Chicago Gang Graffiti and it's meaning (2024)

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Tony Avendorph

Tuesday, 05 May 2020

Chicago Street Gangs are not only very violent, but they rely on a belief system that entails symbols. For instance the Vice Lords represent with eight different symbols; all having significant meaning.

Chicago Gang Graffiti implements these symbols in positive and negative ways. The enemy will either turn a rival symbol upside down, run a jagged edge through it, or blow it up. One main difference with Chicago Gang Graffiti is that gangs do not cross out their rivals. However with the advent of Los Angeles gangs moving into the Midwest and the Chicago area, cross outs are a part of their culture.

I will break down the gang graffiti, explaining the gang's motivation and what the symbols mean!

The number 7 is used by the Black P Stone Nation, Mickey Cobra Stones, and Vice Lords.

The cane is used by the Latin Saints, Vice Lords, Harrison Gents, and the Pope's.

The cross is used by the Simon City Royals, Bishops, Gaylords, Spanish Lords, Black Souls, Harrison Gents, Imperial Gangsters, Ashland Vikings, and Insane Deuces.

The crown with round edges are used by the Imperial Gangsters, Spanish Gangster Disciples, and the Pope's

The crown with pointed edges are used by the Latin Kings (three or five points), and the Two- Two Boys.

The Devil's Head is used by the Maniac Latin Disciples and Satan Disciples

The diamond is used by the Latin Kings (four points), Four Corner Hustlers, and Orchestra Albany.

Dice is used by the Vice Lords (Hustle), Insane Deuces, and the 2-2 Boys.

The Dollar Sign is used by Vice Lords and the C-Notes. It also signifies profits through distribution of drugs.

The eye, pyramid, and half crescent moon is used by the Black P Stone Nation, Mickey Cobra Stones, Puerto Rican Stones, and the Vice Lords.

Gloves are used by the Vice Lords and Harrison Gents.

The head is used by the Latin Kings (the Master) left side of face.

The heart is used by the Gangster Disciples and Maniac Latin Disciples.

The rabbit head with straight ears is used by the Simon City Royals and Vice Lords. The shield is used by the Simon City Royals, Latin Counts, and 2-2 Boys.

The swastika is used by the Jousters and Gaylords, and a reverse swastika by the Maniac Latin Disciples.

This is Four (4) Corner Hustler graffiti. They are part of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation. On the left there is the 4 C/H then 4 Corner Hustlaz. The O on Corner is the symbol of the gang which is the “Black Diamond.” If you look at the T in Hustlaz, it symbolizes an upside down pitchfork.

This is also Four Corner Hustler graffiti. There is the 4 C/H and under the 4 is an upside down pitchfork.

The Gangster Two-Six Nation is the second largest Hispanic street gang in Chicago. Their symbol is the rabbit or “Cornejo.” Normally the bent rabbit ear has a hoodie over its head which signifies the dark side. The right rabbit ear is bent above the left signifying FOLK Nation allegiance. Below the rabbit are upside down crowns disrespecting Latin Kings. The heart represents “Amor de Cornejo,” or Love to the Rabbit. The diamond is another symbol.

This is Ashland Viking graffiti. The “VN” stands for Viking Nation. The upside down A to the left is disrespecting the Ambrose gang. To the right they are disrespecting the Latin Kings with an upside down crown.

This is Bishops graffiti. The five pointed star above the I means they represent the PEOPLES Nation. The 1 and 8 means they claim 18th Street in Chicago.