Black Ink Crew New York

Black Ink Crew New York follows Ceaser, Harlem's reigning tattoo king, as he manages his expanding tattoo empire and his rambunctious staff.
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Cast

Ceaser

Cast Member

Ceaser is the owner and creator of the Black Ink brand. Born and raised in the Bronx, Ceaser's desire to better his life for himself and his daughter, Cheyenne, outweighed the pull of the streets... and in a twist of fate, Black Ink was born. From its inception, Ceaser dreamed of turning his business into an empire, and he's accomplishing his dream one shop at a time. With 10 shops open across the U.S., the newest of which are in Houston and Milwaukee, big boss Ceaser doesn't plan on stopping. With the 113th shop permanently closed, Ceaser has turned his Brooklyn shop into the flagship. Though his empire is flourishing, Ceaser has taken a step back to refocus on his personal life in Atlanta with his new boo, Suzette. With hopes of the world opening back up, Ceaser prepares to bring his Black Ink family back together post-lockdown. Will they come back together amicably? Or has the pandemic changed everything about Black Ink?

Puma

Cast Member

With the closing of 113th and the demands placed on the new Brooklyn flagship store, Ceaser expects Puma to show up in person and be the boss. But life in a pandemic, and leaving the safety of his quarantine bubble with his family, puts a strain on Puma's mental health. Hesitant to step back out into the real world, Puma is forced to figure out a way to juggle life with his wife, Quani, and their two kids, being a boss at Black Ink, running his own empire and keeping his family safe. Will Puma be able to find balance in the new normal, or will his anxiety and COVID-19 fears hold him back?

Ted

Cast Member

Ted, born and raised in the Bronx, first came to Black Ink when he was trying to distance himself from life on the streets. Since then, he's always kept an eye out for his cousin Ceaser. Ted's role at Black Ink has increased over the years, from shop manager to VP of operations to his current role as president, with financial investments in multiple Black Ink shops. With the street life far behind him, Ted is on a new level. He spent much of the pandemic deepening his relationship with his wife and investing in his second love, music. Ted has started his own music label and management company called RGLR LVNG and has invested in a studio space. With his life seemingly falling into place, will old flames and new demons threaten what Ted has built?

Tatti

Cast Member

After struggling with relationships with her co-workers, Tatti has taken on a new Zen personality. Her relationships in the shop have grown, and she is no longer looked at as the bad guy. The pandemic has served as a time of focus, responsibility and hard work for Tatti: She became a first-time homeowner, grew several of her side businesses and became a personal trainer. With hopes of gaining more responsibility at the shop all while playing mom to her younger cousins living at her home with her boyfriend, how will the new Tatti juggle it all? Will her bad-girl past creep up and take over?

Young Bae

Cast Member

Young Bae moved to New York City in 2007, leaving behind an abusive father and a difficult home life in Seoul, South Korea. With only $73 to her name, she made ends meet by taking any job that came her way, and eventually used her street smarts and charm to land a job as a tattoo artist -- despite having no tattooing experience. Now, after becoming a successful artist and new mother to baby Niko, Bae seemingly has it all. After opening her own shop in New York, she's balancing being a single mother and running her businesses. How will her relationships at Black Ink fit into her busy life? Recently, Bae has been impacted by recent racist comments and stands with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community and the #StopAsianHate movement. Will her fight against injustice change the way she sees some of her co-workers?

Spyder

Cast Member

Newcomer and Brooklyn native Spyder is the cover-up tattoo king and the face of the Black Ink Brooklyn shop. On a quest to become heir to Ceaser's throne, this Brooklynite is working toward the lead artist spot at the shop. Will Spyder's hustle and drive award him the crown of lead artist? Or will his bridge-and-tunnel bravado prove to be his downfall?

Krystal

Cast Member

The brains and talent are back! After a rocky start at Black Ink, Krystal has made amends with the ladies of the shop. Hailing from the Bronx, Krystal is seriously skilled at tattooing. She's also been secretly working on pursuing her dreams of becoming a rapper and getting signed to a major label. While trying to concentrate on herself, Krystal gets caught looking for love in all the wrong places. Will she be able to balance work and her personal life without losing herself?

Rok

Cast Member

Rok, a talented and heartfelt artist, is back and ready to make a name for himself in the Black Ink world. After the tragic passing of his father three years ago, Rok is trying to compete at the 125th shop while balancing family life. Like Krystal, Rok has a behind-the-scenes relationship that he's bursting at the seams to tell the world about. Will his secret relationship get in the way of his dreams? Will Rok be able succeed in the shop and in his relationship?

Alex

Cast Member

Alex is one of the best tattoo artists in Brooklyn, but as Donna works her way back into the Black Ink family, he struggles with his future in the industry. While he does his best to keep up with rehabilitation, Alex strives to recover from his back injury. Though he's finally made amends with Ceaser, Alex still has trust issues with his former co-workers. He isn't sure Donna working at Black Ink is a good idea, but he's finally ready to take on the duties of the lead artist role that's up for grabs at the new flagship shop. Will his relationship get in the way of making money, or will it take him down a dark path?

Donna

Cast Member

Donna's dream was to work at Black Ink, so years ago she packed her bags and said goodbye to Cleveland. After many ups and downs with Ceaser, the two have seemingly gained mutual respect and understanding. After the closing of 113th and the pandemic, Donna has once again embarked on a quest to find herself, exploring her other talents and expanding her businesses. Donna is back at Black Ink, but her reveal that she doesn't want to tattoo anymore causes a rift with her work friends. Will Donna ever realize her dreams of becoming a mogul, or will her ambitions ruin her position at Black Ink?

Walt

Cast Member

Walt has been a mainstay at Black Ink from the very beginning and has continued to prove his loyalty to Ceaser and the Black Ink brand. He's come a long way since his rough childhood in the Bronx, but now that Walt has his own place and a good relationship with his kids, things seem to be taking a turn for the better. With a blossoming new relationship, Walt has taken a healthier approach to life and has decided to put himself and his family first. But his comedy hobby has quickly turned into a career, and it soon gets in the way of his duties at the shop, which doesn't sit well with the crew. Can Walt balance both, or is he ready to build a future of his own?

Quani

Cast Member

Since the opening of Art2Ink in New York, Puma's wife, Quani, their daughter, Tamia, and their youngest son, Zaiden, have been supporting Puma as he embarks on his new adventure. During the pandemic, Quani has been in the house with the kids juggling motherhood and her businesses from home, but New York hasn't been the same for her. She wants a slower, more suburban lifestyle for their children. How will Quani convince Puma that it's time to leave NYC?

Miss Kitty

Cast Member

Miss Kitty, Black Ink's brand ambassador, is a D.C. native. She is as blunt as they come -- and when things don't go her way, she's not one to back down. Miss Kitty is more focused than ever on bringing celebrity clientele to the shop, but when some health issues arise in her family, Kit must suddenly head to D.C. Can Kit keep it together, or will this be the thing that breaks her? And will the shop be able to survive without her help?

O'S**t/Richard

Cast Member

Seasons 1-7


One thing's for sure, wherever the artist formerly known as O' S**t goes, trouble is sure to follow. Whether breaking up fights with his baby mamas, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time, O'S**t's life is always interesting.


Born in the Bronx and raised in New York and South Carolina, O' S**t is a former college athlete, who tore his ACL early in his college sports career. His injury ended his football career and he turned to his love of artwork. For O' S**t, tattooing is all about the art. He has been by Ceaser's side since the beginning, as a co-worker, and as a friend.


O' S**t's struggle with substance abuse has been a tough one for him, but after getting sober in California and meeting the love of his life there, Nikki, O'S**t has a new outlook on life and a new name—Richard.

Melody

Cast Member

Seasons 4-7


Born and raised in Tampa, FL, Melody moved to New York to fulfill her dream of being a successful artist in the big city. She got even more than she hoped for when she met the love of her life Lalo and had a son. Melody's eclectic personality draws in all sorts of clients, from drag queens to the girl next door. While her artistic style is realistic, her tattoos often express spiritual themes that serve as sources of strength for her clients. She brings a fresh perspective to the crew, and she isn't afraid to say what everyone else is thinking.


Melody’s art continues to thrive, and her son is growing up beautifully, but Melody still feels incomplete. Questioning her own roots, she sets out to find the family she never knew -- not just for herself, but for her son. Melody knows it takes a village to raise a child, but her family’s past isn’t all good. They’ve disowned her mother already, but Melody hopes that years have softened them. Will she be the one to bring generations together? Or will she find out the hard way that what you want isn’t always what you need?


Jadah Blue

Cast Member

Seasons 6-7


Jadah Blue is the life of the party, but cross her the wrong way, and she will put up a fight- after all, she is a former boxer.


When Jadah enters a room, she has heads turning, and by the time she leaves, without a doubt everyone knows who she is.


Jadah has a spitfire personality, and is quick to put everyone in their place. Don't mess with this firecracker, she has no shame confronting anyone who gives her attitude.

Tokie

Cast Member

Season 7


Tokie is a new addition to the shop and recently moved to New York from Houston. Tokie is bubbly, hard-working and wants nothing more than to become a tattoo apprentice. After seeing her body paint art skills, Ceaser determines that she might be able to tattoo one day, but for now, the shop needs a receptionist more than anything. Tokie must prove herself to Ceaser and the crew before moving up the ladder.


Kevin

Cast Member

Seasons 5 + 6


Raised in Dallas Texas, Kevin recently moved to New York to fulfill a lifetime goal of being a tattoo artist in NYC. With five brothers and sisters, Kevin always looked for ways to stand out. In high school, Kevin made his clothes to separate himself from the crowd and eventually enrolled at the Art Institute in Dallas where he majored in fashion design but left the program when a friend of his asked him to give him a tattoo one night, and after that, Kevin never looked back.


Kevin brings a fresh swag to Black Ink with his signature photorealism style and loves the tattoo medium because his clients "wear" his art. Don't confuse Kevin's southwest charm for being slow-paced because Kevin is always ready to turn up and join the party!

Sassy

Cast Member

Seasons 1-4


Born and raised down the block from Black Ink, Sassy is a neighborhood girl who walks the walk, and talks the talk. Whether it is modeling for Urban Ink Magazine, or helping out backstage at a fashion show, Sassy's style and magnetic energy draw people her way.
 

Sassy quit Black Ink a while back, and though she tried to remain neutral, her loyalty lies with Puma. Sassy made the move with Puma over to Art2Ink, and has continued to play a role in the development of the new business, as their Manager.

Dutchess

Cast Member

Seasons 1-5


Dutchess is a Southern Belle, a Daddy's girl, and a force to be reckoned with. Since graduating at the top of her class and earning a business degree, Dutchess has been taking the world by storm. Whether it's a modeling gig in Paris, or tattooing celebrity clientele, Dutchess always has her eye on the prize.

 

Dutchess is engaged to Black Ink boss Ceaser, she recently made some boss moves of her own by opening the tattoo shop, Pretty in Ink, in her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. Splitting time between North Carolina and New York has been challenging for Dutchess, but she's committed to making it—and her relationship—work.

Sky

Cast Member

Sky is Black Ink's quick-witted and fiery manager. Born and raised in Harlem, Sky brings the "real" to the shop. She isn't afraid to speak the truth, and though it sometimes causes her trouble, what Sky brings to the table is always genuine. Though she's spent the better part of the last year working on improving her family, Sky continues to challenge herself to become a better woman, a better mother and an entrepreneur. With half of her focus in Miami growing her brand and Her Little Secret Boutique, Sky continues to run Black Ink's HR. With all that's on her plate, Sky worries that all she's done to bring the family together will fall apart when her sons start spending more time together and Des moves in with his older brother.

Tiffany Perez

Cast Member

Season 5


Tiffany Perez was born and raised in Paterson, NJ and started tattooing at the age of 21 after her father bought her a tattoo gun for her birthday. Dutchess prevented Tiffany from previously working at Black Ink, but now she's back and ready to prove she deserves to be on staff.


Having worked for many years in the male-dominated tattoo industry, Tiffany has learned how to go after what she wants and isn't afraid to go toe to toe with the guys in the shop—or the females in the shop, for that matter.

Kathie

Cast Member

Seasons 1-4


A Domincan-American raised in the Bronx, Kathie is a writer, painter and advocate for meditation and self-enlightenment. She is dedicated to her son, Achilles and is unafraid to stand up to Achilles' father, O'Sh*t to make sure he keeps up with his daddy duties. Kathie is currently teaching self-awareness and healing through various eastern spirituality practices such as meditation, yoga and the manifestation of intention.

Naeem

Cast Member

Season 4


Naeem is one of Puma's new artists at Art2Ink. A veteran in the tattoo world, Naeem's reputation proceeds him. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Naeem specializes in realism and portraits.
 

Naeem is close friends with Puma's other new artist, Phoenix, and despite the rivalry between Art2Ink and Black Ink, Naeem and Phoenix maintain a good relationship with the Black Ink Crew as well.
 

Naeem has an 8 month old daughter with his girlfriend, Alexis. His daughter changed his life, and now all of Naeem's focus is on providing a better life for his child. Naeem is dedicated to his craft and strives to be the best tattoo artist in the game.

Phoenix

Cast Member

Season 4


Phoenix is one of Art2Ink's new artists. Raised in the streets of Brooklyn, Phoenix had a rough childhood, constantly moving from home to home. Despite his tumultuous past, Phoenix was inspired to pursue a more legit career in tattooing after the birth of his daughter. Phoenix is a great father to five children…three girls and two boys. He aims to show them the childhood he never had.
 

Phoenix is laid back and easy-going. He and Naeem have known one another for five years. Before coming to Art2Ink, Phoenix worked at a shop called Inktastic in Brooklyn. Phoenix has had to overcome several obstacles throughout his life but he continues to persevere and work towards the best life for him and his family.

Alex

Cast Member

Seasons 1 + 2


As the former receptionist of Black Ink, Alex brought that "fire" to the shop. This little firecracker is of Dominica decent and is proud of it, as she has "Dominican Blood" tattooed across her chest.


Alex has an opinion about everything which is why she and Ceaser were constantly butting heads when it came to Alex's strong artistic opinions.


As a side hustle, Alex models in various publications and has graced the cover of both Inked and Urban Ink.