Rihanna’s tattoos serve as a testament to her bold spirit and fearlessness. She sports an image of a gun on her rib cage and an armband reading “rebelled fleur,” although Bang has defended this choice when people suggest changing it to “fleur rebelle.”
Handgun
Rihanna has long displayed her love of body art through tattoos. She got two – one depicting Roman numerals to represent her birthday on her thumb and another featuring a handgun at the side of her rib cage instead of its original plan to appear above her armpits; Bang Bang convinced Rihanna otherwise as it could distract from her face and compromise CoverGirl cosmetics endorsement deal if placed above.
On her right rib cage is an Arabic tattoo reading “Al Hurria fi Al Maseeh,” or Freedom in God. This was done by Bang Bang and caused some controversy when people thought it glorified violence; he stood by his creation by explaining it simply represented her strength and power.
Nefertiti
During a photoshoot with Terry Richardson in January 2012, Rihanna revealed her latest tattoo: the bust of Egyptian queen Nefertiti. Queen Nefertiti was revered as an icon of beauty; her titles included Hereditary Princess, Great of Praises, Lady of Grace, and Sweet of Love.
Rihanna first got inked with the symbol for Pisces, her zodiac sign, by Bang Bang, who did her gun tat. Additionally, she has a trail of stars down her neck which also came from him. She features the Arabic phrase, “Al Hurria fi Al Maseeh,” which translates to Freedom in God, on her rib cage area – started by an artist in Los Angeles and completed by Bang Bang in New York City. Additionally, Fenty CEO Rihanna features her grandmother’s name written in Roman numerals on her collarbone and Melissa’s birthday inked across her shoulder in this same language.
Arabic Script
Rihanna loves tattoos with skull and crossbones designs but always adds her own personal touches, such as hers featuring an elegant red bow. Bang Bang also created a trail of stars across her neck and the gothic font of the year she was born – both are signature elements in Rihanna’s look.
Tibetan Word for Lover Tattoo on Singer’s Lower Back | Shakira
The Tibetan word for lover appears as a small tattoo on Shakira’s lower back, and its meaning remains unclear; many believe that its inking pays tribute to her loved ones and supporters. Bang Bang claims this was one of her initial tattoos and states that she entered his New York studio at midnight but left at 5 am with this design inked onto her body.
Crucifix
Rihanna has made headlines for her iconic rib tattoo featuring a Crucifix, depicting Christ. This piece serves as a memorial tribute to her grandmother while also being meant to represent her religious side. She decided to get a tiny cross tattooed on her collarbone that reads backward so she can read it while looking in the mirror as a reminder to remain humble and pursue her goals. She has two tattoos designed for singers – a treble clef and a sixteenth musical note on each knuckle that symbolizes their passion for music, done by Bang Bang and their shark inkings. Additionally, she sports a French tattoo that reads: ‘rebelled fleur,’ which should read: ‘fleur rebelled on her neck.
Stars
Rihanna’s most notable tattoos are the stars adorning her neck and back. Inked in Los Angeles and New York in 2008, these designs can be seen running along both. She wears a trailing collection of stars on her shoulders to indicate her spirituality while also sporting an Egyptian goddess Isis tattoo that pays homage to Dolly (deceased grandmother). Bang Bang has described Rihanna’s tattoo as her “badass” piece. Initially, she wanted a gun above her armpits; however, he convinced her to place it on her rib cage instead, sparking controversy with many who saw it as glorifying guns; however, Bang Bang defended its creation, saying it shows power and strength.
