When Did Tattoos Become Really Popular/Mainstream?

[bogey_j]

I know sailors way back in the day had tats, and criminals in prison got tatted up, but at what point did tattoos become fashionable for the everyday average person?

in the 80's I know a bunch of rocker dudes were tatted up. groups like guns n roses & motley crue had members with full sleeves

in the 90's pac was the first rapper I can remember that was all tatted up

 

[Aphrodite]

Idk but damn near everyone has them now. Just like most people seem like they smoke (weed/cigs/other) and drink.

 

[filial_piety]

I know sailors way back in the day had tats, and criminals in prison got tatted up, but at what point did tattoos become fashionable for the everyday average person?

in the 80's I know a bunch of rocker dudes were tatted up. groups like guns n rses & motley crue had members with full sleeves

in the 90's pac was the first rapper I can remember that was all tatted up

Yeah you're right about the history, but just from my recollection they became far more intricate around the mid 2000s.

In the 90s a few people had them and they always seem to be basic black outlines on a small part of the body (usually the arm). Now them shyts cover the entire back in color and in 3d

In Manhattan these days it seems like every other white girl under 40 has those shoulder and chest tattoos in color with flowers and other crap

 

[SeveroDrgnfli]

Idk but damn near everyone has them now. Just like most people seem like they smoke (weed/cigs/other) and drink.

Lil Wayne is the source. people act like he's not the Tupac to these young kids. and he is. he doesn't get anywhere near the credit he deserves. for 3 years he was the best rapper dead or alive. he released an obscene amount of music in that time and in affected all up and coming rappers. I hear Wayne in everyone now.

Same thing with the tattoos. and the black pretty in punk look. I remember all my alternative buddies loved Wayne because he put a hip hop twist on punk and it was dope.

 

[ViShawn]

Definitely early 2000s and when Milleneals got older.

I still have the old idea that tattoos = bad to be honest lol. Plus I think many look tacky af. Rarely do you see a girl where I live with NO tattoos.

 

[Vandelay]

Iverson

 

[Mr. Negative]

not this late in his run but you get the message

Before wayne, it was just sleeves.

 

[GilSho]

shyt is corny as fukk. Can't wait to see y'all in 30 years.

 

[Mr. Negative]

damn, that's fukked up. The thought that Wayne had Cash Money tatted on his gut.

Now look at him.

 

[filial_piety]

Iverson

Definitely true to a large extent. Iverson's style changed the BC big time in the early 2000s

 

[The Mad Titan]

damn, that's fukked up. The thought that Wayne had Cash Money tatted on his gut.

Now look at him.

 

[The M.I.C.]

A few tattoos is cool, as far a female goes..once you start covering your whole damn body, you go straight into the thot bin as far as I'm concerned.

 

[YouMadd?]

Tattoos aren't a "thing". They are normalized as an fashionable expression that everyone can take part in, or not take part in, and it doesn't matter either way unless you are in an uber conservative environment that is obsessed with maintaining a facade.

Lil Wayne has definitely had a hand in this.

 

[NoChillJones]

Pac...../thread

 

[DrX]

i think alot of it, is for the experience like shopping or going to the club

its something to get out and do....

because most tattoos have no meaning and the actual art is horrible....but people just like going to the shop and hanging out