Drake Tattoo of Lil Wayne: The Story Behind the Tricep Tribute

Drake is the king of the "permanent mood board." If you’ve ever scrolled through his shirtless gym selfies or concert photos, you know the man’s skin is basically a walking Hall of Fame. But among the portraits of Sade, Aaliyah, and his own parents, one piece of ink stands out for its pure "mentor energy."

We’re talking about that massive Drake tattoo of Lil Wayne.

It isn’t just a random bit of fan art. Honestly, it’s a permanent thank-you note to the man who quite literally plucked Aubrey Graham from the Degrassi set and handed him the keys to the kingdom. If you’ve ever wondered why a 30-something-year-old superstar would get another grown man’s face tattooed on his arm, the answer is a mix of loyalty, history, and a very specific 2017 Houston weekend.

The Reveal: A Tricep That Took the Internet by Storm

Back in July 2017, Drake was living his best life during "Houston Appreciation Weekend." He posted a photo to Instagram that seemed pretty standard—just Drake being Drake—until fans zoomed in on his left tricep. There it was. A detailed, black-and-grey portrait of Weezy F. Baby.

The ink captures Wayne in a classic look: wearing a cap, looking slightly to the side with that unmistakable "Tunechi" intensity. It sits right near a Drakkar Noir bottle (a nod to his old Twitter handle) and a flaming "Unruly" skull.

Most people didn't realize at the time that Drake had actually been hiding the piece for about five months. He got it done while touring overseas but waited for the right moment to let the world see it.

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The tattoo was done by Inal Bersekov, a Belgian artist who has become Drake's go-to guy for hyper-realistic portraits. Bersekov is the same genius responsible for the Denzel Washington tattoo Drake got shortly after. The level of detail in the Wayne piece is kind of insane; you can see the texture of the hat and the shading of the facial features that make it look less like a tattoo and more like a photograph printed on skin.

Why Does Drake Have Lil Wayne's Face on Him?

People love to clown Drake for being "extra," but this isn't just about being a superfan.

Lil Wayne is the reason Drake exists in the rap space. In 2008, Wayne heard Drake’s music through a connection in Houston (Jas Prince) and immediately flew him out. Drake has famously said that Wayne stopped a CD after two songs and demanded to meet him.

That meeting at the Hotel Derek in Houston changed everything.

By 2009, Wayne signed him to Young Money Entertainment. They went on to record over 35 songs together. "The Motto," "She Will," "Believe Me," "HYFR"—these aren't just hits; they're the blueprint for a decade of hip-hop dominance. Getting the Drake tattoo of Lil Wayne was Drake’s way of saying, "I know I wouldn't be here without you."

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He even captioned a photo of Wayne with the word "King" around the same time he revealed the ink.

What Lil Wayne Actually Thought About It

You’d think it might be a little awkward to see your own face on your protégé’s arm.

But this is Wayne we're talking about. According to reports from TMZ at the time, Wayne was "beyond floored and honored" when Drake showed him the tattoo. Wayne has always been big on loyalty. In an industry where people switch sides as soon as the check clears, seeing that kind of permanent commitment meant a lot to him.

It’s worth noting that Drake didn't just get the tattoo and keep it a secret from Wayne. He reportedly sent him a photo of the finished work almost immediately after it was done.

The "Portrait Collection" Context

To understand the Lil Wayne ink, you have to look at the rest of Drake's "body" of work. He doesn't just get tattoos; he collects people.

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• Sade: He has two different portraits of the R&B legend.
• Aaliyah: A tribute on his back to the late singer who heavily influenced his melodic style.
• His Parents: Sandi and Dennis Graham both have real estate on his back.
• Denzel Washington: Specifically as Bleek Gilliam from Mo' Better Blues.
• Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant: He has their jersey numbers (30 and 35) on his arm.

Basically, Drake uses his skin to map out his inspirations. The Drake tattoo of Lil Wayne is the centerpiece of that map because Wayne is the bridge between Drake's "Degrassi" past and his "Certified Lover Boy" present.

Is It Still There?

Tattoo trends come and go. People get laser removal or cover-ups all the time. But as of 2026, the Wayne portrait remains a staple of Drake's collection.

It’s actually become a bit of a landmark for fans. Whenever Drake performs in a tank top, the "Young Money" legacy is visible for everyone in the front row. It serves as a reminder that despite the beefs, the chart records, and the billionaire status, Drake still views himself as the student who showed up in Houston with a suitcase and a dream.

Actionable Takeaways for the Curious

If you're thinking about getting a portrait tattoo like Drake's, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Artist Choice is Everything: Realistic portraits like the Lil Wayne piece require a specialist. Look for artists like Inal Bersekov or Nikko Hurtado who specialize in "photo-realism." If you go to a shop and ask for a face from someone who usually does traditional American style, you’re going to have a bad time.
2. Placement Matters: Drake put Wayne on his tricep. This is a flat, muscular area that doesn't distort too much when you move, which is crucial for keeping a face looking like a face.
3. The "Cringe" Factor: Drake gets clowned for his tattoos because they are deeply personal and sometimes a bit obsessive. If you’re getting a celebrity’s face, make sure the connection is as deep as Drake and Wayne’s—or at least be prepared for the memes.
4. Maintenance: Large portraits need touch-ups to keep the shading from turning into a grey blur. Using high-SPF sunscreen on your ink is the only way to keep "Wayne" looking sharp for a decade.

The Drake tattoo of Lil Wayne isn't just a piece of celebrity gossip. It’s a permanent piece of hip-hop history that proves even the biggest stars in the world still have heroes they want to carry with them.