FREDDY
NEGRETE
Guns, Gangs and Tattoos My Life in Black and Gray
Pioneering black-and-gray tattoo artist Freddy Negrete was twelve years old and confined in the holding cell of a Los Angeles juvenile facility when an older teenager entered—covered in tattoos. Freddy was in awe, not just of the art, but of what it symbolized, and he wanted what this kid had: the potent sense of empowerment and belonging that came from joining a gang.
Freddy was in awe, not just of the art, but of what it symbolized.
He wanted what this kid had: the potent sense of empowerment and belonging that came from joining a gang.
The encounter drove Freddy to join the notorious gang La Sangra, and it didn’t take long before he was a regular guest at LA County’s juvenile detention facilities. By the age of twenty-one, Freddy had spent almost his whole life as a ward of the state in one form or the other.
Enthralled by the black-and-gray tattoo style that in the 1970s was confined to the rebel culture of Chicano gangsters and criminals, Freddy started inking himself with hand-poked tattoos. Everyone wanted a piece of Freddy’s black-and-gray style, not only gangbangers but also Hollywood directors, actors, and sports personalities.
Isaiah ‘Boo Boo’ Negrete will be remembered as one of the greats among those in the tattoo industry.
“It is with a heavy heart to share the loss of our beloved son, brother, and uncle, Isaiah “Boo Boo” Negrete. Isaiah was the light and hope of our family and he will truly be missed.
Our family greatly appreciates the outpouring love and gratitude we are receiving from his friends and the tattooing community. We know that Isaiah touched the lives of thousands of people across the world.
We ask that you continue to pray for the Negrete & Murphy family as we get through this difficult time. We have truly lost an angel who has passed on to heaven.”
– Sarah Marenco
©2024 Freddy Negrete
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