16 Dope Hip-Hop Murals According to Fans

One of the cardinal rules of the rap world is real recognize real. And what better way to pay homage to a rapper than dedicating a mural in their honor. Rap-inspired murals have popped up around the world, with many decorating the walls of an artist's own neighborhood.

Memorable albums, magazine covers and lyrics have been translated into large scale paintings to celebrate a rapper's legacy. And while it's a sad day whenever an MC passes away, they become immortalized with a mural in their hood.

Big Pun covers a wall in his hometown of the Bronx In Queens, but there are many rappers still with us that have earned a mural in their honor. Lyrics from A Tribe Called Quest were painted onto the side of a laundromat where the St. Albans, Queens trio shot one of their first videos. A lifelike depiction of Nas popped up in Queensbridge recently saluting the Queens-bred spitter. And even 2016 XXL Freshman Lil Yachty can say he's got a mural of himself.

In some cases, a mural has crossed into controversial territory. Earlier this year, an Australia artist decided to paint a 20-foot mural of Kanye West kissing himself to bring the lyrics "Kanye loves Kanye" to life.

XXL asked fans on Twitter to share photos of the sickest rap murals they've ever seen. Fans chimed in with hip-hop-inspired murals from L.A., Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Detroit and more. From A Tribe Called Quest to Notorious B.I.G. to Lil Yachty and more, check out some of the dopest hip-hop murals fans have created over the years in the gallery above.