As the faithful shop manager, B-Slam is the glue that holds 9MAG together. Even though she finds it challenging being a woman in power in a male-dominated shop and industry, she isn't one to shy away from breaking up the boys' club. She deals with a lot of pressure to keep the shop running right as well as plays referee when artists don't see eye to eye. B-Slam finds the dating pool dry in Chicago, but she is potentially on the lookout for something serious. B-Slam's ultimate goal is to expand her brand and find her voice outside of the 9MAG shadow.

After spending years under Ryan and his relentless management style, Charmaine broke away to start 2nd City Ink. She's a constant hustler who places a high value on family and loyalty. But recently, a falling-out with her business partner, the loss of her mother, the birth of her daughter during the pandemic and her dad's cancer diagnosis upended Charmaine's world and left her shop in jeopardy.

An entrepreneur, budding actor, renowned bodybuilder and family man, Don has reached a whole new level of success. As the journey toward fame and fortune continues, he is constantly dealing with the balance of his time-consuming business ventures and his family responsibilities. Family means everything to Don, but success needs sacrifice. How much can Don sacrifice to endure the duality of his demanding life?

When we last saw Draya, she was packing her things and preparing to leave Chicago, but a last-minute invitation to a tattoo competition in Atlanta rerouted her back home to Virginia, and she left the Chicago Crew behind. At the competition, Draya repped for Chi-Town and brought home victory for the team, establishing bonds with the 9MAG artists, namely Ryan. Her time in Atlanta made Draya rethink leaving Chicago and consider approaching Ryan to discuss the potential of her return to Chicago via 9MAG. With all the 2nd City drama behind her and wearing the crown of the city's most talented free agent, how does Draya move forward? Forever in search of belonging, Draya is constantly battling her negative nomadic feelings both professionally and personally. Professionally, Draya is looking for stability, while personally she is looking for those with accountability. Her journey will not stop until she identifies those who matter in her life and those who are pretenders.

Kitty has had a shaky experience thus far in Chicago, which has put her at odds with both Ryan and Charmaine. Moving forward, Kitty is attempting to make the best of her time in Chicago by pursuing some new goals and claiming success in her own right. Her dreams of becoming an actress (fueled by the possibility of training at Second City -- no, not that one!) and doubling down on her tattoo apprenticeship are at the top of her list of things to do. She is willing to give it her all, but if everything falls flat, she may have to seek other ventures, all the while driving a wedge between her and those once close to her in the tattoo world. The ultimate high-stakes decision may result in Kitty setting her sights overseas and jetting off to London for a fresh start with Steven.

Phor is experiencing challenges as a new father in a co-parenting situationship. Even though he has made it abundantly clear to everyone else he isn't in a relationship with Nina, it's unclear whether or not he plainly communicates that information to her. Still, Phor believes his days of finding true love are ahead of him, and he is exploring his options. As far as professionally, Phor is still grinding away in the music scene and exploring new ventures, one of which is opening a line of sex toys under the brand name Phorplay. Clearly, Phor thinks he can mix business and pleasure -- and plans to do so.

Prince is moving forward with his tattoo career as he takes his talents from 2nd City Ink to 9MAG. As he adapts to the professional atmosphere and executive clientele that comes with being a 9MAG artist, Prince must ensure his next move is a successful one. Even though he has cut ties with Miriah and is no longer going to become a new father, he still has responsibilities and loved ones who count on him. Between caring for his five-year-old son Prince Jr. and letting his nephew stay with him, Prince finds himself with the heavy responsibility of raising men while trying to perfect the man he is himself. Through faults of his own, Prince knows the streets of Chicago can make or break a young Black man, and he is determined to guide his son and nephew toward the right path.

Ryan hopes to reframe his personal and professional image after a tumultuous start to the season when his dirty laundry was aired out -- and his professional relationship with Charmaine was tested. Now, Ryan hits the reset button, which will sever old ties and bring new opportunities. After years of unhealthy back-and-forth with former partner Rachel and lots of therapy, Ryan entertains the idea of finding love once again. Apart from wanting to hit the dating scene, he is focused on the expansion of 9MAG and the elevation of his brand. As he continues to remove the toxicity of his past, he understands only one person stands in his way of glory: himself.

The acting lead artist and Ryan's closest ally at 9MAG, Shogun has made himself essential to the shop. As a peacemaker, it only makes sense Shogun has a great relationship with everyone in the Black Ink Crew. Shogun's professional ambitions are ambiguous, as he is mostly focused on his personal life with his long-term girlfriend and fellow 9MAG employee Stellz, and he is confident she is the one! 9MAG could be the future setting for wedding bells and a good old-fashioned love story.