Aristos Petrou is a walking canvas. Most people know him as Ruby Da Cherry, one half of the New Orleans powerhouse duo $uicideboy$. If you’ve ever watched a live set or scrolled through his Instagram, you’ve seen the chaotic, dark, and deeply personal map of ink covering his skin. It isn't just about the "aesthetic" of SoundCloud rap. It’s deeper than that. Honestly, looking at Ruby Da Cherry tattoos is like reading a visual diary of a guy who survived the 7th Ward and came out the other side with a global cult following.
Some of these pieces are rough. Some are incredibly detailed. But every single one tells a story about the transition from a punk-rock kid playing drums to a pioneer of the "grey" movement.
The Face Tattoos and the "Grey" Identity
Facial ink is usually where people start. It’s the first thing you see. Ruby’s face isn't as crowded as some of his peers, but the choices he made are permanent stamps of his philosophy. He’s got "G*59" tattooed, which is a direct nod to the Grey 59 record label he co-founded with his cousin, Scrim. The "59" specifically refers to Highway 59, which divides the affluent and impoverished areas of New Orleans. It’s a symbol of being stuck in the middle—the "grey" area.
He also has the "777" near his eye. In numerology, seven is often seen as a holy or lucky number, but for Ruby, it’s more about the spiritual alignment and the triple threat of their success despite the odds. Then there's the small cross. People often mistake this for a religious statement. In the context of $uicideboy$, it’s often more about the death of the old self.
It's jarring for some. To others, it's a badge of honor. You have to remember that when they started, they made a pact: if they didn't make it in music by age 30, they’d end it all. Those tattoos were the "no-turning-back" point. You can't get a corporate 9-to-5 with "G*59" on your face.
The Massive Torso Pieces and Punk Roots
The chest and stomach area of Ruby Da Cherry tattoos are where things get heavy. He has a massive, intricate piece that covers his entire torso. It’s dark imagery, often featuring skeletons, demons, and religious iconography twisted into something more sinister.
One of the most defining characteristics of Ruby’s ink is the influence of 90s punk and hardcore. Before he was Ruby Da Cherry, he was a drummer in punk bands like Vapo-Rats. You can see that DIY, "crust punk" energy in the linework. It’s not always clean. It’s meant to look a bit weathered, a bit raw.
- The "Pray for a Riot" sentiment.
- The "7th Ward" script that pops up in various places.
- The heavy blackwork that masks older pieces he didn't like anymore.
He’s mentioned in various snippets of interviews and social media posts that he views his body as a sketchbook. If he has an idea at 3 AM, he’s likely to get it done. This leads to a layered effect where newer, more professional tattoos sit right on top of "kitchen table" tattoos from his teens.
The Hands and the Power of the Pen
Ruby’s hands are almost entirely blacked out or covered in dense imagery. This is a common trend among heavy-tattooed individuals, often called "job stoppers." On his knuckles and fingers, you’ll find various symbols, including the classic "G*59" references.
Why the hands? Because they are the tools. Ruby is the primary melodic force and a massive lyrical contributor to the group. Those hands write the bars that saved a million kids' lives (or so the fans say in every YouTube comment section ever). When he holds a microphone, the tattoos are front and center. It creates a visual brand that is inseparable from the music.
The Evolution of the Ink
If you look at photos of Ruby from 2015 versus 2024, the transformation is staggering. He started with a few disparate pieces on his arms. Now, there is very little "negative space" left.
- The early days featured simple script and small symbols.
- The mid-career era brought in the heavy blackwork and the "blackout" sleeves.
- Recent years have seen him refining the look, adding high-detail portraits and complex shaded pieces.
A lot of fans speculate about the "meaning" of every single dot. The truth? Some of them probably don't have a deep, philosophical meaning. Sometimes a cool skeleton is just a cool skeleton. Ruby has a dry sense of humor and a penchant for the macabre; his tattoos reflect that duality. He’s a guy who can write a soul-crushing verse about depression and then go get a tattoo of a cartoonish monster just because it looked "hard."
Why These Tattoos Matter for G*59 Culture
You can’t talk about Ruby Da Cherry tattoos without talking about the fans. The $uicideboy$ fanbase is notoriously dedicated. Go to any "Grey Day" tour stop, and you will see thousands of teenagers and young adults with carbon copies of Ruby’s ink.
Is it a bit much? Maybe. But it shows the impact. When Ruby puts something on his skin, it becomes part of the $uicideboy$ lore. The "Champion of Death" vibe isn't just a lyric; it’s etched into his skin. For many fans, getting a similar tattoo is a way of identifying with the struggle the music describes. It’s a signal to other fans: "I’m part of the Grey, too."
Specific Pieces You Might Have Missed
- The Skeleton Hand: Often seen on his own hand, echoing the "dead" aesthetic.
- The New Orleans Imagery: Look closely at the filler work; there are constant nods to his hometown, from the fleur-de-lis variations to specific street references.
- The Blackout Work: Ruby has used blackout tattooing to cover up older pieces, creating a high-contrast look that makes his newer, white-ink or fine-line tattoos pop.
How to Approach the $uicideboy$ Aesthetic
If you're looking to get work inspired by Ruby, don't just copy-paste his face. That’s a bit weird, honestly. Instead, look at the style. It’s a mix of American Traditional, Blackwork, and Neo-Tribal.
Real talk: Ruby’s tattoos work because they fit his frame and his history. If you’re going for that look, find an artist who specializes in "dark illustrative" or "ignorant style" tattooing. It needs to look intentional, even if it’s meant to look messy.
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The most important thing to remember is that Ruby’s ink is a reflection of his journey through addiction, fame, and mental health struggles. Each layer represents a different version of "7th Ward Aristos."
Actionable Advice for Fans and Collectors
If you're planning on getting ink inspired by the G*59 aesthetic, here’s how to do it right:
- Focus on the "Grey" Philosophy: Instead of copying Ruby's specific pieces, use the themes of balance, New Orleans heritage, or your own personal "G*59" (your own struggle or group).
- Respect the Artist: Don't ask a fine-line realism artist to do a "crust punk" tattoo. Find someone whose portfolio already looks like a $uicideboy$ album cover.
- Think About Longevity: Ruby’s blackout work is a great way to handle old mistakes. If you have "regret ink," consider using heavy blackwork as a foundation for a new style, just like he did.
- Research the Symbols: Before you get "777" or "G*59," make sure you actually understand what they mean to the community. It’s a culture, not just a trend.
The legacy of Ruby Da Cherry tattoos is ultimately about authenticity. He didn't get them to be famous; he got them because that’s who he was before anyone was listening. Whether he's wearing a $1,000 designer jacket or a $5 thrifted tee, the ink remains the constant—a permanent reminder of where he came from and the "grey" world he built from the ground up.