Ruby da Cherry's diverse tattoos
Aristos Petrou, globally recognized as Ruby da Cherry, stands as a pivotal figure in contemporary hip-hop. Co-founder of the groundbreaking duo Suicideboys alongside $crim, Ruby has captivated audiences worldwide with their raw soundscapes and intensely personal lyrics, initially emerging from the depths of SoundCloud. Suicideboys have amassed an extensive discography, boasting over 40 albums, mixtapes, and singles, solidifying their place in the music industry under the G59 Records banner. Beyond his stage moniker, Ruby is also known by aliases like Suicide Leopard and Oddy Nuff da Snow Leopard. His body is a canvas filled with a vast array of tattoos, ranging from the intriguing to the unconventional. This article delves into the world of Ruby da Cherry’s tattoos, exploring the meanings and stories behind the ink that adorns his skin, offering fans and tattoo enthusiasts alike a comprehensive guide to his body art. We will dissect the symbolism embedded in his diverse collection, providing insights into the mind of this influential artist through the lens of his striking Suicideboys Tattoos.
Decoding Ruby da Cherry’s Left Arm Tattoos
Ruby da Cherry’s left arm is a vibrant tapestry of ink, each tattoo telling a part of his story. From tributes to personal beliefs, the artwork here is both eclectic and deeply meaningful.
1. Lil Peep Tribute Bird Tattoo
Ruby da Cherry's bird tattoo dedicated to Lil Peep
Tattooed on his left forearm, near the wrist, is a poignant image of a small bird. This isn’t just any bird; it’s depicted crying and clutching a banner in its claws that reads “CRY BABY.”
Meaning: This tattoo serves as a heartfelt tribute to the late Lil Peep. Lil Peep, a contemporary and fellow artist known for blending emo and rap influences, often used the phrase and imagery of “Crybaby.” Ruby’s tattoo is a clear homage to Lil Peep’s legacy and a symbol of respect within the music community, reflecting shared themes of vulnerability and emotional expression present in both artists’ work.
2. “7 WARD” Mercedes Car Tattoo
Positioned on the upper side of his left hand is a tattoo featuring a classic Mercedes car. Above this vintage vehicle, the words “7 WARD” are inked.
Meaning: While the exact meaning remains somewhat ambiguous, “7 WARD” likely refers to the 7th Ward of New Orleans, the city that heavily influences Suicideboys’ music and aesthetics. The Mercedes car could symbolize classic New Orleans culture or perhaps a more personal connection to that specific ward. It’s a geographical marker and potentially a nod to his roots and the environment that shaped his artistic identity.
3. Eiffel Tower Tattoo
A prominent tattoo of the Eiffel Tower is located on the inner side of Ruby’s left forearm.
Ruby da Cherry's Eiffel Tower tattoo on his forearm
Meaning: The Eiffel Tower tattoo is a symbol of Paris, often associated with romance, beauty, and travel. For Ruby, it might represent a personal affinity for Paris or France, perhaps reflecting aspirations, travel memories, or simply an appreciation for the iconic landmark. Without explicit confirmation, interpretations remain open, but it adds a touch of global iconography to his collection.
4. Sinking Ship Tattoo
Adjacent to the bird tattoo and also on the upper side of his left forearm, near the wrist, is a depiction of a ship in the process of sinking.
Meaning: The meaning of the sinking ship tattoo remains unconfirmed by Ruby. However, sinking ships are often symbolic of struggle, failure, or overcoming adversity. In the context of Suicideboys’ often dark and introspective themes, this tattoo could represent personal battles, overcoming difficult times, or the transient nature of life and success. It adds a layer of somber reflection to his arm sleeve.
5. Housefly Tattoo with Eggs
Inked on his left forearm is a housefly tattoo, accompanied by three small eggs positioned below it.
Meaning: Houseflies are often associated with decay, dirt, and the unpleasant aspects of life. In tattoo symbolism, they can represent resilience in harsh environments or an acceptance of the grittier side of reality. The eggs might symbolize reproduction, infestation, or the cyclical nature of life and decay. This tattoo aligns with the often gritty and unapologetically raw aesthetic of Suicideboys’ music, embracing darker themes and confronting unpleasant truths.
6. Mosquito Tattoo
Another insect joins the menagerie on Ruby’s left forearm – a mosquito tattoo, located on the lower side.
Meaning: Mosquitoes are typically seen as pests, associated with irritation, disease, and annoyance. A mosquito tattoo could symbolize being a nuisance, attracting unwanted attention, or perhaps even representing the blood-sucking nature of certain aspects of the music industry or life in general. It’s another example of Ruby embracing less conventional and somewhat negative imagery in his tattoos, adding to the overall edgy and unconventional feel.
7. Roach Tattoos
Ruby sports not one, but two roach tattoos on his left arm. One is on his hand, and the other is on the outer side of his forearm, close to his skeleton tattoo.
Ruby da Cherry's roach tattoos on his left arm
Meaning: Cockroaches are symbols of survival, resilience, and persistence, often associated with their ability to survive in harsh conditions. In tattoo art, roaches can represent overcoming adversity, being a survivor, or even embracing the unwanted and overlooked aspects of life. Given Suicideboys’ themes of struggle and overcoming hardship, the roach tattoos fit into this narrative, symbolizing their own journey and resilience in the face of challenges.
8. Praying Skeleton Tattoo
A striking skeleton tattoo is inked on the side of Ruby’s left forearm, just below his elbow. This skeleton is unique, depicted kneeling with hands clasped in prayer. Above it, you can spot one of his roach tattoos.
Meaning: This skeleton tattoo is particularly significant. While skeletons can symbolize death and mortality, the praying pose dramatically shifts the meaning. It represents Ruby’s perspective on how faith and spirituality, perhaps not necessarily within a conventional religious framework, helped him navigate through difficult times, including his past suicidal ideation. It’s a powerful symbol of hope and finding solace in something greater than oneself, contrasting with the darker imagery of some of his other tattoos. This tattoo directly addresses the band’s name and the real-life struggles Ruby has faced.
9. Ruins Tattoo
Near his wrist on the side of his left forearm, Ruby has a tattoo of broken pieces, resembling ruins.
Meaning: Ruins often symbolize decay, the passage of time, and the impermanence of things. However, they can also represent rebuilding and finding beauty in destruction. For Ruby, this tattoo might reflect the idea that even from broken pieces, something new can emerge. It could symbolize personal growth through hardship or the beauty found within decay, a recurring theme in Suicideboys’ work.
10. Screaming Monster Tattoo
The upper side of Ruby’s left forearm is home to a tattoo of a screaming monster face, mouth wide open in a roar. Words are also tattooed beneath the monster’s face, though they are not clearly discernible in available images.
Meaning: Monster tattoos can represent inner demons, fears, or the darker aspects of the human psyche. A screaming monster specifically might symbolize releasing pent-up anger, frustration, or pain. Given the intense and often aggressive nature of Suicideboys’ music, this tattoo could be an externalization of inner turmoil and a representation of the raw emotionality expressed in their songs.
11. Circular and Leaf Pattern Tattoos
On the inner side of his left arm, below his bicep, Ruby has a circular design tattoo. Additionally, a leafed pattern is tattooed on the inside of his arm, where his elbow folds.
Meaning: Circular tattoos can symbolize wholeness, eternity, and cycles. The leaf pattern, often obscured by the arm’s fold, suggests a connection to nature and growth. These more abstract and organic tattoos provide a contrast to the sharper, more defined imagery elsewhere on his arm, possibly representing balance or a deeper, more subtle layer to his personality beyond the more overt symbolism of other pieces.
Right Arm Ink: Deeper Meanings on Ruby’s Right Side
Ruby’s right arm continues the narrative told by his tattoos, featuring a mix of pop culture references, personal beliefs, and symbolic imagery.
12. Scribble Portrait, Hangman, and Paper Ghost Tattoos
Three distinct and peculiar tattoos are grouped on Ruby’s right shoulder. These include: a comically scrawled portrait of a man with tears and horns, a beam with hanged figures, and a paper bag ghost.
Meaning: The scrawled portrait is identified as Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States. The tears and horns add a satirical or perhaps critical layer. The hangman imagery is stark and dark, potentially reflecting themes of death, consequence, or societal critique. The paper ghost, a playful yet slightly morbid image, could represent vulnerability or childhood fears. This collection is complex, possibly commenting on American history, mortality, and the juxtaposition of serious and lighthearted elements.
13. “Winter is Coming” Quote and Wolf Tattoo
Ruby’s right hand is adorned with the quote “WINTER IS COMING” and a wolf symbol near his thumb.
Meaning: These are direct references to the popular TV series Game of Thrones. “Winter is Coming” is the motto of House Stark, symbolized by the wolf. This tattoo clearly indicates Ruby’s fandom for the show. The quote and symbol together represent themes of vigilance, preparedness, and the ever-present threat of hardship, aligning with the often-bleak undertones in Suicideboys’ music and worldview.
14. Another Roach Tattoo
The upper side of Ruby’s right forearm features yet another cockroach tattoo, mirroring the ones on his left arm.
Meaning: Consistent with the roach tattoos on his left arm, this additional roach reinforces the symbolism of resilience, survival, and persistence. The repetition across both arms emphasizes the importance of this symbol in Ruby’s personal iconography.
15. Greek Warrior Goddess Athena Tattoo
On the side of his right forearm, Ruby has a tattoo of an ancient Greek woman warrior, wielding a sword and shield in a diving motion.
Meaning: This tattoo depicts Athena, the ancient Greek Goddess of Wisdom and War. She embodies inspiration, justice, law, and strength, often portrayed with a sword and shield, and sometimes an owl. For Ruby, this tattoo is a tribute to his Greek heritage, as his father is of Greek Cypriot descent. Athena represents strength, wisdom, and his connection to his ancestral roots.
16. Viking “Helm of Awe” Tattoo
Just above the elbow, on the inner side of his right arm, Ruby has a Norse symbol – a pattern of eight branches from a circle, encased in another circle with Viking runes.
Meaning: This Viking symbol is the “Aegishjalmur,” also known as the Helm of Awe. It’s a symbol of protection and victory, considered a powerful amulet in Norse culture. This tattoo suggests an interest in Viking mythology and potentially a desire for protection and strength, echoing themes of resilience and overcoming adversity found in other tattoos and in Suicideboys’ overall artistic persona.
Leg Tattoos: Extending the Canvas Downwards
Ruby’s legs are also tattooed, continuing his visual storytelling with a mix of cultural references and darker imagery.
17. Another Greek Warrior Tattoo
On the front of his left leg, above his ankle, Ruby has another Greek warrior tattoo, complementing the Athena tattoo on his arm.
Meaning: This second Greek warrior tattoo further emphasizes Ruby’s connection to his Greek heritage and the themes of strength and warfare associated with ancient Greek culture. The presence of multiple Greek-themed tattoos underscores the significance of this heritage in his personal identity and visual expression.
18. Goat Sacrifice Tattoo
On the inner side of his right leg, above the ankle, is a more disturbing image: a man with a goat’s head, tied up for sacrifice before a crescent moon.
Meaning: The goat, often linked to devilish symbolism, being sacrificed under a crescent moon, can represent the triumph of good over evil or justice prevailing. This darker imagery aligns with the often-confrontational and sometimes occult themes found in Suicideboys’ music and visual aesthetic. It’s a complex symbol that could represent inner conflict, spiritual themes, or a fascination with darker aspects of symbolism.
19. Kenny from South Park Cartoon Tattoo
The front of Ruby’s right leg features a cartoon tattoo of Kenny McCormick from South Park, wearing an orange astronaut suit.
Meaning: Kenny, the perpetually dying character from South Park, is known for his resilience and repeated resurrections despite gruesome deaths. This cartoon tattoo adds a touch of dark humor and pop culture reference to Ruby’s collection. Kenny’s astronaut suit is a specific, perhaps inside-joke, detail adding another layer for fans familiar with the show.
20. Batman and F1 Tattoo
On the side of his right lower leg, Ruby has a tattoo of Batman’s cowl and the letters “F1” below it.
Meaning: Batman represents darkness, justice, and vigilantism, themes that resonate with some of Suicideboys’ darker lyrical content. “F1” likely refers to Formula 1 racing, indicating an interest in motorsports. This combination merges pop culture icons with personal interests, showcasing diverse facets of Ruby’s personality.
21. Assorted Leg Tattoos
Ruby’s right lower leg also features a collection of smaller tattoos including a mask, words, and two other characters.
Meaning: Without clearer imagery, the specific meanings of these smaller tattoos are harder to decipher. Masks can symbolize hidden identities or personas, while words and characters could be personal references or symbols. This area likely contains more personal and less overtly symbolic tattoos, contributing to the overall density and layered meaning of his leg tattoos.
22. “GREYFIVENINE” G59 Records Tattoo
Ruby’s left thigh is boldly tattooed with “GREYFIVENINE,” later boxed in with a rifle and palm trees.
Meaning: “GREYFIVENINE” is the full name of G59 Records, the label Suicideboys founded and operate under. G59 refers to Highway 59 in their hometown, symbolizing the dividing line between communities and representing neutrality by mixing black and white (grey). This tattoo is a declaration of pride in their label, their roots, and their self-made success. The rifle and palm trees add a layer of New Orleans imagery and perhaps a tougher edge.
23. Devil Tattoo
Perhaps the most striking leg tattoo is on Ruby’s right thigh: a depiction of a devil with a goat head, twisted body, claws, and wings.
Meaning: This devil tattoo is a powerful and overtly dark image. Devils symbolize temptation, evil, and rebellion. In the context of Suicideboys’ themes, it could represent confronting inner demons, embracing darker aspects of human nature, or simply a fascination with gothic and macabre imagery. It’s one of his most visually striking and symbolically loaded tattoos.
24. “DEAD BY DAWN” Tattoo
Across the front of his left knee, Ruby has the words “DEAD BY DAWN” tattooed.
Meaning: “Dead by Dawn” is a direct reference to the movie Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn, a cult classic horror film. This tattoo signifies Ruby’s appreciation for horror films and pop culture references, adding another layer to his personality and influences.
Hand, Neck, and Head Tattoos: Smaller Details, Big Impact
Ruby’s tattoos extend to his hands, neck, and head, showcasing smaller, yet equally meaningful pieces.
25. Cross Tattoos on Index Fingers
Both of Ruby’s index fingers are tattooed with small crosses. The right finger features a standard cross, while the left index finger has an inverted cross.
Meaning: The crosses represent Ruby’s religious or spiritual views. The standard cross is a common Christian symbol. The inverted cross, while sometimes associated with anti-Christian sentiment, can also symbolize St. Peter, who, according to tradition, was crucified upside down. The presence of both suggests a nuanced or perhaps questioning relationship with religious symbolism, reflecting personal interpretation rather than straightforward adherence.
26. Letter Tattoos on Fingers
Each of Ruby’s fingers is tattooed with a letter, spelling out words across his hands.
Meaning: The specific words spelled out by these letter tattoos are not detailed in the original article or readily apparent in images. Finger letter tattoos are often personal and can spell out names, initials, or meaningful words. Without further information, the exact meaning remains personal to Ruby.
27. Signature Tattoo on Right Thumb
Ruby’s right thumb bears a tattoo of a signature.
Meaning: This signature is indeed his own, specifically his stage name, Ruby da Cherry. It’s a unique and self-referential tattoo, a permanent mark of his artistic identity and the persona he embodies.
Neck and Head Tattoos: Close to the Core
28. Heart and Spiderweb Tattoo
On the left side of Ruby’s neck is a large heart tattoo, bound in chains. The name “Krystal” is tattooed above the heart, surrounded by stars. His left ear has a small spiderweb tattoo.
Meaning: The heart tattoo is a personal piece dedicated to his former girlfriend, Krystal. The chains around the heart might symbolize the complexities and constraints of love, or perhaps a past relationship that was both significant and binding. The spiderweb tattoo on his ear is a more common and often stylistic tattoo, sometimes associated with time spent or a rebellious aesthetic.
29. Target Tattoo on Head
Above his left ear, on the side of his head, Ruby has a target symbol tattoo. It’s often hidden by his hair.
Meaning: A target tattoo can symbolize being a target, feeling vulnerable, or perhaps a more aggressive stance of “targeting” goals or enemies. Given its hidden location, it might be a more personal and less overtly displayed symbol, adding another layer of complexity to his tattoo collection.
Conclusion:
Ruby da Cherry’s tattoos offer a fascinating visual journey into his mind and experiences. From deeply personal tributes and reflections on mental health to pop culture references and nods to his heritage, his ink is as complex and layered as his music. These Suicideboys tattoos are not merely decorations; they are a form of visual autobiography, allowing fans to glimpse the stories and symbols that resonate with this influential artist. Exploring Ruby’s tattoos provides a richer understanding of the man behind the music and the intricate tapestry of influences and experiences that shape his artistic output.
