The 187 tattoo holds great significance in gang and crime culture. While it may seem like just a number to some, this tattoo actually represents the California Penal Code for murder. A 187 tattoo serves as a constant reminder to the wearer of vengeance, violence, and homicide.
Origin of the 187 Tattoo
The meaning behind a 187 tattoo can be traced back to the California Penal Code Section 187, which defines murder. Specifically, this code states that “murder is the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought.” This penal code was enacted in 1872 and is still used today to charge murder suspects in California.
Though the number itself has an official legal meaning, its use as a tattoo and symbol arose from street gangs and hip hop music. It became associated with murder, vengeance, and the gangster lifestyle, especially among Blood and Crip gang members. They started using 187 as a shorthand for murder or homicide as early as the 1980s.
References to 187 began appearing in hip hop lyrics discussing gang violence. Soon the number became a warning sign on the streets. Displaying a 187 tattoo indicated one’s willingness to kill or seek retribution. It remains closely tied to gang culture today.
Lyrical References
Some key examples of early hip hop songs referencing 187 include:
- “Deep Cover” by Dr. Dre (1992) – Includes lyrics about a 187 murder plot.
- “What Would You Do?” by Tha Dogg Pound (1995) – Mentions doing a 187.
- “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio (1995) – References living the 187 lifestyle.
These songs helped popularize the meaning of 187 in hip hop and youth culture. Though it originated in California gangs, its use in music spread the symbolism across the country.
187 Tattoo Designs and Placements
Today the 187 tattoo remains a fixture among gangs, prisons, and the streets. It comes in many forms but almost always includes the numbers 1-8-7.
Common designs include:
- Simply the digits 187
- 187 with a gun, knife, or drops of blood
- 187 accompanied by the name or initials of the intended target
- 187 presented as the word “murder” or with other text
Those with a 187 tattoo may get it etched on their face, neck, shoulders, chest, arms, hands, or fingers. These visible placements are meant to intimidate others. The tattoo is a bold statement of the wearer’s violent lifestyle and capabilities.
Notable Examples
Notable figures with 187 tattoos include:
- Crip gang member Snoop Dogg has a 187 tattoo on his left arm near his shoulder.
- Rapper The Game has a 187 tattoo above his left eyebrow.
- Crip affiliate Wacka Flocka Flame has 187 tattooed on his right arm.
Their tattoos pay homage to their gang ties and the symbolism of murder in honor and revenge.
187 Meaning in Prison Tattoos
The 187 tattoo holds significance among inmates and prison gangs. It often indicates the wearer has killed someone or is willing to kill if necessary, especially in defense of their gang alliance.
Some key meanings associated with a 187 prison tattoo include:
- Murder – The most direct meaning is the inmate has committed murder.
- Willingness to kill – May indicate they are ready and able to kill again if need be.
- Retribution – Could mean they seek revenge against someone either inside or outside prison walls.
- Protection – Shows a ruthless mindset that may deter attack or harassment from fellow inmates.
- Gang loyalty – Signals allegiance to a gang like the Crips or Bloods who promote violence.
In the prison context, a 187 tattoo is a status symbol among criminals and gangsters. It commands fear and respect from other inmates.
California Prison Gang Tattoos
Due to its direct reference to the California Penal Code, a 187 tattoo is prevalent among California-based prison gangs including:
- Crips
- Bloods
- Sureños
- Nuestra Familia
- Mexican Mafia
Rival gangs often get 187 tattoos to threaten each other or celebrate killings against an enemy set. The tattoo links back to the criminal code of their home state.
Law Enforcement and 187
For law enforcement, a 187 tattoo can signify increased threat and danger when dealing with criminal suspects. It indicates a mindset willing to kill and signals associations with violent gangs.
Some key implications for law enforcement include:
- Suspect may resist arrest or attempt to flee.
- Possibility suspect may attempt to kill officers.
- Suspect likely armed and dangerous.
- Gang affiliations should be investigated.
- Previous homicides may be linked to the suspect.
- Precautions should be taken to preserve life.
While tattoos alone do not determine criminality, a 187 tattoo can put officers on high alert for a potentially deadly threat if encountered on a suspect.
Use as Evidence
A 187 tattoo may also be documented for use as evidence in criminal trials and gang investigations:
- Photographing tattoos can help prove gang membership and associations.
- If a homicide occurs, a 187 tattoo could demonstrate motive or mindset.
- Links suspect directly to California Penal Code language.
- Shows suspect affiliates with criminal organizations like gang sets.
Law enforcement commonly logs tattoos like 187 in databases as part of criminal profiling and building cases.
Consequences of a 187 Tattoo
While intended to send a message of toughness and instill fear, a 187 tattoo can also bring negative consequences for the wearer.
Employment Difficulties
A visible 187 tattoo can severely limit job prospects and ability to find legitimate work. Most employers shy away from hiring anyone with facial or hand tattoos, especially those with criminal connotations.
Increased Police Attention
Law enforcement often profiles and targets individuals with gang-related tattoos. A 187 tattoo will raise suspicion and could lead to regular stops, searches, and harassment.
Prosecution of Crimes
If arrested, a 187 tattoo could sway the judgment of prosecutors, judges, and jurors when pursuing charges and sentencing. It may convince them the wearer has a murderous nature.
Targeted by Rivals
A 187 tattoo could make the wearer a target for retaliation and attacks by rival gangs or the family and friends of their victims.
Difficulty Removing Tattoo
Removing a 187 tattoo takes extensive laser treatment sessions since the design often involves bold black line work. The location on the face, neck, or hands also makes treatment more painful and complex.
187 Tattoos in Popular Culture
Beyond its criminal connotations, the 187 tattoo also turns up in mainstream pop culture, especially music, movies and television:
Music
- “187 Murder Oz” by Wiz Khalifa
- “Scenario 187” by A Tribe Called Quest
- “187 Proof” by Spice 1
- “187 He Wrote” by Jay Z
Television
- Chrissy from Crime Mob had a 187 tattoo on her arm in the reality show Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.
- Rapper The Game and his 187 tattoo were featured on his dating show She’s Got Game.
- The Mayans MC character Happy has a 187 throat tattoo signifying his outlaw mindset.
Movies
- Juice (1992) – Features a tattooed Crip character named Bishop sporting a 187 tattoo.
- Belly (1998) – The street hustler Tommy shows off his 187 tattoo.
- Alpha Dog (2006) – Gangster Johnny Truelove has a 187 tattoo on his stomach.
While glamorized, these references continue to reinforce the link between a 187 tattoo and criminal culture.
Summary of 187 Tattoo Meaning
In summary, key points about the 187 tattoo include:
- Directly references California Penal Code for murder.
- Originated in California gang culture before spreading through rap music.
- Symbolizes murder, vengeance, violence, and gang life.
- Used to threaten and intimidate rivals and enemies.
- Common among gangs like Crips and Bloods.
- Prevalent in prisons across California and beyond.
- Poses a deadly threat to law enforcement.
- Glorified in some music, movies and television.
- Has many negative consequences for the wearer.
Though it has gained pop culture notoriety, at its core the 187 tattoo remains inextricably linked to homicide, crime, and the penal code definition of murder.
Conclusion
A 187 tattoo represents a bold, unrepentant embrace of violence, murder, and vengeance. The meaning originated in California gang culture but is now recognized more widely as a symbol of criminal life. Despite its glorification in media, a 187 tattoo indicates a dangerous mindset that has inspired fear and fascination. However, it also carries many consequences that haunt the wearer long after the ink dries.