Cracking 4s is a gesture of disrespect directed at any gang that associates with the number 4. Gang members who identify with the number 4 frequently display four fingers, omitting the thumb. The act of 'cracking 4s' involves raising four fingers and then bending them down as a sign of contempt.
Cracking 4s Examples
In Chicago, the Four Corner Hustlers, a notable gang, use the number 4 as one of their symbols. Their adversaries often engage in cracking 4s as a blatant act of disrespect. In Tay-K's song 'The Race,' he references this gesture with the line, "Eli blast crackin' 4s like a vase." Here, Eli uses the cracking 4s gesture for another gang, but the intent remains the same—disrespect.