Drake, the globally recognized rapper and songwriter hailing from Toronto, is as famous for his extensive tattoo collection as he is for his chart-topping music. Covered in over 55 tattoos, each piece of ink on Drake’s body tells a unique story, reflecting his personal journey, inspirations, and values. From tributes to his musical mentors and family to symbols of his hometown and career milestones, Drake’s tattoos offer a fascinating glimpse into the life and mind of this iconic artist.
Since his debut album in 2010, Drake has steadily built his collection, showcasing designs that range from the iconic OVO Sound owl to portraits of admired figures like Aaliyah and Sade. Even a seemingly simple Drakkar Noir cologne bottle tattoo carries a story from his early online presence. In a more recent addition that sparked conversation, Drake revealed a face tattoo in November 2023, proving his commitment to body art remains as strong as ever.
Drake performing onstage displaying tattoos
Drake’s extensive tattoos are prominently displayed as he performs. His body art is a significant aspect of his public persona, sparking discussions about their meanings and artistic value.
Let’s delve into the world of Drake’s tattoos, exploring the meanings and stories behind some of his most notable pieces.
Face Tattoos: “Miskeen” and SG Initials
Drake’s face tattoos have definitely captured public attention, particularly his recent “miskeen” tattoo above his right eyebrow. Debuted in November 2023, “miskeen” is a slang term from his Toronto background, meaning “sweet and innocent.” However, the word also translates to “poor” or “pathetic” in Arabic, leading to varied interpretations and fan discussions about the intended meaning of this eyebrow tattoo.
Prior to “miskeen,” Drake got “SG” tattooed under his left eye in 2022. These are the initials of his mother, Sandra Gayle Graham, a touching tribute to a hugely important figure in his life, permanently etched in a very visible location. Face tattoos are a bold statement, and Drake using this space to honor his mother speaks volumes about their relationship.
Drake's "miskeen" face tattoo
Close-up of Drake’s face tattoo “miskeen” above his eyebrow. This recent addition has sparked debate due to its dual meanings and placement, adding to the intrigue surrounding Drake’s tattoo choices.
Rihanna Inspired Ink: Shark and the Ice Cream Woman
Drake’s past relationship (or situationship) with Rihanna has been heavily scrutinized, and naturally, some of his tattoos are speculated to be connected to the Barbadian singer. Notably, Drake sports a camouflage shark tattoo on his inner arm. Adding to the speculation, Rihanna previously had a matching shark tattoo on her ankle. While Rihanna has since covered hers with a crown, the shared shark imagery, reportedly inspired by a stuffed animal Drake gifted her, strongly suggests a connection to their time together.
Another tattoo fueling romance rumors is the image of a woman eating ice cream on Drake’s arm. Many fans believe this cartoon-style tattoo is a portrait of Rihanna, although this has never been officially confirmed. Regardless of its true inspiration, the ice cream tattoo is a whimsical and unique piece in Drake’s collection.
Drake’s camouflage shark tattoo is visible on his inner arm during a performance. The shark design is heavily linked to Rihanna, adding a layer of personal history and speculation to his body art.
Family and Friends Tattoos: Portraits and Homages
Family and close friends are clearly paramount in Drake’s life, reflected in the numerous tattoos dedicated to them. Beyond his mother’s initials on his face, Drake has a larger portrait of Sandra Gayle Graham on his back, positioned alongside tattoos of his grandmother and uncle. In a more humorous and unconventional tribute, he also has his father, Dennis Graham’s, mugshot tattooed on his back. Dennis reciprocated this gesture with a large tattoo portrait of Drake himself, showcasing a playful family dynamic.
His son, Adonis, is also permanently marked on Drake’s skin with his name tattooed on his right arm. Furthermore, Drake honors his friends and role models with portraits of Lil Wayne, LeBron James, and Denzel Washington. A particularly poignant tattoo is dedicated to his late friend Anthony “Fif” Soares, who was tragically murdered in 2017, demonstrating the depth of Drake’s loyalty and remembrance.
Drake on stage, revealing tattoos dedicated to his family and friends. These portrait tattoos are a testament to the importance of personal relationships in Drake’s life and artistry.
Tattoos of Important Figures: Musical Icons and Sade
Drake’s admiration for other artists, especially female musicians, is evident in his tattoos. He has two portraits of the iconic singer Sade, one accompanied by her handwriting – a signed poster she gifted him for his birthday after they met at one of his concerts. This highlights his genuine appreciation for Sade’s artistry and her personal connection with him.
Aaliyah, the late R&B icon who tragically passed away in 2001, is also memorialized with a back tattoo. Drake got this tattoo in 2011, signifying a long-standing respect and influence from Aaliyah’s music and legacy. However, not every female artist is keen on being immortalized on Drake’s skin. Celine Dion famously and humorously pleaded with Drake not to get a tattoo of her face, showcasing the sometimes-unintended reactions to Drake’s tattoo plans.
Drake's Sade tattoos showcased on Instagram
Instagram image showing Drake’s two tattoos of Sade, a testament to his admiration for the iconic singer. These tattoos underscore Drake’s appreciation for female artists and their influence on him.
Nature-Inspired Tattoos: Owls, Lions, and Flowers
Nature imagery features prominently in Drake’s tattoos, often intertwined with his career and brand. The owl is a recurring motif, most notably the large owl on his back, which represents OVO Sound (October’s Very Own), his record label and brand. This owl symbol is deeply embedded in his identity, extending even to a custom-made 100-carat diamond owl necklace.
He also has a tree tattoo, a lion’s head with “Oktober Lejonhjärta” (October Lionheart in Swedish), songbirds, and a hibiscus flower with a bee, the latter commemorating his album “More Life” from 2017. These nature-themed tattoos add an artistic and symbolic layer to his overall collection, often connecting back to personal milestones and his brand.
Drake performing with owl imagery visible, linking to his OVO brand
Drake performing, highlighting owl-themed imagery related to his OVO brand. The owl tattoo is not just body art but a symbol deeply integrated into his professional and personal identity.
Music and Career Tattoos: Beatles and “Unruly”
Drake’s musical journey is etched into his skin with several music-related tattoos. One of the most talked-about is his Beatles tattoo, a large piece depicting Drake leading the Beatles across Abbey Road. While some criticized it as arrogant, it’s interpreted as a statement of his own legendary status in the music industry.
He also has lyrics from Lil Wayne’s song “If I Die Today (John)” tattooed next to his owl, along with abbreviations representing his career milestones: “atf” (All Things Fresh – his former fansite), “ovo,” “ymcmb” (Young Money Cash Money Billionaires), and “reps up” (Reps-Up Records). Another music tribute is a flaming skull with “unruly,” a nod to Popcaan, signed to OVO Sound. These tattoos document his musical evolution, collaborations, and affiliations within the industry.
Drake revealing his Beatles tattoo on Instagram
Drake showcases his controversial Beatles tattoo on Instagram. This tattoo sparked debate about its meaning and Drake’s perception of his own place in music history.
Toronto Pride Tattoos: 416, CN Tower, and Compass
As a proud Torontonian, Drake has multiple tattoos dedicated to his hometown. He sports “416,” Toronto’s area code (and “6,” a shortened version), and the CN Tower, an iconic Toronto landmark. A compass tattoo on his bicep with “E” for the East side further emphasizes his Toronto roots. These tattoos are more than just geographical markers; they represent his identity and loyalty to the city that shaped him.
Drake performing with Toronto-related tattoos visible
Drake performing, showing tattoos that represent his hometown of Toronto. These tattoos are a symbol of his strong connection and pride in his city of origin.
Sports Tattoos: Teams and Player Numbers
Sports are another significant aspect of Drake’s life, reflected in tattoos of his favorite teams: Toronto Raptors, Houston Astros, and Kentucky Wildcats. He also has tattoos honoring his friends in the sports world, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, with their Golden State Warriors jersey numbers 30 and 35 tattooed below his compass. These sports tattoos indicate his passions outside of music and his connections with prominent athletes.
Drake's "H" tattoo for Houston Astros visible on Instagram
Close-up of Drake’s “H” tattoo, representing the Houston Astros. His sports tattoos reflect his interests beyond music and his engagement with the sports world.
Miscellaneous and Unique Tattoos: Drakkar Noir and Eye of Horus
Among Drake’s more unique tattoos is a Drakkar Noir cologne bottle, a nod to his former Twitter handle @drakkardnoir. This seemingly random tattoo is a throwback to his early online persona and a bit of internet history. “EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON SWEET THING,” is another unusual tattoo, inked upside down on his inner arm, its exact personal meaning remaining private.
He also has an Eye of Horus tattoo, an Egyptian symbol representing protection, good luck, healing, and power. This tattoo adds a layer of ancient symbolism to his collection, perhaps reflecting a desire for protection and positive energy.
Drake's Drakkar Noir cologne bottle tattoo
Drake’s Drakkar Noir cologne tattoo, a quirky and recognizable piece. This tattoo is a humorous and nostalgic reference to his online origins and persona.
In conclusion, Drake’s tattoos are far more than just decorative body art. They are a visual autobiography, mapping his personal history, influences, loyalties, and beliefs onto his skin. Each tattoo tells a story, contributing to the rich tapestry of Drake’s public and private identity, making him one of the most inked and intriguing figures in contemporary music.
