Following reports that police are investigating NYC tattoo parlor East Side Ink because Rihanna decided she wanted to play tattoo artist last night, OK! spoke to one of the owners to get the details on how the whole thing happened.

The sexy singer had shown up around 8pm on Wednesday to visit her regular tattooist, who goes by the name of Bang Bang and is responsible for both recent gun tattoos and the “sssh” ink on her finger.

According to those at the high-end tattoo parlor, Rihanna was not planning on getting any new ink.

“We were all just hanging out, joking, laughing,” East Side Ink co-owner Yadira tells OK!. “Bang Bang decided that he wanted a tattoo from her.”

So he drew up a design — a simple umbrella with a swirly “R” under it — which was then transferred onto his lower leg. Rihanna, who had never tattooed anyone before, then went over the design with the needle.

(Read more…)

Click the thumbs below to view two other pictures of Rihanna tattooing a man yesterday in NYC. You can also view two different cute pictures by clicking here and here.

In a recent interview to Louis Vuitton, Kanye West was asked about Rihanna’s style:

She’s kind of like a genius because regardless of how many stylists she has, I know she does it on her own. That’s an innate talent, having style like that. It’s kind of like the way people play sport, some people just hit the shots into the net better.

Thanks, Freshtodeath201!

Rihanna picked up a tattoo needle last night at a parlor in NYC — which would be totally fun and cool, if it wasn’t also incredibly illegal. We’re told RiRi tattooed three of East Side Ink’s artists with umbrellas and the letter R. None of her pet projects cared that she didn’t have a license — but the NYC Law Department does.

They say Rihanna could be slapped with three misdemeanors for the offense, each with its own hefty penalty — as much as $300 for the first offense, $500 for the second and $1,000 for the third. Sources say the tattoo shop could also face considerable fines of its own if the NYC Law Dept. decides to open an investigation.

UPDATE: The NYC Health Department just told TMZ:

“Only licensed tattoo artists can administer tattoos in the city according to the City’s Health Code. We are sending someone down to follow up on this.”

Source: TMZ | Click here to watch a video.

10. Kate Beckinsale
9. Kim Kardashian
8. Jessica Biel
7. Eva Longoria Parker
6. Rihanna

“Cardio, cardio, cardio!” the SOS singer, 21, tells OK!. “I prefer the treadmill. When I perform I dance so much it helps me stay in shape.” She’s ditched crabs for egg whites, veggies and fish – but sometimes nibbles a little KFC (hot wings are her fave).

5. Jennifer Lopez
4. Halle Berry
3. Megan Fox
2. Jennifer Aniston
1. Britney Spears

Rihanna was spotted taking a tattooing lesson at East Side Ink in the East Village of New York City last night.

Later that night she was spotted leaving her hotel and walking the NYC streets. Updated: Rihanna had dinner with Leonardo DiCaprio and Mickey Rouke.

I’ve added to the gallery 11 never seen pictures from 2006. They were taken before Rihanna’s performance during the pre-game of New York Red Bulls vs New England Revolution, on April 8. Thanks, Nickisis!

And be sure to visit Rihanna Style if you want to find out what Rihanna has been wearing while she’s in NYC this week.