Tupac Shakur, a name synonymous with rap royalty and profound social commentary, was as outspoken in his music and life as he was in the indelible ink that adorned his body. His tattoos weren’t mere decorations; they were powerful statements, visual representations of his beliefs, struggles, and philosophies. For fans and those intrigued by tattoo symbolism, 2Pac’s body art offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a legend. This article delves into the meanings behind each of 2Pac’s tattoos, exploring the stories and significance woven into his skin.
The Chest Tattoos: Legacy and Love
2Pac’s chest served as a canvas for some of his most personal and meaningful tattoos, reflecting both his identity and his deep familial connections.
“2Pac” – The First Mark
Located on the left side of his chest, the simple inscription “2Pac” was his first foray into the world of tattoos, acquired at the young age of 18.
2Pac's "2Pac" chest tattoo, a straightforward inscription of his stage name.
Meaning: Born Lesane Parish Crooks, he was renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur by his mother, Afeni Shakur. “Tupac Amaru” honors Tupac Amaru II, the last Incan emperor, symbolizing revolution and strength. This tattoo, his first stage name, was a declaration of his new identity and the path he was choosing.
Nefertiti – A Tribute to Mother
Positioned on his right chest, the regal image of Queen Nefertiti, an Egyptian queen renowned for her beauty and power, is accompanied by the phrase “2 Die 4”.
2Pac's Nefertiti tattoo on his right chest, symbolizing black queen and maternal love.
Meaning: This tattoo is a powerful homage to his mother, Afeni Shakur. Queen Nefertiti embodies black excellence, grace, and strength, qualities 2Pac deeply admired in his mother, a former Black Panther. The phrase “2 Die 4” originates from a lyric in his song “Something 2 Die 4,” from the album Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z…, reflecting his mother’s impactful words: “If ya can’t find something to live for…. then you BEST, find something ta die for.”
“50 Niggaz” – Unity and Strength
Below his chest, the bold declaration “50 Niggaz” spoke to 2Pac’s vision of collective power and solidarity.
2Pac's "50 Niggaz" tattoo below his chest, representing black unity across states.
Meaning: This tattoo represents black unity on a national scale. 2Pac envisioned a scenario where “one black person from every state” uniting would create an unstoppable force, “stronger than an AK-47.” This concept of unity is echoed in his song “Holla at Me,” where he expresses the desire for “members across tha fifty states.” His stepbrother, Mopreme Shakur, explained that this tattoo, conceived with him and friend Mouse Man, symbolized a movement that later “morphed into Thug Life.”
The Stomach Tattoos: Defining a Movement
2Pac’s stomach became the canvas for his most iconic and controversial tattoo, encapsulating a complex philosophy that continues to resonate.
“Thug Life” – More Than Just Words
Spanning his stomach, the infamous “Thug Life” tattoo, with the “I” replaced by a bullet, became a defining symbol of 2Pac and a generation. He got this tattoo in December 1992 at Dago’s Tattoo in Houston.
2Pac's "Thug Life" tattoo across his stomach, an iconic and controversial statement.
Meaning: “Thug Life” is an acronym: “The Hate U Give Little Infants Fucks Everybody.” This powerful message highlights the cyclical nature of poverty, systemic oppression, and violence, suggesting that societal neglect breeds a destructive cycle. Despite misinterpretations, 2Pac and his associates, including Mopreme Shakur, emphasized that “Thug Life” was “really supposed to be about saving thugs’ lives.” In late 1993, 2Pac formed the group Thug Life, reinforcing his commitment to this philosophy.
The Back Tattoos: Duality and Faith
2Pac’s back tattoos were elaborate and deeply symbolic, exploring themes of duality, faith, and his complex worldview.
Celtic Cross and “Exodus 18:11” – Faith and Rebellion
A massive Celtic Cross dominated his back, a symbol of faith intertwined with a cryptic biblical reference, “Exodus 18:11”.
2Pac's Celtic Cross back tattoo with "Exodus 18:11," a complex symbol of faith and interpretation.
Meaning: The Celtic Cross, often referred to as the “Tupac Cross,” was chosen as a symbol he wanted to carry “for the rest of his life,” according to tattoo artist Dennis “Dago” Coelho. The inscription “Exodus 18:11” is intriguing, as verse 31 doesn’t exist in Exodus 18. One interpretation suggests a connection to Exodus 18:11, which reads: “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.” Another compelling theory links “1831” to the Nat Turner rebellion, a significant slave revolt in 1831. This interpretation would imbue the cross with themes of rebellion against injustice, alongside faith. Regardless of the exact verse, the “Exodus” reference and the cross together represent faith, struggle against oppression, and the idea of a mass departure from injustice.
“Fuck the World” – Anger and Defiance
Below his neck, across his shoulders, the stark phrase “Fuck the World” expressed raw anger and disillusionment.
2Pac's "Fuck the World" tattoo across his shoulders, a raw expression of anger and defiance.
Meaning: This tattoo, also the title of a track from his Me Against the World album, released in 1995, was a visceral reaction to feeling persecuted and misunderstood by the world. Reflecting the tumultuous nature of his life, this tattoo served as a permanent expression of his anger and defiance against perceived injustices and betrayals.
“Smile Now, Cry Later” – The Duality of Life
On either side of his back, the classic theatrical masks of comedy and tragedy, accompanied by “Smile Now” and “Cry Later,” illustrated the contrasting facets of life.
2Pac's "Smile Now, Cry Later" back tattoos, representing life's duality of joy and sorrow.
Meaning: These masks, symbols of ancient Greek theatre, represent the duality of human experience – joy and sorrow, happiness and pain. 2Pac’s interpretation, as reflected in Scarface’s song “Smile” featuring 2Pac, emphasizes maintaining humor and resilience amidst hardship: “You gotta keep a sense of humor / Gotta be able to smile through all this bullshit.”
“Ballin'” – Success and Slang
Lower on his back, the tattoo “Ballin'” represented a slang term for success and living lavishly.
Meaning: “Ballin’,” a slang term prevalent in the black community, derived from “having a ball,” signifies living a successful and affluent lifestyle. This tattoo, also the title of a track on his Thug Life: Volume 1 album, celebrated success on his own terms.
The Arm Tattoos: Power, Loyalty, and Philosophy
2Pac’s arms were adorned with tattoos that spoke to his personal philosophies, loyalties, and reflections on life and death.
Panther Head – Black Power Tribute
On his left arm, a Panther Head tattoo paid tribute to the Black Panther Party and his family’s involvement.
2Pac's Panther Head tattoo on his left arm, honoring the Black Panther Party.
Meaning: The Black Panther Party, of which his mother Afeni Shakur was an active member, was dedicated to black empowerment and justice. The Panther symbol represents power, strength, and resistance. This tattoo was a clear homage to his mother’s activism and the broader Black Power movement.
Jesus and “Only God Can Judge Me” – Faith and Accountability
On his left bicep, an image of Jesus on a burning cross, crowned with thorns, accompanied the powerful declaration “Only God Can Judge Me.”
2Pac's Jesus and "Only God Can Judge Me" tattoo on his left bicep, expressing faith and personal accountability.
Meaning: This tattoo embodies 2Pac’s spiritual beliefs and his sense of ultimate accountability. He believed he answered only to God, not to societal judgment. This sentiment is further emphasized by his song “Only God Can Judge Me” from the All Eyez On Me album.
“Outlaw” – Brotherhood and Rebellion
Also on his left arm, “Outlaw” represented his group and a rebellious spirit.
2Pac's "Outlaw" tattoo on his left arm, representing his group and rebellious nature.
Meaning: “Outlaw,” an acronym for “Operating Under Thug Laws As Warriors,” represented his hip-hop group Outlawz, formed after his release from prison in 1995. This tattoo symbolized brotherhood, loyalty, and a defiance of conventional norms.
“Be Ambitious With Love While Young” – A Life Philosophy
On his upper right arm, an intricate tattoo with scales, a baby, gold, and cursive writing conveyed the message “Be Ambitious With Love While Young.”
Detailed illustration and close-up of 2Pac's "Be Ambitious With Love While Young" tattoo on his right shoulder, depicting his life philosophy.
Meaning: This complex tattoo encapsulates 2Pac’s philosophy of balancing ambition with love, especially in youth. The scales, with a baby on one side and gold on the other, represent youth and fortune, balanced by love and ambition. The “goon” figure holding the scales, with a dollar sign beanie, symbolizes the pursuit of wealth, while the bandana suggests a more hardened, “hustler” aspect.
Skull and Crossbones with “HEARTLESS” and Reincarnation Quote – Mortality and Memory
On his right shoulder, a Skull and Crossbones tattoo with “HEARTLESS” above and “My only fear of death is coming back reincarnated” below explored themes of mortality and remembrance.
Meaning: The “HEARTLESS” inscription was a tribute to his deceased friend “Stretch” from Live Squad. The Skull and Crossbones, a classic symbol of death, is juxtaposed with the introspective quote about reincarnation, revealing 2Pac’s contemplation of mortality and the afterlife.
“NOTORIOUS” – Remembering a Friend
On his right forearm, “NOTORIOUS” in Old English font served as a memorial.
2Pac's "NOTORIOUS" tattoo on his right forearm, a tribute to his friend Big Kato.
Meaning: This tattoo was dedicated to his close friend Big Kato, who was murdered in 1993. “Notorious,” meaning famous for negative reasons, might reflect the dangerous circumstances surrounding his friend’s death and the harsh realities of their environment.
“MOB” – Loyalty and Business
On the back of his right arm, “MOB” represented a multifaceted concept.
2Pac's "MOB" tattoo on the back of his right arm, signifying Money Over Bitches or Money, Organization, Business.
Meaning: Initially interpreted as “Money Over Bitches,” 2Pac later expanded the meaning of “MOB” to “Money, Organization, and Business.” This evolution reflects his growing understanding of business and strategy, alongside themes of loyalty and prioritizing financial success.
“TRUST NOBODY” – Paranoia and Betrayal
On his inner right forearm, a crown with “Trust Nobody” reflected a growing sense of paranoia and distrust.
2Pac's "TRUST NOBODY" tattoo on his inner right forearm, expressing paranoia and distrust.
Meaning: Acquired in 1995 after the Quad Studios shooting and his subsequent imprisonment, this tattoo embodies the paranoia and betrayal 2Pac felt. The crown, a symbol of power, is ironically paired with “Trust Nobody,” highlighting a sense of isolation and vulnerability even at the height of his fame.
The Neck Tattoos: Aliases and Ambition
2Pac’s neck tattoos were concise yet impactful, representing his evolving persona and aspirations.
“Makaveli” – The Rebirth
On the right side of his neck, “Makaveli” marked a significant shift in his artistic identity.
Meaning: Makaveli was 2Pac’s alias, adopted for his The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory album. Inspired by Niccolò Machiavelli, the Renaissance philosopher known for The Prince and his theories on political strategy and deception, “Makaveli” represented a calculated and strategic persona, perhaps reflecting a desire for control and survival in a hostile environment.
“Boss Playaz” – The Ultimate Level
On the back of his neck, “Boss Playaz” with a three-point crown signified his concept of elevated status and leadership.
2Pac's "Boss Playaz" tattoo on the back of his neck, representing leadership and elevated status.
Meaning: “Boss Playa,” according to 2Pac, was the evolved state beyond a “thug nigga.” It represented a “thinker, a leader, a builder, a moneymaker, a Soulja, a teacher and most of all a man!” This tattoo symbolized aspiration, leadership, and achieving a higher level of influence and respect.
The Forearm Tattoo: Love and Devotion
“DADA” – A Token of Love
On his inner left forearm, “DADA” with a crown was believed to be a dedication to his fiancée, Kidada Jones.
2Pac's "DADA" tattoo on his inner left forearm, believed to be a dedication to Kidada Jones.
Meaning: “DADA” is believed to be a term of endearment for Kidada Jones, daughter of Quincy Jones. This tattoo, placed near his heart, was a symbol of his love and commitment to her.
Conclusion: 2Pac’s Tattoo Legacy
2Pac’s tattoos were far more than skin deep. They were a visual autobiography, chronicling his beliefs, struggles, loves, and philosophies. Each tattoo tells a story, contributing to the rich tapestry of his life and artistry. For fans and those interested in tattoo art, 2Pac’s ink remains a powerful and enduring testament to a complex and influential figure. His tattoos continue to inspire and provoke thought, solidifying his legacy as not just a rap icon, but a cultural symbol whose messages are etched in history – and on his skin.
