Best Tupac Tattoo Ideas – A travel Down Memory Lane with Tattoo Designs

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Milica Ugrenovic

Milica is a big fan of hip-hop music in the USA. She follows a lot of artists and has insider knowledge on them. She personally loves Nicki Minaj, Eminem, Kanye, and Tupac, and knows every fun fact about them. She is up-to-date on the latest scoop in the industry. She can even tell you every detail about the MTV VMA.

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Most people who want to get a tattoo look to get something special that has a personal meaning to them.

Therefore, tattoos are a kind of window that lets you into someone’s thoughts and/or feelings without them saying a word. So, it is not strange that mental health practitioners believe that tattoos can hide valuable insight about a person.

That means if you want a Tupac-inspired tattoo, there is a 90% chance that you are a hardcore Pac fan who loves the rapper’s music or/and his aesthetics and character. If you are, great because I am 2!

I have been following the hip-hop scene since I was little, so my playlist begins with Pac, Biggie, and Snoop and ends with Minaj, Doja, and Kanye. Besides that, I am a tattoo enthusiast who loves finding gems that speak volumes. Plus, I  talk to people all the time about their tattoo choices.

Today I will show you more than 40 tattoo designs that stood out to me. They showcase in some way, Tupac’s legacy and what he meant to the world and his fans. 

Let’s jump into it.

BUT FIRST…

Before getting a tattoo, let’s go through some things you need to know. If you are new to this “tattoo” game, let’s go over some ground rules so you leave the tattoo studio 100% satisfied.

Know What You Want

“Oh, I like this tattoo” is not enough, especially if you don’t go to a professional artist with 5k tattoos in his portfolio. Just in case, you should know the following:

• Color

Are you a fan of blackwork or color? Almost all tattoos and styles can be done in both blackwork and color, but not all artists do them. Some artists only work with black ink and some work with a specific color palette ( traditional style).

Make sure you know the difference between monochrome and vibrant design, so you don’t end up with something you don’t like. 

• Size & Placement

Arm sleeve or tiny rib tattoo? Why does size matter? It matters because the size and placement of your tattoo will dictate the pain you need to endure and the money you will need to give.

Bigger and more complicated tattoos will require you to give more $. Be aware of your budget before starting. People with an arm sleeve have probably given $500-$800 for it.

As for pain, the thicker the skin, the less pain you will have to endure. If this is your first tattoo or you don’t want to endure pain, your arms, legs, and backs are a good option for your tattoo. Ribs, collarbones, and chests can be tricky.

Also, some tattoos ( portraits) look better when bigger because they require a lot of small details. Smaller tattoos are cute, but some of them ( lettering) can look smudged over time.

• Style

Traditional or dotwork? You may not know the name of the style you want, but you need to know if the artist/ studio does that style. The style defines the colors, thickness of lines, etc. Therefore, before getting a tattoo, talk to the artist and see if they have done that style before.

Some of the most common tattoo styles:

• Traditional
• Neo-traditional
• Blackwork
• Dotwork
• Newschool
• Japanese

Pick the Right Artist and Studio

I know low prices can be tempting, but a high-quality tattoo is worth a couple of more $.

Trust me. You don’t want to go to a scratcher, a person who tattoos without experience and knowledge of health codes and principles. You can end up with a tattoo like this one, or worse, with a serious health problem.

That is why before picking your artists, make sure to ask people who have tattoos about their experience. If you don’t have anyone, read Google reviews, ask od Quora or Reddit about the best tattoo artist or studio near you.

You can also find local studios and read the comments. Some of the things to look out for in the comments are “it is clean,” “a comfortable atmosphere,” “the tattoo artist was knowledgeable,” “the tattoo artists had a good portfolio,” and “I got exactly what I wanted.”

Take Good Care of Your Body

I don’t want to sound like a health guru, but there are some steps that you need to take before getting inked:

• Drink water before and after your appointment because tattoos stress your body.
• Don’t sweat after your appointment because your body needs to relax, and your tattoo needs to heal properly.
• Hydrate your skin with oil, and don’t peel, so your tattoo can heal faster.
• Avoid medication before and after your tattoo session.

These are some of the basic rules, but a professional tattoo artist will talk to you about proper aftercare.

Selection Criteria

Even though many years have passed since Tupac took his last breath, he is still present in the rap world and the hearts of his fans. I wasn’t surprised that there is a big pool of Pac-inspired tattoos, but I was surprised that there are so many unique ones.

With Tupac’s influence in mind, in order to find the best Tupac tattoos for you guys, I needed to think, “Why would someone get a Tupac-inspired tattoo?”. After a brainstorming session, I narrowed it down to three reasons:

• Loves his music/particular album or song
• Loves his character/political views/ style
• Just wants a cool tattoo that has something to do with Pac but not implicitly

To present only the best Pac tattoos for you, I selected these ones because they are:

• Connected to Tupac’s career or/and character
• Unique, no duplicates
• High-quality, no blurry ones

I have categorized them into 6 categories, so you may find what you are looking for easier.

45 Tupac Tattoo Ideas For the Ultimate Fans

Portraits

Aesthetic 

This middle-sized portrait is one of my favorites on this list because it looks so powerful and authentic. I am a big fan of blackwork, but the thing that got me hooked on this tattoo is the “blank” eyes that make Tupac appear like a ghost.

I am unsure if the tattoo symbolizes his struggles in life or his famous “I don’t have a fear of death; my only fear is coming back reincarnated.” Either way, it carries a deeper message while looking incredible.

Colorful 

Then, we have a middle-sized colorful portrait of the West Coast rapper. The realistic portrait features a young Tupac at the start of his career when bandanas and nose rings were not his things yet.

Blackwork

Next, we have a smaller portrait done in blank ink with an emphasis on Pac’s iconic bandana. The style of this artist consists of blackwork and fine lines that merge together and form a masterpiece.

Pac Smiling

It was rare to see Pac smiling, but this artist managed to capture the unique moment in a colorful portrait. In this period of his career, he started wearing nose rings, and I see that there is space left for the bandana to complete the tattoo.

Black and Grey

The black and grey portrait is done in a particular style that reminds me of a mix of Japanese style ( the roses, but they are not in color) and traditional.

A more feminine, pin-up version of Tupac is presented here, presenting his softer and gentler nature. I love how unique and controversial it is.

Medium-sized

The medium-sized realistic portrait is one of the “classic” ones most people aim for. The shading and lines are done perfectly, which Tupac would 100%  approve of. Tupac is wearing his iconic bandana, nose ring, and chain, so we can guess the inspiration was from the second part of his career.

Realistic

Another realistic portrait for lovers of those kinds of portraits and blackwork. The background is very interesting and not just classic shading, and I love the subtle “Tupac” the artist formed beneath. It makes the tattoo very special for those who want a combination of lettering and a portrait.

Big Portrait

A bigger portrait in blackwork has everything that reminds us of Tupac Shakur. The “thug life,” nose ring, and bandana are the aesthetics we connect to the legendary rapper. A large-sized portrait with many details is perfect for all who desire an arm or leg sleeve.

Geometric

For me, Geometric tattoos are a hit or miss, especially when a portrait is involved. However, I wanted to add something other than the traditional style to this list, and I am delighted I found this geometric, colorful portrait.

I love how the artist scattered the pieces and grouped them by different colors; it really gives a sense of order and mess at the same time. I’d prefer seeing Pac smiling in this one, but I guess the client is more connected to the “sad, angry” version of the notorious rapper.

Dotwork

Dotwork combined with a portrait is a win-win for me because I love how modern and edgy the portraits turn out to be. In 2022 a lot more dotwork portraits are being done simply because the new generation feels more connected to “unconnected lines” than connected ones.

Like, Tupac, this portrait doesn’t fit in the “regular, standard” ones, and that’s its greatest power.

Blue Background

This portrait looks like a painting because of the vivid colors, realistic features, and square frame. This picture is one of the most used ones for tattoos, but I wanted to show you that portraits don’t have to be vertical all the time; sometimes, they can even look better horizontally.

Also, many people prefer shading, but a blue background brings out the details more for people who find that cool.

Small

Pac’s Portrait

Smaller portraits rarely look amazing, but this portrait of Tupac is one of the best ones I have seen. The main benefit of having a smaller tattoo is the placement, you can put it almost anywhere, and it can blend perfectly with your leg or arm sleeve.

This design features Pac without his iconic bandana and nose ring, so not many people will recognize him.

Pac’s Portrait 2

Another tiny but cool portrait of the famous rapper, but this time he looks more like himself. Actually, he reminds me a bit of Snoop Dog, with whom he was friends back in the day. I love the shading and the placement of this one. It makes the tattoo stick out.

Red Bandana

The third mini portrait I wanted to put here emphasizes the iconic red bandana Tupac used to wear. Many of his fans love Pac not only for his music but for his style and aesthetics, and the red bandana is the most important part.

Do for Love

An interesting portrait plus a small tribute to the hit song “Do 4 love” is a great way to honor Tupac. “Do 4 love” is one of the best rap love songs released in 1997, but many people listen to it even today. This tattoo subtly hints at Pac’s romantic and emotional side, which he revealed in some of his albums.

Hood Pac

Nobody represented the hood more than Tupac in the day. He was the voice of the silenced, the rebel, and the leader of the oppressed. In many songs, he talked about his past and his love for the streets.

The real ones know that Pac preferred a black hoodie more than anything else, and this portrait, although small, carries a story of a man who fought for his people.

Pac with Biggie’s Crown

This tiny portrait of the rapper has a big twist. Instead of the bandana, we have a crown that Biggie wore for his photoshoot. The rapper said that he is the King of rap, which many didn’t think was true, especially Pac’s fans.

Therefore, this tattoo represents both praising Tupac and opposing Biggie’s statement.

Portrait Filled with Words

This is not your average portrait tattoo. Instead of focusing on the features, this artist used the space to add some words that are connected to the rapper. An interesting way to incorporate lyrics, quotes, and dates related to Tupac.

Small Bandana 

A perfect tiny tattoo that symbolizes one of the most well-known accessories Tupac used to wear regularly. A simple but effective tattoo design that shows off someone’s love for Pac’s style.

Lettering

 Tupac

Apart from portraits, a lot of fans of musicians like tattooing their names or nickname. This is one of the most interesting fonts for the “Tupac” tattoo. It mimics the style of the rapper’s own tattoos and generally reminds me of the “thug life” motto.

Tupac Shakur 

The “Tupac Shakur” lettering in the shape of a heart has a more romantic vibe compared to the tattoo above. Even though Tupac fans loved his “gangster from the hood” vibe, people are finally appreciating his soft side as well.

Quote

This famous quote comes from Tupac’s song “Holla at me.” On the track, the rapper talks about jealousy, greed, and unfairness that he sees in the world around him. This quote and the rest of the lyrics are very relatable and show that even years after his death, the world hasn’t changed a bit.

Finger Tattoo

The lettering of “Thug Life” on the fingers is probably the craziest tattoo you will find here, and when I say crazy, I mean in a good way. I have seen dozens of “thug life” tattoos, and most of them are on the stomach ( just like Tupac had), but the placement and font of this one caught my attention.

Thug Life

This chest tattoo is dedicated to the rapper’s famous “thug life” motto. The rapper also had a “thug life” tattoo, but this one is in a different place and font. I like this one because it has interesting details and feels more authentic than just copying his exact tattoo.

California Love 

“California Love” is the name of one of the most famous songs by Tupac. The font kind of fits the vibe of the song, and the mix of red and black is a good way to honor the romantic that was hidden in the gangster image of Pac.

Symbolic Tupac Tattoos

Newspaper article

This tattoo is in the form of a newspaper article, which makes it way more fun and creative. We see Tupac in his car and one of the most iconic outfits he wore, next to the “Tupac Shakur dead” title.

Cartoonish

A neck tattoo that really deserves attention, especially if you like silly, cartoonish representations of your favorite artists. I love the cross and the red bandana, which give life to this Tupac- like character.

Shakespeare Tupac 

Tupac fell in love with Shakespeare’s sonnets while he was attending the Baltimore School of Arts. Little did he know that he would be known as the Shakespeare for rap. This tattoo is a fun and creative way to say who your favorite rapper and lyricist is.

Bandana 

I have already mentioned the tiny bandana, but a big one can also look fantastic. A red bandana could be a good choice if you are going for a colorful tattoo.

Smile now, cry later on the hands

Tupac had a similar tattoo on his back. It symbolizes his love for the theater, both tragedy, and comedy. I like this modern version of his tattoo because it has a deep meaning besides being connected to Tupac. 

Smile now, cry later – Joker version 

Another “smile now cry later tattoo,” but this one is bigger and more Joker-style. I love how this tattoo is still relevant in 2022 and how people connect it not only to Tupac but also to the Joker; if you think about it, they have some things in common.

Artistic Comedy and Tragedy Mask 

Even though this is the third example of a variation of Tupac’s famous tattoo, there are so many cool ones to choose from.

This is the best choice for those who are artists or like that vibe but still want a Tupac-related tattoo. The lines and the placement of the tattoo are perfect for people who are looking to get their first tattoo.

Outlaw Tattoo

Tupac had an “outlaw” tattoo that symbolized “operating under thug laws and warriors” and his group. Many fans want to have the same tattoos as their favorite rapper but with an interesting and personal twist, and I think this is it.

Trust Nobody Black Ink

Tupac had a “trust nobody” tattoo with a crown on his right forearm. If you don’t want the exact same tattoo but something a little bit different, this is a cool one. The smiling thug fits Tupac’s style perfectly.

Trust Nobody Colorful

If you don’t like blackwork, this colorful version of the “trust nobody” tattoo is an interesting choice. The letter symbolizes a close and intimate connection between two people, but it is set on fire.

The tattoo symbolizes that even your closest people can betray you, which is exactly what Tupac intended with his own tattoo.

Pac’s Music

Dear Mama

This wonderful tattoo is inspired by the rapper’s all-time classic hit “Dear Mama.” Tupac had a very close relationship with his mom during his lifetime, and this track was dedicated to her.

The font is just so romantic and stylish; it fits the vibe of the song perfectly, and it shows a very emotional side of the rapper.

Me Against the World 

Next, we have a colorful tattoo inspired by Pac’s 3rd album while he was in prison. The album received double platinum and was one of the rare moments where Tupac showed his emotional side. The tattoo is very interesting, full of symbols and hidden meanings for you to discover and interpret on your own.

“All Eyez On Me” 

“All Eyes on Me” is the name of Tupac’s 4th album, which he released right out of prison. The only album that was certified as diamond, but more importantly, many fans felt connected to the songs on it. A portrait and the album’s name are one of the most common tattoos, but the emphasis is on Tupac’s blank eyes in this one.

“All Eyez On Me” 2. 

Another cool tattoo dedicated to the album “All Eyez on Me” is done more artistically and symbolically. I love the two eyes melting into each other and the font of the letters.

“Only God Can Judge Me”

This tattoo of the cross and the words “Only God Can Judge Me” is connected to Tupac on two levels. He had a very famous song with this name, and he had a tattoo dedicated to this song. Tupac was deeply religious and mentioned that multiple times in his songs.

Image source: Blackwoods Tattoo

California love -song

Looking for something bright, bold, and illustrative? This tattoo is the perfect choice because it is connected to one of Tupac’s most beautiful songs, “California love.” The bird even has some sort of bandana.

Pac & Biggie tattoos

Merged Pac and Biggie

Even though Tupac and Biggie were rivals, nowadays, many fans love the era they both thrived in. Therefore, they don’t consider them one vs. the other, but two legends in hip-hop, so this merged tattoo perfectly explains that. There is Biggie’s famous crown, but with a bandana, and Pac’s blank eyes.

One face two rappers tattoo

I love when people do half & half portraits because it is an interesting way to blend two people. Blending Tupac and Biggie might seem unnatural to some people. For me, who started listening to them many years after their death, this is more than ok. 

I just love them both so much; why not make them an era instead of two separate musicians?

Colorful Biggie and Pac

If you prefer two separate ways, this is an interesting example with a pop of color. Even though they are not merged into one portrait, they still look like one tattoo.

Tupac and Big, with their biggest hits

The last on this list are smaller portraits of Biggie and Pac, but with their biggest hits or something essential for their careers.

Things like “California,” “Death row,” and “Keep ya head up” mean nothing to some people, but for hardcore Tupac and Biggie fans, they mean everything. This blackwork is an awesome way to honor two legends, rivals, and a period in hip-hop history.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

After reading this article, you will get more than one idea of what a Tupac-inspired tattoo can look like. Apart from different kinds of portraits and lettering of famous lyrics, other symbolic and artistic tattoos shown here are connected to Tupac’s life and work.

If you still need more inspiration, you can check out Tupac’s bio and see if some parts of his life can spark your imagination.

Hope these ideas helped you figure out what kind of tattoo you want and revealed some of the details of Pac’s career you didn’t know or didn’t consider important.