my tattoo’s represent the many different sides to me and my different traits and my love for my family. One that mean’s a whole lot that I have is of a heart with a crown and a Jukebox that say’s mom and dad. The crown and heart is for my mom because she is the queen of my heart and my dad is the very reason I love old school music so much!

24: What’s the reaction you get from the average person that meets you for the first time and they see your tattoos?

Tattoo Betty: Some respond in a very good way, giving me compliments and so fourth and others can not understand why or what made me want to get them. Good thing I am not worried about pleasing others. I can only live for me simple as that!

24: Do you have any tattoos that you regret doing for reasons such as an ex-boyfriend’s name or something or a tattoo you wish came out a little better or you made sure to avoid those situations?

Tattoo Betty: No ex-boyfriend’s names for sure I’m not into names. I like how most of my tattoos came out but there are a few I would have put in different places but I love each and everyone of my tattoos.

24: Who actually does your tattoos and where do you get them done?

Tattoo Betty: Check Out Hung Tattoo Parlor 4776 El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego, CA 92115(Artist: Hung(619) 582-0528) and Dark Side Tattoo on 250 North 43rd AVE suite 102 in Phoenix, AZ 85009(Artist: Alex).

24: If you had to choose only two of your tattoos that meant the most too you which would it be and why?

Tattoo Betty: My tattoo that says “Family Means Everything” on my lower right arm means the most to me and pretty much speaks for itself. Gosh, I love them all but I guess my second one would be my “Faith and Glory” because believe it or not I am a very spiritual  person.

24: How much money do you think you have spent so far on your tattoos?

Tattoo Betty: A few thousand dollars.

24: Any last final words before we go?

Tattoo Betty: I just want everyone to keep there eyes peeled for me. I plan to continue to make art with photo’s and just simply be me. Thank you to all my “Supporters” and also to the “Haters” for the motivation muah(www.myspace.com/mzz_boop)!

Photos By: Diana Konrad

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