Black Music Month 2025: Celebrating Tattooed Icons, Inked Culture, and Timeless Soundtracks

June marks Black Music Month, a time to honor the influence, creativity, and cultural impact of Black musicians across genres. At Inked, we recognize that artistry takes many forms, through music, ink, and the intersection of both. This year, we’re paying tribute to the tattooed artists who’ve left a permanent mark on both our playlists and our skin, while celebrating the legendary albums that continue to inspire generations.

Tattoo culture and Black music have long shared a rebellious, expressive spirit. Artists like Lenny Kravitz, Rihanna, and Lil Wayne have used their skin as canvases for storytelling, identity, and power, much like they do with their music. From Kravitz’s sleeve of tribal patterns to Rihanna’s intricate henna-inspired hand tattoos, these artists embody dual creative legacies that blend personal symbolism with public influence.

Among hip-hop’s heavily inked legends, Lil Wayne has arguably one of the most recognized collections of tattoos in music. Each piece tells a story, from teardrops to phrases like “Fear God,” his tattoos are as much a part of his persona as his Grammy-winning verses. Rising artists like Latto and 21 Savage continue this legacy, using ink not only as an aesthetic but as a form of self-ownership and authenticity in an industry that thrives on originality.

June 2025 also marks significant anniversaries for classic albums by Black artists that have profoundly shaped the music landscape. Beyoncé’s “B’Day,” originally released in 2006, turns 19 this summer, a powerhouse album that helped solidify her solo reign. These records, much like iconic tattoos, have stood the test of time, etched into the collective consciousness of fans worldwide.

The connection between tattoos and music runs deep: both are deeply personal, often permanent, and created to be felt. They speak to emotion, memory, rebellion, and legacy. Whether it’s the bassline of a soul classic or the hum of a tattoo needle, Black music and body art share a raw, visceral energy that resonates far beyond their moment of creation.

At Inked, we’re proud to highlight the Black artists who have shaped culture with their voices and their visuals. From skin to sound, their influence is inked into history.