TA-TA-TATTED UP: Alliance "Inks" Tattoo Deal of a Lifetime

Over the centuries, mankind has always had a fascination with body art and tattoos most specifically. Research indicates that the art of Tattoo-ing goes back as far as 3300 BC. This was proven when ICEMAN (a mummified body from the Swiss Alps) was found in 1991, "tatted up" with 50 pieces of art.

Historically, evidence of tattooing is found in Egyptian tombs, Celtic burial grounds and temples in Greece. The word "Tatu" is credited to the Tahitian language meaning "mark of something," as well as the Polynesian/Samoan verb "to strike." Whatever, the derivation, we know that cultures have used markings to symbolize ownership, communication, group identity, initiations and as part of religious ceremonies. The reason for choosing to tattoo ones body is as varied as the individual. Ultimately however, we do know that the "inking" process represents TRANSFORMATION.

Tattoos have been such an intricate part of our culture that the American Museum of Natural History created an exhibition: BODY ART..Marks of Identity (1999-2000) in a 6500 square foot gallery.The exhibit included introductions, origins, representations, transformations, identities, distinctions and reinventions. Currently, there are a number of magazines, websites, groups and organizations that continue to keep this ancient art alive. One of the luminaries of tattoo history, Samuel O'Reilly once stated that "A Sailor without a tattoo is like a ship without grog: not seaworthy."

In 1909 (according to the Concise History of Tattoos and Body Art) , The United States Government issued a circular connected to recruiting into military service that read "Indecent or obscene tattooing is cause for rejection, the applicant should be given an opportunity to alter the design, in which event he may, if otherwise qualified be accepted." This ruling apparently caused the biggest boom in tattoo trade in the 1940's (Pearl Harbor) when young men began to flock to tattoo artists to place "clothing" and other coverage onto nude lady tattoos that had previously been placed onto their bodies. During this time, the New York Magistrate Court charged tattooist, Charlie Wagner with violating the Sanitary Code for his work in helping to "cover up" the naked lady tattoos of young, would be military men. Mr. Wagner responded to the charges by telling the judge that he was doing "essential war work," by tattooing clothes on naked women. Wagner concluded that his customers wanted to get into the Navy, which based on the previous 1909 ruling required making their tattoos decent. With that justification, the Magistrate let Charlie off with a $10.00 fine and warning to clean up his parlor in New York's Chatham Square. Wagner accepted his penalty, and went back to "serving his country."

Today, one of the hottest club songs is "Tattoo: Tat-Tat-Tatted Up" f rom Atlanta group Alliance. They are blazing charts and making noise with their hit song. Alliance is a group of rappers signed with NCE (Nothing Comz Eazy) Records. Group members are BLACKOUT, P.O.P, SKINNY, female rapper BLISS in-house producer TY-CUTTA and features FABO. The song title, like the idea of the Tattoo represents "individuality and freedom of expression."

"Tattoo" is an interestingly raw beat that seem to combine elements of Rock, heavy-metal and Rap. Its popularity is apparently reflective of a generation that does not want to conform to societal rules. Their confident and in-your-face approach to culture felt in the song screams...NON-CONFORMANCE!
The song has become such an anthem, that a RE-MIX was recently done to feature Alliance Friends: Lil Boosie, Foxx, Webbie, Gucci Mane and Juvenile.

To see what all the fuss is about, check out the REMIX right here on AC:
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Enjoy...Until next time!

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