Why Do Rappers Put Their Finger Under Their Nose?

My friend once asked, “why do rappers put their finger under their nose during shows or public appearances? While not a common sight, this particular action sparks curiosity and speculation.

This post explores the potential reasons behind this behavior, shedding light on its cultural and individual implications.

Cultural and Personal Significance of Putting Fingers Under One’s Nose 

Here are some personal and cultural significances of finger smelling in Hip-Hop:

1. Status Symbol and Swagger

In the hip-hop community, expressing confidence and uniqueness often comes through personal style and public persona.

Rappers might use the gesture of smelling their fingers to demonstrate their distinctiveness and success in the scene.

2. Connections to Cultural Practices

The behavior may emanate from broader cultural associations between scent and memory. Some cultures link smell closely to personal history and identity.

Rappers might use this gesture to symbolize their life narratives or artistic messages.

The Real Reasons Behind the Finger Smelling Gesture

1. Amplifying a Personal Habit

What may begin as a subconscious act for some rappers can evolve into a part of their public persona.

Fans and critics often interpret this habit in different ways, adding to the artist’s mystique.

2. Encouraging Interpretation and Dialogue

Known for their provocative artistry, rappers use unusual actions to engage their audience.

This gesture can provoke discussions and keep audiences intrigued by their public image.

Expression and Identity in Art

1. An Avenue for Self-Expression

Physical gestures, like fashion and language in hip-hop, convey deep messages and feelings.

Some artists might adopt this specific action as a form of self-expression, embodying personal or artistic significance.

2. Challenging Public Perception

Facing constant public scrutiny, artists may use this gesture to challenge observers and add an element of controversy or mystery to their persona.

Bottom Line

Lyricists’ putting their fingers under their noses involves complexities of personal habit, cultural symbolism, and artistic expression. Although it might seem unimportant, this gesture can signify identity, status, and artistic intent within hip-hop culture.

However, holding a microphone is supposed to be an art form. Some in the past have been able to hold it normally, in a way that a game show host would, by grasping the base and speaking clearly into the cone.

In some ways, it is the same as those in the streets that hold their gun sideways. It looks cool and seems convenient, but it is so far from reality.

Hey, the microphone is your gun. Hold it properly and keep your trigger finger around it, not under your nose. These words will be read but only a few will heed them, the rest will continue at their own pace.