Rihanna Hits Back At 'Thug Life' Tattoo Criticism

Rihanna has hit back at criticism after having the words 'Thug Life' tattooed on her knuckes as a tribute to late rapper Tupac. 

The singer posted a picture over Twitter earlier this week (January 25) of her Tupac inspired pink inked knuckle tattoo:

'♫ All these bitches screaming that 2pac back ♫ #THUGLIFE.'

She later added: 'Tat my f*ckin name on u girl so I know its real!!! #MINE'.

After posting the picture Rihanna was hit with a backlash claiming that the 23-year old was 'glorifying' gang culture.

Responding to the comments, Rihanna wrote over Twitter: "I #LOVE my new tattoo!!! Can't wait for yall to see it!!! I got it in 'Tibetan' this time!!! #approved,

"Chill babes #noshade. Err'body has an opinion, but yall know what yall can do with them!!! #THUGLIFE (sic)"

She later joked: "I'm thinking I shoulda got a tear drop instead!!! #THUGLIFE maybe next time. "All eyes on Rih, betta picture me rollin' #THUGLIFE.

Rihanna's Tupac Tribute: The Worst Tattoos In Music

Tupac was murdered in 1996, after he was shot four times during a drive-by killing.

Rihanna's other tattoos include stars on the back of her neck, a star on her ear, a hand gun on her ribcage and the phrase 'Always a failure, Always a lesson' across her chest.

Meanwhile, Rihanna has become the most-viewed female musician on YouTube.

The singer has now passed 2 billion views on the site beating Lady Gaga thanks to the video for latest single 'We Found Love'.

Lady Gaga first reached the 1 billion milestone last year following the popularity of  the 'Bad Romance' video, which currently has over 443m views.

Rihanna - live