5 Shocking Updates On Black Ink Crew’s Ryan Henry: From 9MAG Closure To Marvel’s Ironheart
The world of reality television and the Chicago tattoo scene has always revolved around Ryan Henry, the owner of 9MAG Tattoo and the central figure of VH1's *Black Ink Crew: Chicago*. As of late 2025, Henry continues to evolve his brand, moving far beyond the drama-filled shop floor to become a national entrepreneur and an artist with surprising ties to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The latest news surrounding Henry is a massive pivot for his business, which includes closing the original, iconic 9MAG shop to launch a new, ambitious national concept. This move, combined with his recent collaborations and the perennial resurfacing of high-profile personal controversies, proves that the tattoo mogul is far from stepping out of the spotlight.
Ryan Henry: Biography and Profile
Ryan Henry is a Chicago-based tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and reality television personality known primarily for his role as the owner of 9MAG Tattoo on the VH1 series *Black Ink Crew: Chicago*.
- Full Name: Ryan Henry
- Date of Birth: May 27, 1986
- Age (as of 2025): 39
- Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
- Known For: Owner of 9MAG Tattoo and Star of *Black Ink Crew: Chicago*
- Net Worth (Estimated): $1 Million
- Family: Has a son named Mason with ex-girlfriend Rachel Leigh. He also has a close bond with his mother, Loni.
- Career Highlights: Founded 9MAG Tattoo, main cast member on *Black Ink Crew: Chicago* since its debut, and expanded his brand into apparel and other ventures.
The End of an Era: 9MAG Closure and National Expansion
The most significant and recent development in Ryan Henry's career is the closure of the original 9MAG Tattoo shop in Chicago. For fans of *Black Ink Crew: Chicago*, 9MAG was the epicenter of the show, a character in itself that hosted years of drama, artistry, and intense personal moments between the cast members like Phor Robinson, Don Brumfield, and Charmaine Walker.
Why Did Ryan Henry Close 9MAG?
The decision to close the flagship Chicago location was not a sign of failure but a strategic business pivot. According to recent reports, Henry has moved on from the physical Chicago shop to pursue a larger, more ambitious vision.
- National Venture: Henry's new goal is to bring the "9 Mag experience" to cities across the country.
- Business Evolution: This suggests a potential shift towards a mobile tattoo concept, pop-up shops, or a national brand licensing model, moving away from the single-location drama that defined the early seasons.
- Leaving a Legacy: Despite the closure, the original shop will forever be remembered as a pivotal piece of tattoo and reality television history.
This move solidifies Ryan Henry’s role as an entrepreneur first and a tattoo artist second, focusing on brand expansion and market reach rather than just running a local shop.
High-Profile Scandals and Continuing Rivalries
Ryan Henry's time on reality TV has been inseparable from controversy, and several major scandals continue to follow him, even in 2025, as he teases the new season of *Black Ink Crew: Chicago*.
The Anthony Lindsey 'Baby Mama' Controversy
The most damaging and long-running scandal involved his childhood friend, Anthony Lindsey. The drama centered on allegations that Ryan had slept with Lindsey's baby mama, a betrayal that fractured their relationship and became a central storyline on the show.
- The Betrayal: Henry and Lindsey had a tense confrontation on the show to address the scandal, which was a major point of discussion among fans and castmates.
- Seeking Reconciliation: Despite the severity of the betrayal, Henry has expressed a desire to reconcile with his estranged friend, highlighting the personal toll the drama has taken.
Feud with Ceaser Emanuel
The rivalry between the Chicago-based Henry and New York's Ceaser Emanuel (from the original *Black Ink Crew*) has also been a continuous source of conflict. The two tattoo shop owners, representing different cities and business styles, have had tense confrontations, drawing battle lines within the entire *Black Ink Crew* franchise.
Past Legal Issues
Henry has also faced legal trouble. He, along with other *Black Ink Crew: Chicago* cast members like Van Johnson, Don Brumfield, and Junior, was once sued by a man named Ronnie Spates who claimed he was attacked by the group. This highlighted the intense, often physical drama that surrounded the Chicago shop.
Surprising New Projects and Career Collaborations in 2025
Beyond the tattoo shop and reality TV drama, Ryan Henry has been quietly building a profile as a legitimate artist and brand collaborator, with two major updates cementing his status in 2025.
Tattoo Art in Marvel’s *Ironheart*
In a surprising career leap, Ryan Henry’s tattoo art has made it into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Reports from mid-2025 confirm that his designs were featured in the upcoming Disney+ series *Ironheart*.
- MCU Tie-in: This collaboration places Henry's work on a massive global platform, moving his artistry from Chicago’s South Side to a major Hollywood production.
- Artistic Recognition: This is a huge nod to his talent, showcasing that his work is valued outside the confines of reality television.
DTLR x Nike Air Max Day Partnership
Further establishing his brand presence, Ryan Henry was a featured collaborator in a DTLR x Nike Air Max Day event in Chicago in 2025. This type of high-profile partnership is crucial for an entrepreneur, as it connects his personal brand with major, globally recognized sportswear and retail entities.
The combination of these projects—a Marvel collaboration and a Nike-backed event—shows that Ryan Henry is successfully leveraging his reality TV fame to transition into a serious, multi-faceted business mogul. The closure of 9MAG is less a setback and more a necessary step to focus on these larger, more profitable ventures that are defining his career in late 2025.
Detail Author:
- Name : Mr. Holden Mayer Jr.
- Username : zbednar
- Email : dante95@maggio.org
- Birthdate : 2001-11-02
- Address : 4493 Cleora Rest Alysafurt, WY 66923-9049
- Phone : 1-972-485-6220
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