Contents
- 1 What does it mean to have a tattoo of a cross on your face
- 2 Does a teardrop tattoo mean
- 3 Can you tattoo under eye circles
What does it mean to have a tattoo of a cross on your face
HNHH examines gang tattoos and their relationship with hip-hop’s ever growing culture of ink. – In recent years, hip-hop artists have become more and more tatted as the trend continues to grow. Once upon a time, the average rapper may have had a few selective tats on their bodies, but it’s now a usual sight to see emcees with fully tatted chests, sleeves, backs and even tattoos on the face.
- Artists such as 50 Cent , Tyga , Lil Wayne and Wiz Khalifa  exhibit this perfectly;
- The choice of tattoo images is often personal, but many rappers have been influenced by the symbolic tats prevalent amongst gangs;
The relationship between gangs and hip-hop can be traced back to the emergence of the genre – the urban setting, often defined by crime, poverty and the struggle for financial security and survival, has resulted in a strong affiliation with the culture.
So it’s not completely surprising that rappers may choose to adopt gang tattoos, whether they’re directly affiliated or not. We can’t ignore the fact that there are probably a good portion of artists who’ve capitalized on gang culture to strengthen their street image.
 Many of the tats we’ve considered here display messages of strength, bravado, crime, achievement in the streets and identity. Hip-hop artists embody many of these messages, representing a culture that has been responsible for the growth of the genre.
Let us know who you think has the dopest hip-hop tattoos, y’all! Angel Wings Having angels wings tattooed on the body has become a popular design in mainstream tattoo culture today. However, in traditional gang culture, they have held the meaning of “sublimity”.
It also calls to mind the angel Gabriel, who is known in religion for being a messenger of God to the people. Ultimately, if you have this tattoo as a gangster, you’re showing that you do not fear death. In hip-hop, Pharrell Williams sports a renaissance-style angel on his neck, whilst the heavily-tatted Lil Wayne and Wiz Khalifa both have wings across their ribcage.
- Skulls Skull tattoos have various meanings, and has become highly favorable in many cultures;
- For gang members, it’s often worn by high-ranking members;
- It can also depict criminal accomplishment;
- Often, if the member has killed someone, the skull tattoo showcases them as a murderer;
Many rappers have had skulls tattooed on them within sleeves, but the late 2Pac Shakur had a standalone skulls and bones image on his right arm. Regional Pride Gangs are often strong on regional ties and where one was brought up. Tattooing the name of your city remains a popular choice to represent where you’re from.
Gang members have often not been shy to rep their city, even having their respective cities tattooed on their faces. Since the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry arose in the mid-nineties, regions have become key.
The Game is famous for his “Compton” tattoo across his torso, a place that many gang members represent proudly. 50 Cent had ” Southside ” tattooed across his back, whilst David Banner has “Mississippi” tattooed across his. Area Codes Of course another way to represent your city is to mark yourself up with your area code.
Area codes for cities and states have often been used as a method for identifying gangs. Los Angeles’ 213 and San Francisco’s 415 are quite commonly used. Drake keeps his connection with his native city of Toronto with the 416 code tattooed down his right side.
Wiz Khalifa also honors Pittsburgh with 412 across his chest. 3 Dots This is a very common tattoo seen on gang members in prison. Various interpretations of its meaning exist, but it is mostly known to translate to “mi vida loca” or “my crazy life”. The tattoo is often found on the hand or near the eye, which you may have noticed on Lil Wayne and Tyga.
The 3 dots tattoo is not connected to any specific gangs, but theories suggest it shows you have earned your place in a gang, whilst others say it has religious connotations of the holy trinity. Playing Cards A tattoo of playing cards on a gang member can represent someone who likes to gamble, both with cards as well as their lives.
Use of the individual suits are also said to have their own meanings â spades being the suit of thieves, clubs being a criminal suit, diamonds being an informant and hearts portraying a sexual symbol. Rapper Nelly sports a tattoo of a deck of cards held by a skeletal hand with his name spelt across them.
- Crosses & Crucifixes Large crosses and crucifixes are extremely popular tattoo choices, meaning different things to different people;
- The small cross on the head has its own separate meaning, but a crucifix or a cross often across the chest is thought to signify “The Prince Of Thieves”;
Gangs also tend to have tattoos of a crucified Christ, as inmates often draw comparison between their own experience and the oppression of Jesus. The cross tattoo is a popular choice amongst rappers, seen on 2Pac , Ludacris , YG and many more. The Crown This one is pretty self-explanatory.
A tattoo of a crown may often be found on gang leaders who wish to show that they are King. The Latin Kings gang are normally seen with a five-point crown tattoo. Other intricate detailing on the crown can have deeper significance.
One of some twenty tattoos on 2Pac ‘s body was a simple crown. The Spider Web The spider web tattoo is a very complex design which can have various meanings. A spider at the centre of the web shows that a gang member is committed to a criminal life. A spider that is crawling out of the web can mean that the member is trying to move away from such a lifestyle.
Other theories suggest that each web ring represents a year in prison. Dr. Dre made strong statements with his hand tattoos, which had a spider on a web in flames on his left, and spider on fire on his right.
It’s rumored that he’s had them removed, though. MOB This tattoo is alleged to be specific to the Bloods gang. Anyone with a MOB tattoo is making it known that they are a “Member of Blood”. However, there are rappers with this tattoo who have a different interpretation of the abbreviation.
Lil Wayne has MOB tattooed across his chest, which he says stands for “Money Over Bitches”. 2Pac also had the MOB tattoo, which may very well have stood for the same thing. As for Suge Knight’s, some allege his MOB tattoo may ally him with the Bloods.
The Forehead Cross The forehead cross has different meanings to different people, the most common being a symbol of God. Some theories also suggest that gang members will choose to have a small cross showing they are a convict or have served time in prison.
Kevin Gates has his stylized as a star. Amber Rose had her temporary tattoo upside down, which upset people, but it was simply a depiction of the cross of St. Peter, who didn’t think he deserved to be crucified.
The Teardrop This tattoo has several meanings. It’s mostly known for representing a killer counting his/her victims with every drop. However, it can have mixed representations, as it has also been said to signify losing a friend or a family member. It could mean an individual has done time in jail as well. Â Â.
What does a cross tattoo mean?
Cross tattoos can be a representation of your devotion to religion or faith. In Christianity, the cross is where Jesus died to save humanity, so it’s a significant symbol. Likewise, a cross tattoo can also mean unconditional love and sacrifice, as Jesus felt and did for the human race.
What does a star tattoo under the left eye mean?
Tattoos as Evidence FILE – This undated file booking photo from the Kansas Department of Corrections shows Jeffrey Chapman, charged with first-degree murder in the November 2011 killing of Damon Galliart, whose body was found by in a ditch southwest of Great Bend, Kan.
After his attorney claimed it would be prejudicial, Chapman will be allowed to wear a turtleneck to cover a tattoo on his neck of the word “murder” spelled backward when his trial begins in August 2014.
(AP Photo/Kansas Department of Corrections, File) HARTFORD, Conn. — Teardrops for murders. Spider webs for prison time. Penal code numbers for crimes committed. Criminals have long used tattoos as indelible ink on their own bodily rap sheet. And for just as long, police have used them as a way to identify suspects, a distinguishing characteristic to jog a memory or catch the public’s eye.
But only rarely does body art play a pivotal role as evidence posited as proof of wrongdoing. Prosecutors trying to convict former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez in a pair of homicide cases could try to use the one-time football star’s tattoos against him: They are seeking the artists who worked on Hernandez, saying they could be witnesses.
Criminal justice experts, however, say it’s hard for law enforcement to determine whether someone with a tattoo linked to a kind of crime actually did the deed. As Todd Bettencourt, a tattoo artist in North Attleborough, Massachusetts — the town where Hernandez was living at the time of the killings — said, “some people just get it because it’s cool.
- ” Much of Hernandez’s upper body is covered in tattoos: The open-mouthed face of a lion sits atop his right bicep, ringed by the words “It’s about the fight in you;” ”1989,” his birth year, spans the fingers of his left hand and a 10-word phrase favored by his father, “If it is to be it is up to me,” runs down his left forearm;
It is Hernandez’s right forearm that has piqued the interest of investigators, though they will not specify which design they have focused on. Hernandez is accused of fatally shooting two men — Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado — and wounding a third in Boston in July 2012. FILE – In this June 27, 2013, file photo, former New England Patriots NFL football player Aaron Hernandez stands during a bail hearing in Superior Court in Fall River, Mass. Hernandez is accused of three murders in Massachusetts. Investigators have appealed for information from tattoo artists who inked his right forearm, but won’t say which of Hernandezâs many tattoos prompted their appeal. Photos of Hernandez show he has had five stars and other tattoo work added to his right forearm over the past few years.
He also is charged in last year’s killing of Odin Lloyd, whose body was found near Hernandez’s home. And he is being sued by an associate who says Hernandez shot him in the eye in Miami last year. While many star tattoos have nothing to do with crime, they can sometimes be used to represent killings, said Kevin Waters, a criminal justice professor at Northern Michigan University and former agent with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.
“I would say the cops probably see the stars and know in some circles that a star does represent a kill and want a tattoo artist to come in and see if he (Hernandez) said anything about that,” Waters said. Every once in a while, criminal investigators do hit the jackpot. FILE – This undated file photo provided by the Los Angeles Sheriffâs department shows convicted murderer Anthony Garcia, sentenced to 65 years in prison in 2011 after a homicide investigator discovered he had the scene of an unsolved 2004 murder inked on his chest. In April, an Indiana judge ordered William Clyde Gibson to grow out his hair to cover a new tattoo — “Death Row X 3” — before the twice-convicted murderer went on trial for allegedly killing a third person. That same month in Kansas, Jeffrey Chapman was given permission to wear a turtleneck to cover a tattoo of the word “murder” spelled backward on his neck, amid concerns it would prejudice the jury at his upcoming murder trial.
- That was the case with Southern California gang member Anthony Garcia , who was convicted of murder and sentenced to 65 years in prison in 2011 after a homicide investigator discovered that Garcia had the scene of an unsolved 2004 murder inked on his chest;
In Hernandez’s case, officials said they have received several responses to their plea for information for tattoo artists who worked on him, but they wouldn’t elaborate. Boston police and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said the artists would be considered witnesses and are not accused of any wrongdoing.
Even if investigators do find the artists who created the tattoos they are interested in, it’s not clear they would talk. Artists say clients do often share personal information, but there is a split within the tattoo community about whether there is artist-client confidentiality.
Bettencourt, who said he never worked on Hernandez, said there are no clear rules and, besides, the stars on Hernandez’s arm could have been added just as part of a design to make the tattoo work appear fuller. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission..
What tattoo means killing someone?
Teardrop – What does a teardrop tattoo mean? Easily one of the most popular prison tattoos in popular culture, the teardrop tattoo actually has a less innocent meaning behind it. The meaning of teardrop tattoos can vary depending on the geography, but they all have the same premise: it symbolizes murder.
- A teardrop tattoo on the face means that the person has committed murder;
- A teardrop outline represents attempted murder, but it could also mean that the person has a friend who was murdered and that they are now currently seeking vengeance;
A filled in teardrop means a death has been avenged. If someone’s initials have been placed in the tear, it could be the name of that person who died. Other sources also indicate that a tear tattoo could mean remorse; one teardrop under the eye serves as a reminder to the person of a mistake. In some prisons, the meaning of teardrop tattoos differs depending on which side it is on. A teardrop tattoo on the left eye means that the person murdered someone in jail, and a teardrop tattoo on the right eye means the person lost a family or gang member to murder. In recent years, it’s become an extremely popular tattoo for rappers and celebrities in an effort to play up their “gangster” image.
Another, less popular symbolism for this prison tattoo is solidarity or support. An example could be the late Amy Winehouse’s ink, which the singer got soon after her husband Blake Fielder-Civil was sent to jail for perverting the course of justice.
The most recognizable name being Lil’ Wayne. Why does the rapper have four teardrop tattoos? The tatts reportedly symbolize the four loved ones he’s lost. Tear tattoos aren’t just done under the eyes. You can also find them on fingers. What is the meaning of a teardrop tattoo on a finger? It could mean dealing with a personal struggle.
What does a black heart under your eye mean?
What Does A Heart Tattoo On The Face Mean? – A heart tattoo on face is usually made as a broken heart. Many people get this tattoo when they lose a loved one or an important relationship in their life ends. The broken heart represents the loss and pain that comes with these things and is usually meant to symbolize a tear under the eye. .
Which way should my cross tattoo face?
Which direction should a wrist tattoo face? – Is the tattoo for you or for others? Is it for you to remember, or is it for others to see? If it’s a text tattoo or an image you want to look at every day for any reason (say a memorial tattoo or something religious), then I suggest orienting the design so that it always appears right-side-up to your eyes. A full panorama tattoo that wraps around the wrist.
What does the sideways cross mean?
RELIGIOUS MEANING – Many people consider the sideways cross to be a symbol of Jesus achieving salvation of his people. When his work was finished, the cross had been laid down, and he no longer had to carry the weight of the cross. Others believe that the cross symbolizes one’s choice to accept God and his teachings. .
What is the meaning of an inverted cross?
“Peter cross” redirects here. For the people of that name, see Peter Cross. “Inverted cross” redirects here. For the gymnastics move, see Rings (gymnastics). The Cross of Saint Peter or Petrine Cross is an inverted Latin cross , traditionally used as a Christian symbol , but in recent times also used as an anti-Christian symbol. In Christianity , it is associated with the martyrdom of Peter the Apostle. The symbol originates from the Catholic tradition that when sentenced to death, Peter requested that his cross be upside down, as he felt unworthy of being crucified in the same manner as Jesus.
What does tiny cross tattoo mean?
Hidden Crosses – In a smaller size, the cross tattoo is a good personal reminder of faith that can be hidden from other people’s eyes. These tats are adaptable to pretty much every part of your body. On your hands, you can place a small cross on the inside of your wrists or between your fingers.
- That way, it’s a small reminder you can access during the day, but won’t be seen by others unless you show it;
- Another common body part to place a cross tattoo is on the feet;
- The ankle or the top part of your foot can hide a minuscule or a slightly bigger illustration;
You won’t see it throughout most of your day, but you’ll know it’s there. Your b is also a good place to conceal a cross, especially if you place it so you can hide it by letting your hair loose. Some people even hide it closer to the hairline or behind the ear.
Does a teardrop tattoo mean
By C1 Staff Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. And sometimes, inmates make it easy to know exactly what they’ve been up to through the use of tattoos. Here are 15 tattoos and their secret meanings. Know a different meaning for the tattoos displayed here? Share it in the comments. 1488 (Photo freetattoodesigns. org) This number can be found on white supremacist/Nazi inmates. The numbers 14 or 88 on their own can also be used, which sometimes creates confusion. Fourteen represents fourteen words, which are a quote by Nazi leader David Lane: “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for White Children.
Be sure to check out more of our coverage on prison tattoos, including 15 more prison tattoos and their meanings , 12 Russian prison tattoos and their meanings , and a collection of inmate takes on prison ink.
” The 88 is shorthand for the 8 th letter of the alphabet twice, HH, which represents Heil Hitler. Typically, these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body. The Cobweb (Photo Timeless Tattoos Glasglow) Cobwebs typically represent a lengthy term in prison. The symbolism is associated with spiders trapping prey; or criminals trapped behind bars. This tattoo is commonly found on the elbow, signifying sitting around so long with your elbows on the table that a spider made a web on your elbow, though it can also be located on the neck. Teardrop (Photo trendfashion2013) One of the most widely recognized prison tattoos, the teardrop’s meaning varies geographically. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder. It can also mean that one of the inmate’s friends was murdered and that they are seeking revenge.
If you see a multi-colored web, it’s probably not a prison tattoo; tattoo ‘artists’ in jail rarely have access to colored ink. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons.
Those who are newbies behind bars with a teardrop tattoo will make a lot of enemies, fast. Five-point crown (Photo Gwan Soon Lee Tattoo) This is the symbol of the Latin Kings gang, which is one of the biggest Hispanic gangs in the U. based out of Chicago. The crown will often be accompanied by the letters ALKN, which stands for Almighty Latin Kings Nation. The five points are due to the Latin Kings being an affiliate of the People Nation gang, which is represented by the number five. Latin Kings have a huge presence both in and out of prison, and their roots go back to the 1940s. Three dots (Photo Whiserkino) The three dots tattoo is a common prison tattoo that represents “mi vida loca,” or “my crazy life. ” It’s not associated with any particular gang, but with the gang lifestyle itself. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes. It can also carry some religious significance, such as representing Christianity’s holy trinity. The three dot tattoo is often created using a stick-and-poke method, requiring very rudimentary tools. Five dots (Photo My Sarisari Store) These dots differ greatly from the previous tattoo – five dots represents time done in prison. Also known as the quincunx, the four dots on the outside represent four walls, with the fifth on the inside representing the prisoner. This tattoo can be found internationally, among both American and European inmates. The dots are typically found on an inmate’s hand, between the thumb and forefinger. The clock with no hands (Photo Tattoo Me Pink) This tattoo is, fairly obviously, representative of ‘doing time’ and doing a lot of it. Those serving a longer sentence might get this tattoo done on their wrist, with watch straps and all, much like a real watch. The clock face itself can come in a few forms, such as the face of a wall clock or a grandfather clock. Not all clock tattoos are tied to prison; generally just the ones lacking hands. Aryan Brotherhood (Photo Media Lib) This prison gang has a variety of tattoos to look out for, ranging from ‘AB’ to Nazi symbols like a swastika or SS bolts. The Brotherhood makes up 1 percent of the inmate population, but are responsible for 20 percent of murders inside of U. prisons, so identifying these tattoos are extremely beneficial. The tattoos can also be referred to as Alice Baker, the One-Two, or The Brand. Norte ñ o (Photo Know Gangs) Norteño tattoos represent the Nuestra Familia gang, which is associated with Hispanic gangs in Northern California. Their tattoos include the word Norteño, Nuestra Familia, a sombrero symbol, the letter N or the number 14, symbolizing the 14 th letter of the alphabet (yup – the letter N). The Norteños are rivals of the Suerños, Hispanic gangs based out of Southern California.
- Other details of the crown, such as the colors of the jewels in the points, can have a whole other level of hidden meanings;
- Five dots on other parts of the body can have different meanings, such as an association with the People Nation gang;
The unofficial dividing line between the two is in Delano, California. The Norteños identify themselves with red bandanas and mainly get their income from smuggling and distributing cocaine, heroin and meth. La Eme (Photo Police Mag) ‘La Eme,’ or The M, is the symbol of the Mexican Mafia. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U. They’re allied with the Aryan Brotherhood, and have a common enemy in the Nuestra Familia. La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons. MS 13 (Photo Wikimedia) The MS 13, also sometimes seen just as MS or 13, is a symbol of the Mara Salvatrucha gang from El Salvador. Typically these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body, but are most often found in highly visible places like the face, hands or neck. LA Mara Salvatrucha was started in the Los Angeles area by El Salvadoran immigrants. There are now MS-13 chapters all over the U. Playing cards (Photo Tattos Time) Playing cards, or suits of the deck in general, usually indicate an inmate who likes to gamble. This applies to gambling games both within prison and without; it can also represent a person who generally views life as a gamble. This tattoo is very popular in Russian prisons, where each deck has its own meaning. A spade represents a thief; clubs symbolize criminals in general.
- La Eme is a Sureño gang, belonging to a large affiliation of Hispanic gangs in Southern California;
- and even in Canada;
- Their industries range from dealing drugs to child prostitution;
- Diamonds are reserved for stoolpigeons and informants – if the cards have this deck, then it was likely applied with force;
Hearts imply that someone is looking for a romantic partner in the prison, which may also be forcibly applied. EWMN (Photo Turner) These letters stand for ‘Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty. ‘ Having no particular affiliation with any gang, they simply represent the general disposition of some prison inmates. Typically found on the knuckles, these types of tattoos were popularized in 1955 by Robert Mitchum in ‘The Night of the Hunter. ‘ His sociopathic preacher character had the words ‘love’ and ‘hate’ tattooed on the knuckles of each hand, which has brought about other variants such as ‘Rock/Roll’ and ‘Stay/Down. ‘ Cross on the chest (Photo Adimaz) Particularly found in Russian prisons, chest tattoos symbolize a ‘Prince of Thieves. ‘ This is the highest rank a Russian convict can achieve, and are generally worn by higher-ups in the mob. Russian prisons have a unique and intricate history of prison tattoos, each with their own unique meaning. Another example are bells, symbolizing freedom, or a tiger on the chest is symbolic of aggression toward the police. A. (Photo SAS) This acronym is commonly found on the bodies of British prisoners and stands for “All Cops Are Bastards. ” Some claim that A. also stands for “Always Carry A Bible,” but these are widely believed to be people who regret their tattoo decision.
What does 3 dot tattoo mean?
The Bottom Line – Ultimately, the real meaning of the three dots tattoo is up to you. It’s your interpretation that counts. It doesn’t matter if everyone else gets the same tattoo, but the location, placement, and the story behind it is what matters. If you want a creative and long-lasting tattoo, we are happy to help you.
Can you tattoo under eye circles
– Getting permanent makeup or a cosmetic tattoo involves much the same process as getting a tattoo on any other part of your body. The difference lies in the fact that permanent concealer typically involves color pigments designed to match your skin tone.
Tattooing this pigment underneath your eyes can help conceal dark circles — for a time. Even though the tattoos themselves are permanent, the pigments used can oxidize and eventually change color, explains Dr.
Anna Guanche , a board certified dermatologist and celebrity beauty expert in Los Angeles.