Jeremy Mack sat alone at Venice Beach, thinking about what to do with his life in January 2009. After considering his incarcerated brothers, deceased father and his passion for ink, which he discovered after his first tat, “RiP Dad,” Jeremy began an entrepreneurial pursuit based on tats and community service: a2i (addicted to ink). Today he continues to be an award winning leader, trendsetter and entrepreneur.
URBAN INK: Can you give us a brief rundown of what a2i is?
Jeremy Mack: Basically it’s an entertainment/movement. I say entertainment ‘cause people are entertained by our ink, and also we have members who act, do music, dance, etc. I say movement because we promote positivity. We are giving back to the homeless, kids and our neighborhoods.
How many a2i logos do you have on your body?
I have a2i tatted six times. I just love a2i that much. I'm proud of me, and I love everybody who has a2i on them. I love the people who come to meetings every month, and out here repping even more though. Free Trini and Hustle Man.
What's the significance of the drops on the side of your mouth?
It’s a significance of my best friend Bruce, and my Pops, RIP. It also means money hungry.
There are several names tattooed on you, can you tell us about some of them?
I have over 20 names: family and a2i members. When I look at their names, I love life even more. And for the people I don't have tatted, I have "Your Name.”
So who does your tattoos?
I have two main tat artists, Eric and Jaun. Eric's Located on Bonsilo and Slauson in La, and Jaun's around the corner on 59th Place and Broadway.
Do you have a favorite tattoo?
Every tat on me means something, but I would say my favorites are my “Boondocks” on my side ‘cause the kids love it, the Bentley B, which stands for Bruce, “TapouT” ‘cause I will make you, Goi and Jay ‘cause we fight but she's my heart.
I can guess what a2i skate team is, but what exactly is a2i jerk team?
A2i jerk team is a group of kids who love to jerk, except they don’t need tats. This is for the youth. Jerking is dancing. Some examples are Power Rangers, Action Figures, Rejectz and Son of a Jerk. It’s a lot of fun and competition. I respect jerking for the simple fact these kids aren't in gangs. For those under 18 wanting to be a part of the a2i jerk or a2i skate team, I meet with their parents to make sure it’s okay. Also, I need them to have good grades or they cannot participate, point blank.
What do a2b, a2n, and a2k stand for?
They are not included with a2i. They’re just trends off of a2i. They mean addicted to bitches, addicted to n**gers, and addicted to kash and kicks. Everyone wants to be addicted to something ever since a2i started.
Historically, tattoos have had a negative reputation. Do you ever encounter people who fear you’ll have a negative impact on their children or communities?
It all depends on the way you carry yourself. If you’re out walking like a thug, dressed like a thug, sagging, you will be judged as such. If you carry yourself with dignity, you will be judged in that way. I speak for a2i, and we do have fun at parties. We even come out of our shirts, but everyone who knows us knows about us. We present ourselves professionally, and we give much respect, so we deserve respect back. A2i cares, so what if we’re tatted. I'm saying this and I know everyone was taught this, "Never judge a book by its cover.” I feel that if someone's parents or the community are against tattoos, I must respect it and further my journey on giving back.
With the high rate of unemployment leaving people and communities disenfranchised, would you say that your work has gotten harder?
In a way yes, because a lot of people stress and it affects me, and no ‘cause I help who want to be helped. Everything is going to work out fine, and that's a promise.
Article by Jenny Jimplin
Photography by Davone Campbell
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