What Does 508 Tattoo Mean

508 Tattoo is an expression that has its roots in the criminal underground of Jamaica. It represents the numerical code that inmates in Jamaican prisons used to refer to one’s membership in a street gang. The “50” stands for Jamaica’s 50th Independence anniversary in 2012, while the “8” represents the eight Kingston neighbourhoods which gave birth to the criminal gangs in Jamaica. Today, 508 Tattoo has become a proud statement of ones heritage or solidarity with the gang culture.