The art of tattooing is a ever popular trend in Hip Hop culture today.  It seems as if nothing is off limits as some are tattooing their faces as well.  Full sleeves and torsos are now common.  Ink in Hip Hop has its roots in the nineties as some starting expressing themselves through the art representing their allegiance, making political statements as well as personal ones.  Here are some of Hip Hop's best pieces then and now.

                                           The Hate U Give Little Infants F$%^ Everybody

                                                                       Life/Death

                                        RIP on one arm. His daughter on the other. Life/Death

                                                                               

                                                                             

                                                                             

                                                                                 
                                Just some examples....male or female, tattoos don't discriminate.
                             
                                http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xji73r_mm-on-nyink_webcam
                   check this vid out...The Wu Tang Clan has a very diverse and dedicated group of fans.

Hope you guys enjoyed my last post because this will follow up!  Many are probably thinking "having these chains seem dangerous if there are people after them, so why risk it?"  The answer lies in how they see things socially.  You have to understand the urban landscape where many are not fortunate enough to have the finer things in life.  This results in many doing whatever to get the finer things and whatever to keep the finer things when they do achieve it.  These chains are representations of the finer things.  As a result these chains are seen as a sign of respect, losing yours equals losing your respect. 

With that said I enjoy the older, more old school chains because they were more than just chains.  With many people wearing African/Egyptian-inspired jewelry, it was more of a statement reminiscent of the black Kings and Queens draped in gold of our ancestry, at least to me. Nubian and black pride in Hip Hop was increasing.  Ironically, when that era of Hip Hop came into full spring, gaudy chains were replaced with red, black and green medallions....for now though back to the gaudiness lol

nefertiti ring

RIP 2PAC

To follow up on my last posts, one constant in Hip Hop has been the chains.  From chains, to "ice", to "bling", the names may have changed but the flashiness, size and amount of chains worn have not.  Jewelry remains important to the culture as it is viewed as a sign of stature, wealth and respect, things that many are willing to do anything to protect.  Respect because since the beginning of Hip Hop, as long as jewelry has been involved, there has been people trying to take that jewelry.  Being able to keep yours was and is still very important, for better or worse.  Here are some old school jewelry

Above is rapper with rapper Run is Slick Rick, a rapper known for his jewelry, even back then. like...

  

They can go from gold to platinum and back but the opulence remains the same.

One focal point of Hip Hop is fashion.  It has evolved a lot over the years.  The early days of Hip Hop saw rappers dressing more like rock stars in flashy costumes.

Over the years, that changed as Hip Hop started portraying more of their real identities.  The first real fashion icons in Hip Hop were Queens rappers LL Cool J and Run DMC.

Ll cool J, known for his Kangol hats and Run DMC for their allegiance to Adidas brought more of a street style to the culture.  This was pivotal as both iconic groups/rappers were reaching milestones as far as Hip Hop being more accepted.  They brought those styles to America's living rooms.  Hip Hop saw a break away in costumes for a more realistic look.