Artist Drake recently added to his collection of facial tattoos, sparking curiosity and discussion among fans. On November 18, photographer Brent Kore shared a snapshot of the rapper’s latest tattoo on Instagram, leaving many puzzled about its significance. Positioned above Drake’s right eyebrow, the tattoo showcases the word “miskeen.”
Dedicated followers with keen eyesight quickly identified “miskeen” as a familiar Toronto expression with ties to Arabic origins. The word finds its roots in the Arabic term مِسْكِين, or miskin, originating from Classical Syriac and translating to “poor” or “misfortunate.” Interestingly, in Toronto slang, “miskeen” is a commonly used phrase, drawing influence from the Arabic language.
Drake Unveils New Face Tattoo with Arabic Rootshttps://t.co/AXYq2mmdJE
— ihearts143quotes (@iHearts143Quote) November 20, 2023
📸: @BrentKore pic.twitter.com/9CVMbK9uAz
This linguistic connection can be traced back to the substantial Somali community in Toronto, where a dialect of Arabic is spoken. In this context, “miskeen” carries the same meaning of hardship or misfortune.
While the motivation behind Drake’s decision to get this particular tattoo remains unclear, it adds to a growing collection of facial ink for the artist. This isn’t the first time Drake has opted for facial tattoos, showcasing a penchant for using his skin as a canvas for personal expression.
As fans speculate about the deeper meaning behind the tattoo, Drake’s choice to incorporate both Toronto slang and Arabic roots into his body art highlights the diverse influences that shape his identity.
