Black Ink Crew

The reality series Black Ink Crew follows tattoo artist Ceaser Emanuel and his team of artists based in a tattoo shop in New York City. The original cast of the show included Dutchess, Puma, and Richard "O'S--t" Duncan.
Black Ink Crew has inspired the spin-offs Black Ink Crew: Chicago and Black Ink Crew: Compton.
Network: VH1
First Episode Date: January 7, 2013
NYC Cast:
- Ceaser Emanuel
- Puma Robinson
- Sky Days
- Teddy Ruks
- Donna Lombardi
- Walt Miller
- Melody Mitchell
- Young Bae
- Miss Kitty
Chicago Cast:
- Ryan Henry
- Van Johnson
- Phor Brumfield
- Don Brumfield
- Charmaine Walker
- Jessica Simpson
Compton Cast:
- Danny "KP" Kirkpatrick
- Lemeir
- Nessie
- Ink Drippin'
- Vudu Dahl
- Tim
- Barbie
Where to Watch: Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV
Latest Black Ink Crew News and Updates

'Black Ink Crew's' Nessie Thinks Her Breakup Ruined Her Friendship With Lemeir (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
Why did Nessie and Ken break up on 'Black Ink Crew: Compton'? Nessie's drama with her ex and work status with KP has hurt her friendship with Lemeir.

Charmaine Bey on Her Reasons for Leaving 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago': "I Literally Have PTSD" (EXCLUSIVE)
Why did Charmaine Bey leave 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago'? The former reality star sat down with 'Distractify' to set the record straight.

Katrina "Kat Tat" Jackson Gushes About Motherhood: "I Love Watching My Baby Sleep" (EXCLUSIVE)
'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' vet and tattoo mogul Katrina "Kat Tat" Jackson spoke exclusively with 'Distractify' about her kids and being a mom.

Katrina "Kat Tat" Jackson Returns to 'Black Ink Crew': "The Timing Couldn't Be More Perfect" (EXCLUSIVE)
'Former 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' star Katrina "Kat Tat" Jackson spoke exclusively with 'Distractify' about her decision to return to the series.

Lemeir and Star Discuss the Demise of IAM Compton's Staff on 'Black Ink Crew' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
What happened to IAM Compton's tattoo staff on 'Black Ink Crew?' In an exclusive clip ahead of the April 11, 2022 episode, Lemeir and Star reveal all.

Former 9Mag Tattoo Artist Van Johnson Appears on 'Black Ink Crew: New York' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
Why did Van Johnson leave 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago?' In an exclusive clip ahead of the 'Black Ink Crew: New York' April 4, 2022 episode, Van spills the tea.

'Black Ink Crew: New York': Ceaser's Legal Issues With His Baby Mama Take a Turn (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
Things between 'Black Ink Crew: New York's' Ceaser Emanuel and baby mama Crystal Torres get worse. In an exclusive clip, Ted explains Ceaser's absence.

'Black Ink Crew: Chicago's' Charmaine Bey and Ryan Henry Are at Odds on Social Media
'Black Ink Crew: Chicago's' Charmaine Bey and Ryan Henry have beef. And according to an explosive argument on social media, jealousy is the cause.

Here Are All the Details About 'Black Ink Crew: Compton' Star KP's Main Squeeze
Who is KP from Black Ink Crew: Compton' married to? The tattoo owner's main squeeze is a well-known child actress that has continued to blossom in Hollywood.

Ceaser Emanuel's Net Worth Is Projected to See Growth in 2022
What is Black Ink Crew's Ceaser Emanuels's net worth? The entrepreneur is busy building his tattoo empire and exploring other endeavors.

Meet Star Divine, One of the Most Talked-About 'Black Ink Crew: Compton' Cast Members
Star Divine is one of the latest stars to take the screen on 'Black Ink Crew: Compton,' but who exactly is she? Details on her personal life.

Star Apologizes for the Staff Dinner Fiasco on 'Black Ink Crew: Compton' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
After throwing a glass at Tim during a staff dinner, Star wants to make amends in an exclusive clip ahead of the March 21, 2022, episode.

Sassy Makes Her Grand Return in 'Black Ink Crew: New York' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
After realizing that the crew has some more growing to do, 'Black Ink Crew: New York's' Ceaser Emanuel leans on Sassy for help in an exclusive clip.

'Black Ink Crew: New York's' Puma and Young Bae Clash Over Dark Skin Tattoo (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
Intended to boost morale in the shop, a tattoo competition goes wrong. In an exclusive clip, Puma and Young Bae clash over tattoo for dark skin.

KP and Tim Learn That the Shop Must Be Closed on 'Black Ink Crew: Compton' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
After getting on track with the crew, KP and Tim face a new setback. In an exclusive clip, a producer shares that the shop must be closed.

Young Bae Is Spreading Positivity With a Unity Walk on 'Black Ink Crew: New York' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
After watching discrimination against people of color, 'Black Ink Crew: New York's' Young Bae is taking action. In an exclusive clip, she's hosting a unity walk.

Nessie and KP Have Declared a Truce on 'Black Ink Crew: Compton' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
After months of tension and beef, Nessie and KP are letting bygones be bygones. In an exclusive clip, the pair decided to move forward at the shop.

Tatti Ritter From ‘Black Ink Crew’ Says She’s “Overwhelmed” Amid Drug-Trafficking Charges
Tatti Ritter from 'Black Ink Crew' went into police custody along with 40 others in March 2021. Since then, she's shared how "stressed" she's been.

The 'Black Ink Crew's' Real Names Have Been a Mystery Since Season 1
The 'Black Ink Crew' cast's real names haven't been shared much on the show. Here's what they are — and what we know about Tatiana Ritter.

Ceaser Emanuel of 'Black Ink Crew' Speaks on Filing a Lawsuit Against His Baby Mama Crystal (EXCLUSIVE)
'Black Ink Crew's Ceaser Emanuel sat down with 'Distractify' to talk about his decision to file a lawsuit against his baby mama, Crystal Torres.

'Black Ink Crew's' Ceaser Emanuel Wants Answers From Walt When Season 9 Returns (EXCLUSIVE)
Black Ink Crew's' Ceaser Emanuel sat down with 'Distractify' to talk about his sit-down with Walt about the former employee stealing from the business.

'Black Ink Crew: New York's' Donna and Alex Have Reportedly Ended Their Engagement
Some rush to get married, others get engaged and stay so for a while. So, what about Donna and Alex from 'Black Ink Crew'? Are they still together?

'Black Ink Crew's' Charmaine Bey Tragically Lost Both of Her Parents Within Two Years
Charmaine Bey is one of the stars of 'Black Ink Crew Chicago.' Sadly, her father passed away in 2021. Here's what happened.

Ryan Has Planned an Intervention for 2nd City Ink on 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
After witnessing the huge blowup with 2nd City Ink at the tattoo convention on 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago,' Ryan has staged an intervention.

Charmaine and Draya Are Not in a Good Place on 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
After Charmaine and Draya came to verbal blows on 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago,' Draya left 2nd City Ink. Now drama over a tattoo booth has come to light.

The 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' Cast Mostly Go by Their Real Names on the Show
Since it's common practice for tattoo artists to go by nicknames, 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' fans want the tea on the cast's real names. Details inside.

Phor and Nina's Relationship Hits a New Low on 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
Phor and Nina's relationship drama on 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' has reached a new level. In an exclusive clip, the expecting mom is distancing herself.

Bella Tatted Set the Record Straight on Her Boyfriend’s Death: "Y'all Are Dumb"
Fans of 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' were shocked to learn of Fly Tatted's passing, but what happened to the artist?

'Black Ink Crew: Chicago's Ryan and Charmaine Talk Pandemic, Business, and Friendships (EXCLUSIVE)
'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' stars Ryan Henry and Charmaine Bey sat down with 'Distractify' to talk about the pandemic, business, friendships, and more.

Ryan Talks to Charmaine About His Affair Scandal on 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' Season 7 is set to hit the small screen very soon. In an exclusive clip, Ryan Henry talks with Charmaine about his affair scandal.

Meet 'Black Ink Crew' Star Richard 'O'S--t' Duncan's Happy Blended Family
Who Is 'Black Ink Crew' star Richard Duncan's wife? Meet the love of his life and the kids that make up his big, happy blended family.

Young Bae from 'Black Ink Crew' Says Her Ex Walked out of Their Family's Life
Young Bae from 'Black Ink Crew' fell in love with and married her baby's father, but he hasn't been seen on the show in a long time.

'Black Ink Crew' Fans Think Donna Should Leave the Show After Making Hurtful Comments
Donna made anti-Asian hate comments and fans are rightfully upset. After her recent issues with the cast, fans believe shey may leave the show.

'Black Ink Crew's' Ceaser Emanuel Has Filed a Cease and Desist Against His Daughter
'Black Ink Crew's' Ceaser has an interesting relationship with his daughter. After his having filed a cease and desist against her, things have gotten worse.

'Black Ink Crew's Ceaser Emanuel and Donna's Friendship Is on Thin Ice (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
Does Donna still work for Black Ink Crew? Ceaser Emanuel spills the details on his employee Donna. Plus, check out an exclusive clip from Season 9.

'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' Star Don Is Reportedly in the Hospital — Management Asks for Prayers
What happened to Don from 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago'? After management shared that the star was in the hospital, fans have grown increasingly worried.

'Black Ink Crew's Ceaser Emanuel Talks About Gentrification Impacting His Business (EXCLUSIVE)
'Black Ink Crew' star Ceaser Emanuel sat down with 'Distractify' to talk about growing his tattoo empire and how gentrification played a role.

'Black Ink Crew' Star Walt Gets Support From His Wife Amid Robbery Scandal
'Black Ink Crew's Walt is getting support from his wife amid his robbery scandal. Here's what you need to know about her and what she said on Instagram.

'Black Ink Crew' Producers Suspend Sky Over an Altercation Involving Her Son
Why is Sky suspended from 'Black Ink Crew'? An incident involving her and her son shocked crew members. Keep reading for all the details.

'Black Ink Crew's Ceaser Emanuel Shares How BLM Impacts His Life (EXCLUSIVE)
'Black Ink Crew' star Ceaser Emanuel sat down with 'Distractify' to talk about BLM shedding light on the struggle Black men deal with daily.

'Black Ink Crew's Ceaser Emanuel Turned $20,000 Into a Million-Dollar Empire
How much does Black Ink Crew make per episode? Since the show creator Ceaser Emanuel started with $20,000 he has grown to build millions.

'Black Ink Crew' Stars Ceaser Emanuel and Walt Are No Longer Friends (EXCLUSIVE)
'Black Ink Crew' star Ceaser Emanuel sat down with 'Distractify' to talk about Season 9 and how his relationship with Walt has changed. Details inside.

'Black Ink Crew's Ceaser's Girlfriend Is an IG Model and a Realtor
Who is Ceaser from 'Black Ink Crew' dating? The entrepreneur's girlfriend is an Instagram model and Realtor. Read on for more info.

Ceaser From 'Black Ink Crew' Was Arrested in Brooklyn After Giving Police a Fake ID
'Black Ink Crew's head-honcho Ceaser was arrested and went to jail for a traffic violation. Plus, find out what his real name is. Keep reading.
Here's Why Alex Robinson Is Suing 'Black Ink Boss' Boss Ceaser Emanuel
Get all of the details on 'Black Ink Crew' star Alex Robinson's lawsuit against former employer Ceaser Emanuel.

'Black Ink Crew' Star Alison Monroe Mourns the Loss of Her 14-Year-Old Son on Instagram
Alison Monroe from 'Black Ink Crew' is grieving the loss of her 14-year-old son Joshua, who died of brain cancer.

Tatiana Confronts Boyfriend Teddy Over Cheating Rumors on 'Black Ink Crew'
What happened to Tatiana and Teddy on 'Black Ink Crew'? The duo's volatile relationship hits a new low.

'Black Ink Crew Chicago' Has Nothing to Do With the Original 'Black Ink Crew'
Does Ceaser own 9MAG, the tattoo parlor on 'Black Ink Crew Chicago'? The short answer is no — but he did ask about buying it.

'Black Ink Crew: Compton' Is Reportedly in the Works — Here's What We Know So Far
The VH1 series 'Black Ink Crew' is reportedly filming a spinoff show based in Compton, California. Here's what we know so far.

Did Charmaine and Van Actually Sleep Together on 'Black Ink Crew Chicago'?
Did Charmaine and Van from 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' actually sleep together? Cast members and fans weigh in.

Phor's New Fling on 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' Has Dated Multiple Guys in the VH1 Universe
Who is Phor's new girlfriend on 'Black Ink Crew Chicago'? The model has a history with more than one VH1 reality star. Details on the romance.

Get to Know the Newest Star of VH1's 'Black Ink Crew,' iAm Compton
Who is Kyla Pratt's husband? Get to know the star of 'Black Ink Crew: Compton' Danny "KP" Kilpatrick and who the talented artist has tattooed.

‘Black Ink Crew’ Creator Explains Why They Came to Compton (EXCLUSIVE)
This is why Compton made sense for the next backdrop for ‘Black Ink Crew.’

'Black Ink Crew Compton' Star Vudu Dahl Grew Up in a Religious Cult Led by Her Stepfather
'Black Ink Crew Compton' star Vudu Dahl reveals what it was like growing up in her stepfather's cult. Details on her unconventional upbringing.

'Black Ink Crew Compton' Star Lemeir Mitchell Is About to Be a Father!
Lemeir Mitchell from 'Black Ink Crew Compton' is expecting a baby with his girlfriend Danielle. Details on the longtime couple and new bundle of joy.

Vudu Dahl Shares Disturbing Details About Her Abusive Past on 'Black Ink Crew Compton'
Who is Vudu Dahl's father? The 'Black Ink Crew Compton' star prepares to confront the abusive cult leader a decade after she escaped.

'Black Ink Crew Chicago' Star Charmaine Pays Tribute to Her Late Mom After Announcing Pregnancy
Charmaine Walker from VH1's 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' reveals she's pregnant — and married — ahead of the Season 6 premiere.

Don and Ashley From 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' Are Splitting After She Found a Video of Him Cheating
Don and Ashley from VH1's 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' are apparently heading in separate ways after a Snapchat video of Don cheating on his wife surfaced.

Rachel From 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' Is Juggling Two Famous Baby Daddies
Who is 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' star Rachel Leigh's baby daddy? The business owner has two — and they're both in the spotlight.

Teddy From 'Black Ink Crew' Has a Wife With (Possibly) More Sneakers Than Him
Teddy Ruks from 'Black Ink Crew' reportedly tied the knot and is now married to a Korean model. Here's everything you need to know about his wife Euni.

Ryan Henry's Family Suffered a Tragedy Well Before 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago'
Ryan lost his sister to a tragic act of violence years before 'Black Ink Crew: Chicago' premiered, but what happened to Ryan’s sister is still with him today.

Charmaine From 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' Called out for Parenting Faux Pas
Charmaine Walker welcomed a baby girl in March, and the 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' star has already received backlash over her parenting.