Monte Cristo
"It says 'Monte Cristo' and was inspired by the Alexandre Dumas classic novel; not the movie, that just sucked," he said. "Underneath it says, 'The best revenge is living well.' Those who have read the book and followed my tumultuous life understand that in many ways my life parallels the Count of Monte Cristo - the only difference is his friends sent him away and he did nothing.
"Okay, so I did it," he said referring to the crime that landed him in prison for nine-and-a-half years, "but my friends still ratted me out. That novel, in many ways, symbolizes who I am. Ultimately I'm sure a lot of those people who betrayed my trust see me on TV, some are dead and some, I've heard, are strung out or living normal, everyday nine-to-five lives. And that's just beneath me."
King Tut
"I have a fascination with Egypt," revealed MVP. "It’s the greatest civilization. When the rest of the world was still in darkness, there were universities in Egypt and there were monetary systems, the pyramids.”
The King Tut tattoo originated during MVP’s stint in prison. He said it cost him the equivalent of 20 dollars.
Malcolm X
"It's a poor portrait of Malcolm X on my left pectoral," he said. "I'm really disappointed with it, but I haven't had the time to get it fixed. Maybe I won't. That's just what I ended up with.
"The going to prison, the transformation, learning, getting out and reinventing yourself were all similarities I shared with Malcolm X. However, unlike Malcolm, I'm not out to change the world. I am my number one concern."
Eye of Horace
Another Egyptian themed tattoo rests on his triceps.
"I have the all-seeing eye of Horace on the back of my arm, which is a symbol of protection; it watches my back. That one cost me two packs of Newports."