Kid Ink -- Allen Iverson Inspired My Tattoo Obsession

Superstar rapper Kid Ink might not remember how many tattoos he has, but he tells TMZ Sports he remembers why he got them ... to be like NBA superstar Allen Iverson.

Ink was out in L.A. recently when we asked the "Main Chick" rapper which athlete has the best body art game of all time.

Watch the video -- Ink not only says A.I. is the best human canvas in the history of sports ... but also credits the guy for inspiring an entire generation of future tat-heads.