Viral Tattoo Mishap: The Story Behind a Young Thug Lyric Mix-Up

This week, a tattoo of a misquoted lyric on the back of a young man captured the attention of the internet, becoming an unexpected viral sensation. The tattoo, which references Young Thug’s well-known 2016 track “Digits,” features the phrase “The horse doesn’t stop, it keeps moving,” instead of the correct lyric, “Horse don’t stop, don’t stop.” This gaffe quickly led to widespread sharing and some light-hearted confusion among fans.

Young Thug’s Response and Community Reaction

Young Thug himself took notice of the viral image, sharing it with his followers and hinting at upcoming news about his next album. His reaction further fueled the buzz surrounding the tattoo, leading to a whirlwind of discussions online. A friend of the tattoo’s owner texted him, bemusedly asking if he had actually tattooed himself with Justin Bieber’s lyrics instead, showcasing the humorous mix-up that had taken place.

The Artist Behind the Tattoo

The tattoo belongs to John Nelson, a 23-year-old college graduate from Seattle. John, who recently completed his studies, has spent time traveling and pursuing a career in freelance video editing and social media management. After trekking through the Himalayas, he sought out Jasmine, a tattoo artist in Madrid, where he had previously lived. He specifically traveled to her workshop to commemorate his experiences with a meaningful tattoo.

Intentionality Behind the Lyrics

In a surprising twist, John confirms that he knowingly chose the incorrect lyrics for his tattoo. He explained, “I feel like no one will believe me, but yes, I purposely chose the wrong lyrics to suit the theme of the tattoo.” This artistic decision was deeply personal; it stemmed from a poignant moment during a solo road trip, when he encountered wild horses after the tragic loss of a childhood friend. The beauty of the horses inspired him to get a horse-themed tattoo as a tribute to that memory.

Choosing a Unique Style

John expressed admiration for Jasmine’s distinctive tattoo style, which is primarily focused on large back pieces. He first discovered her work on Instagram and decided to collaborate with her due to her unique approach. John elaborated, saying, “I had some extra money left so I decided to pull the trigger.” Jasmine, on her part, shared that her approach to tattoo design originated from her background in silk screening, with an unexpected trajectory that has now garnered widespread attention.

Jasmine’s Perspective

Interestingly, Jasmine admitted that she was not familiar with the song “Digits” before John commissioned the tattoo. “I’ve never heard of Young Thug before, and I probably lived under a rock,” she joked, showcasing her inclination towards Latin music over rap. Despite the viral aspect of John’s tattoo, she highlighted the importance of creating art that resonates personally with clients rather than solely catering to popular trends.

Emotional Resonance of the Tattoo

For John, Young Thug was not just any artist; he was the first musician to truly inspire him and catalyze a passion for music. John related, “Before I started listening to Thug, I didn’t really care about music. There was no favorite artist.” He explained how “Digits” brings back fond memories of his youth, marking significant moments spent with friends.

The Viral Sensation

John was initially unaware of the tattoo’s viral success until friends began notifying him about countless re-shares and reactions online. “Honestly, I’m not used to attracting so much attention,” he admitted. The sudden spotlight was both exhilarating and surreal for him, especially receiving acknowledgment from Young Thug himself.

Future Aspirations

While John hasn’t yet had the chance to see Young Thug live in concert, he hopes the recent publicity surrounding his tattoo might open doors for him to experience one of Thug’s performances in the future. Reflecting on the experience, he quipped about the amusing misidentification linking him to Justin Bieber, stating, “Definitely a confidence booster, I thought it was hilarious.”

Conclusion

John Nelson’s tattoo serves as a remarkable reminder of the ways personal experiences can intertwine with art, as well as how a simple mistake can launch someone into internet fame. The combination of emotion, creativity, and a dash of humor captures the essence of contemporary tattoo culture and its influence on social media.