Photo credit: Power 106

Musician, tattoo artist, and now reality star, iAm Compton stops by Nick Cannon Mornings and talks about his new TV show, ‘Black Ink Crew Compton’, how the shop came about, and his music career.

From the hood to establishing the first black-owned tattoo shop in the city of Compton, iAm’s upbringing has definitely molded him into becoming a successful black man in the industry. Perseverance has never been a question, for he has consistently strived to be great not only in his music, but in his tattoo business as well.

“When I do set up shop, it’s gotta be my own shop. I can’t work under nobody.” states iAm.

Many fans have also questioned where the creative got his name from. During the interview he goes on to explain his love for his city, and how if one is from there, they rep it to the fullest.

“You from LA? NO. I’m from Compton.” Hence the reason why he chose his name. The “iAm” portion of his name however, is an acronym for the things he is passionate about.

“As far what the ‘iAm Compton’…ink, art, music is my three elements…it’s the struggle I can’t never forget.”

After he came up with the name, he established his name even further by tattooing it on himself. Besides his own body, he has also tattooed many famous celebrities including Diddy and more. While he has tattooed and done music with Diddy, he wants to be able to establish himself more in the music realm to show fans that he is just as passionate about his music as he is about tattooing.

While starring in the new reality show, ‘Black Ink Crew Compton,’ the artist says he is not worried about personal drama that the cameras reveal. He is used to the attention from excelling in sports and being highlighted in his community when he was younger.

Whether it be through ink or through his music, iAm Compton is constantly creating and reinventing himself through his artwork.

Catch the FULL interview below: