At the Summer Smash event held in Bridgeview, Illinois this past June, well-known American rapper Lil Uzi Vert unveiled a striking new look that came with a hefty price tag of more than $100,000. They chose to re-tattoo their entire upper torso, featuring a Japanese oni mask on the front, extending to a Japanese samurai helmet on the back. Joaquin Ganga, the owner of Ganga Tattoo Studio in Los Angeles, was the talented artist behind this transformation. Remarkably, the entire tattooing process was completed in just one day, spanning two eight-hour sessions, totaling 16 hours of work.

Speaking to Complex, Ganga stated, “Uzi’s most recent tattoo was an elaborate work that cost well over six figures and presented a considerable artistic challenge.”

Ganga, who runs his own tattoo studio, has earned a reputation as one of the most sought-after tattoo artists in the industry. His ascent to fame is attributed to his hyper-realistic tattooing style, characterized by an unwavering commitment to precision and detail. Whether creating a lifelike portrait of Tupac for National Basketball Association (NBA) center Anthony Davis or etching an image of late fashion designer Virgil Abloh flying a kite for Canadian rapper Drake, or even adorning Lil Uzi Vert with an intricate Japanese piece, his talent is on display throughout Hollywood.

The connection between Ganga and Lil Uzi Vert was primarily driven by their fame in their respective fields. Lil Uzi Vert initiated contact with Ganga, expressing his interest in embarking on a substantial tattoo project. This connection was established through the recognition of Ganga’s previous extensive work, particularly his projects with notable figures such as American rapper Lil Durk, which caught the attention of many, including Lil Uzi Vert.

Following a thorough and creative exchange, they collaborated on several design proposals, ultimately settling on the current design that has been creating a buzz on social media.