Artists - do you remember the sound of a truly satisfying session?

The only thing as bruising as being hunched over for hours with a tattoo machine clinched between your latex-covered hand are the cycling attempts to drown out the doubts between strokes.

 Then click. Somewhere between packing in color, killing the machine switch or maybe even the final moments of wiping away ink residue, satisfaction sinks – or rather – roars in.

In the distant lodge of client exuberance and the weary process of cleaning up shop is the realest soundtrack of your triumph. And this year it turns 50.

It’s impossible to pin down the moment hip-hop and tattoos intertwined so exclusively. To start, let's refresh with something called the break - a crucial, moment in a song where musical instruments or percussion would jam without many vocal interruptions, a moment where the beat becomes so fire, that the most resistant are provoked to transition from a gentle hum to a full-on sway, like they can't help but agree with how enrapturing the moment is. Back in the vibrant cultural landscape of the Bronx in the 1970s, an artist by the name of DJ Herc decided to extend this moment, an average of 1-2 bars, and loop it. That is the beginning of hip-hop. And if there is one thing that blends the culture of hip-hop and tattooing, it is the pursuit of capturing every moment with as much authenticity one can express and making it last for a lifetime.

With breakdancing and graffiti art also emerging as essential elements, the genre of hip-hop reveals a transformative cultural movement born from the ingenuity and resilience of its creators, setting the stage for a global phenomenon that continues to shape music, art, and culture to this day. Throughout history tattoos have served various purposes like marking rites of passage or indicating social status, so it’s quite natural that tattoos and hip-hop would intersect.

The fusion of rhythmic poetry and music that characterizes hip-hop serves as a vehicle for artists to convey their stories and perspectives. Drawing parallels with "Empire of Ink," a study delving into tattoos as symbols of American imperialism, hip-hop lyrics often convey a similar theme of empowerment and resistance:

History that’s been rejected.
Communities that have been neglected.
Finding a place where you finally feel accepted.
Each tattoo marking their place in the world.

In the 1980s and '90s, many hip-hop artists started getting tattoos to symbolize their affiliations with certain neighborhoods, groups, or record labels. These tattoos became visual representations of their identities and experiences, often reflecting the struggles and triumphs they faced. These tattoos evolved into powerful visual representations that not only mirrored their identities and life experiences but also, in some cases, transformed into memorial tattoos honoring those who passed away. 

Today tattoos play a role in the construction of hip-hop's larger-than-life image. Many rap artists showcase their tattoos in music videos, album covers, and performances, reinforcing the idea of tattoos as a form of artistic expression and rebellion, but also showing it as a form of elevation.

Yet there is an alternative side to self-expression; that others can hijack messaging to instill fear. While today ink and hip-hop prevail in the mainstream so profoundly, it's sourced by those who refuse to commodify the struggle.

Look to the brazen “Thug Life” etched in the late great Tupac (2Pac) Shakur’s abdomen.. This tattoo, along with his other ink, became symbols of his rebellious spirit, his identification with street life and the struggle, and his willingness to express himself through body art. The rapper and actor's tattoos were not just about aesthetics; they were deeply connected to his identity and the messages he wanted to convey through his music. His influence, combined with his tragically early death and the enduring impact of his music, helped solidify the connection between hip-hop and tattoos. 

However, what might not be commonly known is that his iconic 'Thug Life' tattoo held a concealed significance. In an interview, Tupac revealed that THUG LIFE served as an acronym, meaning 'The Hate U Give Little Infants F**ks Everyone'. Amid the moral panic and media criticism of that era, which accused the rapper of glorifying violence and embodying a 'thug' persona, the message was in fact a cautionary one: a reminder that persistently subjecting children to a detrimental environment laden with racism, violence, and oppression would perpetuate a destructive cycle.

While the battle for living your truth remains, fans and tattoo artists have succumbed to the influence hip-hop culture. Some tattoo artists became celebrities in their own right, gaining recognition for their work on famous hip-hop artists and contributing to the popularization of tattoo culture. As hip-hop continued to grow and diversify, tattoos became prevalent among hip-hop artists and fans alike.

The history of tattoos and hip-hop demonstrates how these two cultural movements have evolved in parallel and how they continue to shape and influence each other. Continuously stigmatized and misunderstood, but widely celebrated and embraced for their contributions to the culture.