Stefan Corbin Burnett, better known by his stage name MC Ride, is a multifaceted artist and the vocalist of the experimental hip hop group Death Grips. His distinctive style is not only reflected in his aggressive vocal style but also in his extensive collection of tattoos. These tattoos feature a variety of occult, mystical, and death-related imagery that resonates with the themes found in Death Grips’ music.
The symbolism behind MC Ride’s tattoos offers a glimpse into his artistic expression and personal philosophy, extending beyond his music. By examining his most notable tattoos, we can decode their occult references and understand their significance.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the symbolism behind MC Ride’s tattoos provides insight into his artistic vision.
- His tattoos feature occult, mystical, and death-related imagery.
- The tattoos are visual extensions of the themes present in Death Grips’ music.
- MC Ride’s body art is a reflection of his personal philosophy.
- The designs offer guidance for those interested in similar tattoo aesthetics.
The Man Behind the Ink: Stefan Burnett (MC Ride)
Behind the alias MC Ride lies Stefan Burnett, a multifaceted artist whose work extends far beyond his role in Death Grips. As the frontman of this experimental hip-hop group, he has garnered a reputation for his intense performances and distinctive style.
MC Ride’s Background and Career
Stefan Corbin Burnett began his musical journey in the late 1990s. He co-founded Death Grips in 2010 alongside drummer Zach Hill and keyboardist Andy Morin. Before his music career took off, Burnett studied visual arts at Hampton University, which has influenced both his music and tattoo choices. Despite his aggressive stage persona, Burnett is described as a private, soft-spoken individual who keeps his personal and public life separate.
Some key points about MC Ride’s background include:
- Stefan Burnett started his musical career in the late 1990s before forming Death Grips.
- He has a formal background in visual arts from Hampton University.
- Burnett’s early work under the alias Mxlplx with the hip-hop trio Fyre showcases the evolution of his artistic style.
- The contrast between his reserved demeanor and explosive stage presence is reflected in his tattoo collection.
His Artistic Expression Beyond Music
Burnett’s artistic expression is not limited to his work with Death Grips. He has a parallel career in visual arts, with his monochromatic portraits sharing thematic elements with both his music and personal tattoo aesthetic. This cross-pollination of art forms contributes to the distinctive style associated with MC Ride.
The Connection Between His Music and Tattoo Aesthetics
The aggressive and often provocative nature of Death Grips’ music is mirrored in MC Ride’s tattoo choices. The tattoos are not just aesthetic; they hold personal significance and reflect the themes present in his music. This connection highlights the integral role that art plays in Burnett’s overall creative expression.
Decoding MC Ride Tattoos: Symbolism and Occult References
The tattoos of MC Ride, the lead vocalist of Death Grips, are a fascinating blend of occult references and symbolic imagery. His body art is a manifestation of his connection to the avant-garde and experimental nature of Death Grips.
The Infamous ‘111’ Stomach Tattoo
MC Ride’s most discussed tattoo is the ‘111’ across his stomach, which many fans interpret as a reference to ‘666’ (the number of the beast) due to the resemblance between the Hebrew character for six (vav, ו) and the number one.
Occult and Satanic Imagery
MC Ride’s tattoos include various occult and Satanic imagery, reflecting the dark and experimental themes present in Death Grips’ music.
Necronomicon Gate Symbol
The Necronomicon Gate symbol on his chest connects to H.P. Lovecraft’s fictional grimoire and represents a gateway between dimensions.
Pentagrams and Devil Silhouette
His multiple pentagram tattoos and devil silhouette imagery draw from traditional Satanic iconography.
The Goat of Mendes
The Goat of Mendes on his back references Baphomet and Eliphas Levi’s illustrations of the Sabbatic Goat.
Voodoo and Mystical Symbols
MC Ride’s tattoos also include various voodoo and mystical symbols, adding to the richness and complexity of his body art.
Veve of Papa Legba
The Veve of Papa Legba on his left arm comes from Haitian Vodou tradition, where Papa Legba serves as the intermediary between the human and spirit worlds.
Star and Crescent Symbols
His wrist bears the star and crescent symbols, further expanding his collection of mystical and symbolic imagery.
Death Imagery: Skulls, Ravens, and Text
Death imagery appears throughout his tattoo collection, including skull designs, a raven (traditionally associated with death and the afterlife), and the word “Death” explicitly tattooed on his back.
These symbols collectively create a cohesive visual language that complements the themes of Death Grips’ music: alienation, paranoia, occultism, and challenging established power structures.
Creating Your Own MC Ride-Inspired Tattoo Design
Inspired by MC Ride’s bold and often unsettling tattoos, fans can create their own unique designs by understanding the dark aesthetic that characterizes his work. MC Ride’s tattoos, known for their bold, monochromatic designs with strong occult and mystical influences, are a hallmark of his connection with the experimental hip-hop group Death Grips.
Understanding the Dark Aesthetic
The dark aesthetic that defines MC Ride’s tattoos is characterized by bold, monochromatic designs with strong occult and mystical influences. To create a similar design, one must delve into the world of dark occult tattoo designs, understanding the symbolism behind the imagery.
Choosing Meaningful Symbols
Rather than directly copying MC Ride’s tattoos, fans should focus on selecting symbols that resonate with their personal experiences while maintaining the raw, intense energy that characterizes Death Grips’ visual style. This approach ensures that the tattoo is not only a tribute to MC Ride but also a meaningful expression of the individual’s own story.
Placement Considerations
Consider the strategic placement of your tattoos, as MC Ride’s most iconic pieces are prominently displayed on his chest, stomach, and arms, creating a visual narrative when viewed together. The placement should reflect the personal significance of the tattoo and contribute to a cohesive visual story.
Finding the Right Tattoo Artist
When searching for the right tattoo artist, look for professionals who specialize in blackwork, occult imagery, or dark illustrative styles similar to those found in MC Ride’s collection. Reviewing potential artists’ portfolios carefully is crucial to ensure they can execute the specific style you’re seeking.
Portfolios and Specializations
Look for clean linework, solid black fills, and experience with symbolic or occult designs in the artist’s portfolio. This specialization is key to capturing the essence of MC Ride’s style.
Communication and Design Collaboration
Effective communication with your chosen artist is crucial. Be prepared to discuss the meaning behind your chosen symbols and collaborate on a design that honors the inspiration while creating something unique to you.
By understanding the dark aesthetic, choosing meaningful symbols, considering placement, and finding the right tattoo artist, fans of MC Ride and Death Grips can create tattoos that are not only inspired by his style but also deeply personal and meaningful.
Conclusion: The Personal Nature of Symbolic Tattoos
The symbolic language of MC Ride’s tattoos offers a unique insight into his creative expression with Death Grips. Over the years, his tattoo collection has grown, reflecting the evolution of his music and artistic identity. While many are drawn to the aesthetic, the true power of body art lies in finding personal significance, not mere imitation.
As you search for inspiration, remember that the most meaningful tattoos come from a genuine connection to the symbols. MC Ride’s tattoos mix personal meaning with broader cultural references, creating a rich tapestry of significance. This blend is what makes his tattoos, and indeed any symbolic tattoos, enduring and impactful.
The information presented here serves as a starting point. Ultimately, the interpretation and personal significance of such symbols vary from person to person, making each tattoo a unique reflection of the individual.