You can't really talk about the Soundcloud rap era without mentioning the visual explosion that came with it. We’re talking neon hair, grillz, and, most notably, the ink. Michael Lamar White IV—better known to the world as Trippie Redd—is basically a walking gallery of this movement. For some people, face tattoos are a red flag or a cry for attention. For Trippie? They’re just his life story written in permanent marker. Honestly, it’s kinda fascinating how he’s turned his skin into a literal mood board of his career.
If you’ve ever stared at a photo of him and wondered why there’s a "14" on his forehead or a bloody scar under his eye, you’re not alone. These aren't just random doodles he got while bored. Most of them have deep roots in his childhood in Canton, Ohio, or the spiritual beliefs that keep him grounded while he’s touring the world.
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The Numbers That Define the 1400 Legend
Let's start with the most obvious one. The 14 on his forehead. You see it in almost every thumbnail. Most fans know his collective is "1400/800," but the number goes way back. Trippie grew up on 14th Street in Canton. It’s a tribute to his roots. But he also talks about it in a spiritual way. He’s mentioned in interviews that "14" is tied to "angel numbers." To him, it's a sign of protection.
Then there’s the 666 on his eyelids. Yeah, that one causes a lot of stir. People love to jump to conclusions and call him a Satanist. But Trippie’s explanation is actually way more scientific—or at least his own version of science. He’s gone on record saying it represents six protons, six neutrons, and six electrons. Basically, he relates it to melanin and the chemical makeup of the human body. He’s not out here summoning demons; he’s just into his own esoteric philosophy.
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Why the "Love Scars" Matter
The Love Scars tattoo under his left eye is probably his most iconic piece. It’s a jagged, red line that looks like a literal wound. Most artists get tattoos to celebrate their hits, but Trippie actually got this one before the song blew up. He had a feeling. He tatted the title on his face, recorded the track, and then watched it become his breakout moment. Talk about manifesting your own success. It symbolizes the pain of past relationships, something that’s a massive theme in his "A Love Letter To You" series.
A Collection of Chaos and Meaning
The ink doesn't stop at numbers and scars. His face is a map of his interests and his losses.
- Oomps Revenge: This one is a tribute to his brother, Oompa, who tragically passed away in a car accident. Trippie often says his brother was the one who was supposed to be the star. When he died, Trippie took the mantle.
- The Cross: He has a small cross near his eye. Despite some of the darker imagery he plays with, he’s spoken about having a spiritual family and staying connected to that side of himself.
- The Barbed Wire: You'll see this running along his hairline. It’s a classic rap aesthetic, but for him, it adds to that "rockstar" persona he’s cultivated since 2017.
- TR: On his other eyelid, balancing out the 666, he has "TR." Simple enough—Trippie Redd.
It's wild to think about the commitment here. Getting your eyelids tattooed is no joke. The skin is paper-thin. He actually worked with Daniel Silva (from Ink Master fame) for some of these pieces. Silva is known for precision, which you definitely want when someone is vibrating a needle millimeters away from your eyeball.
The Cultural Impact of the Ink
We have to acknowledge the elephant in the room. Face tattoos used to mean you were never getting a "normal" job. For Trippie's generation, they mean the exact opposite. They are a badge of "making it." By tattooing his face, he basically burned the ships behind him. There was no going back to a 9-to-5. It was music or nothing.
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Does he regret them? Not really. In a GQ interview, he basically told people to "do whatever the fuck you want" as long as it means something to you. He sees his body as art. And honestly, in the world of modern hip-hop, he’s not even the most heavily tattooed. But his placements are deliberate. They frame his face in a way that makes him instantly recognizable in a crowded field of "Lil" and "Young" rappers.
What You Can Learn From Trippie's Ink Journey
If you’re thinking about following in his footsteps and getting trippie redd face tattoos (or your own version of them), there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, the pain. He’s mentioned that the bone-heavy areas—like the forehead—actually hurt less than the fleshy parts for him, but everyone is different.
- Meaning is everything: Don't get something just because it looks cool on Pinterest. Trippie's tattoos are all tied to his family, his street, or his career milestones.
- Quality over price: If you're putting it on your face, don't go to a "scratch artist" in a basement. Go to a professional who understands facial anatomy.
- Think about the "why": For Trippie, it was a career move and a personal statement.
The most important takeaway is that these tattoos aren't just a trend for him—they're a biography. Whether he’s adding a new piece for a new album or just reflecting on where he came from, each mark serves a purpose. It’s a visual history of a kid from Ohio who decided he was going to be a superstar, no matter what people thought of the ink on his skin.