From 2pac’s famous “Thug Life” tattoo on his stomach to Mike Tyson’s famous tattoo on his face more then ever Hip Hop artists alike are not only expressing themselves with music but with ink. Artists such as Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, 50 Cent, Flo Rida, Birdman, Oschino (formerly of State Property), Plies, Pharell, The Game, Kanye West, Young Jeezy, Jim Jones, B.G., GunPlay, Three6Mafia, Jacki-O, Willy Northpole, Young Buck, Cashis (artist on Shady Records) have joined in, there are only a hand full of artists that don’t have any tattoos such as Jay-Z and T.I., to name a few that come to mind. I recently sat down with Crashington Coutois out of Shadyville, New York 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?

Crashington Coutois: I got my first tattoo at the age of 14. It’s an ankh on my inner right wrist with the words “Patience Is Beautiful” written inside. I’ve always been hot headed and very impulsive. Patience was never one of my strong points so I gave myself a reminder.

24: After getting your first tat I know a lot of people say that’s where starts but not where it ends so was it like that for you?

Crashington Coutois: True. It is an addiction so to speak. I have been used as a subject by one of my friends who is a psychology major. Supposedly, according to her, getting tatted is just another way for the psychologically impaired to “cut” themselves. I admit, my tats have been very therapeutic in the process, because one pain negates another, but that’s just me. Whether she’s right or not is irrelevant. Each and every single tat I have has sentimental value. I’m running out of space, but I’m saving the best for last.  

24: How many tattoos in total do you have?

Crashington Coutois: Honestly, I have no idea. Some people count my back piece as one. Some count it as four, because it took four sittings. I don’t bother counting. Feel free to count when I’m “Done”, if you can get that close.
 

24: I know people get tattoos to express themselves in different ways from pain to joy some explain the meaning behind a couple of your tats?

Crashington Coutois: Most of them are a reflection of my personality. Some are obvious, some aren’t. I have a clown in a straight jacket, with a mohawk, holding an axe behind her back. In general, I’m a clown. I try to find humor in everything. The straight jacket shows my crazy, deep rooted, certifiable side. The mohawk shows my wild side. The axe shows my aggression. My amazon back piece in general means I come from a long line of strong women. Amazon was a nickname of mine throughout high school being that I went hard in weight training instead of regular phys ed. The women in my family are also very tall. My father’s mother was well over 6 feet. I’m one of the short ones at 5’9. 

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

Crashington Coutois: The reactions I get are various. Most people get competitive and start showing theirs if they have any. Some say they’ll catch up to and pass me. One has even thrown holy water on me. My honey’s mother, a devout Catholic, can’t stand me. She thinks I’m a Satanic witch.

24: Where do you go to get your tats done?

Crashington Coutois: It depends on where I am and what mood I’m in. I actually host a reality show called, “Brooklyn Ink” with my good friend Al Kaida. He’s working on my most recent pieces. I have a lot of other friends who are artists in different states. My homeboy Don did some work on me, two of which are incomplete. As soon as I can get my simple self back to ATL, I’ll get inked by Miya Bailey.

24: Would you say that your tats are one of the things that definitely separates you from a lot of other models?

Crashington Coutois: I don’t really look at myself as a model anymore. I’ve moved past that. My personality is entirely too energized and illuminated for me to be satisfied with anyone paying more attention to the clothes or shoes that I wear than what I have to say. My tattoos are just another way for people to see me and how I feel.

24: Is there any tattoo that you have that you regret getting done?

Crashington Coutois: No regrets. There is one I have that reminds me everyday of the choices I have made in my life that I really don’t want to think about. But rather than cover it up like most people do, I found a way to get over it and still be able to laugh from time to time. You’ll see it soon.

24: If you had to choose two or three tattoos that meant the most to you which would it be and why?

Crashington Coutois: I cannot honestly answer that at this time because I’m nowhere near done. I get tatted in accordance with situations that occur. They all have sentimental value.

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

Crashington Coutois: Interesting question! I can’t tell you though because they’re priceless.

24: You were on the cover of Urban Ink with Jim Jones which was a very big look for you so tell me how did that come about?

Crashington Coutois: My good friend Alaric Campbell is a photographer for the magazine. He set it up and I just showed up. I got terrorized the hell out of by everyone there, including Jim Jones. But the inevitable happened and I grew on them. They ALL still call me for projects and events like Jim Jones latest Video “Pop Champagne”.  

24: What’s next for you in 2009?

Crashington Coutois: Just stay tuned. There’s no telling where’s I’ll be seen or what I’ll be seen doing. I have a very short attention span.

24: Anything you want to say to the readers or promote before we go?

Crashington Coutois: I just want to thank everyone for reading and thank you 24HourHipHop.com! If you want to check up on more of my nonsense you can find me on the internet just type me in and check Youtube for Brooklyn Ink!