Today, we’re diving deep into the life of Eugene "Big U" Henley—a towering figure in South Los Angeles whose legacy spans gang lea...
The Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips: A Legacy of Power
The Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, also known as the "Rich Rollin’ 60s," emerged in 1976 in the Hyde Park area of Los Angeles, splintering from the Westside Crips, a faction started by Crips co-founder Stanley "Tookie" Williams. They quickly became one of L.A.’s most dominant gangs, with membership estimates ranging from 1,600 to as high as 6,000–8,000 at their peak. Their territory spans the West Side of South L.A., centered around Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue, including neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Jesse Owens Park. Big U rose to prominence as a leader in the 1980s, a time when the gang was embroiled in violent feuds, including a historic Crip-on-Crip rivalry with the Eight Tray Gangster Crips that began in 1979 over a personal dispute. This feud divided Crip sets into "Neighborhood" (aligned with Rollin’ 60s) and "Gangster" factions, fueling decades of conflict. The Rollin’ 60s also battled Bloods sets like the Inglewood Family Gang and clashed with other Crips, such as the Hoover Criminals.
Known for drug trafficking, robbery, and murder, the Rollin’ 60s left a bloody mark on L.A. In 1984, two members were arrested for the murders of four family members of NFL player Kermit Alexander—tragically, the wrong target. In 1988, graphic artist Karen Toshima was killed in Westwood, caught in a Rollin’ 60s crossfire, showing the gang’s reach beyond South L.A. By 2004, they were dubbed "the largest Black criminal street gang in the City of Los Angeles," a title that underscored their influence but also the devastation they brought to communities. They marked their presence with graffiti, often wearing Seattle Mariners or Chicago White Sox gear to signify allegiance, and even expanded to cities like Detroit and Savannah.
Big U: From the Streets to Hip-Hop’s Shadows
Big U’s story is deeply tied to the Rollin’ 60s, but his influence extends far beyond the gang. As a music executive and owner of Uneek Music, he became a power broker in hip-hop, operating from the shadows to shape the genre’s trajectory. His role as an executive producer on the FX docuseries Hip Hop Uncovered (2021) showcased his impact, with the series highlighting how America’s streets birthed hip-hop as an expression of survival and defiance. FX describes Big U’s greatest achievement as "being a voice for the streets, in the streets," a testament to his ability to bridge gang life and music culture. Standing at 6-foot-5, Big U has been a towering champion for hip-hop since its late ‘70s origins, using his label to launch careers while advocating for the genre’s authenticity. He spent years pushing for Hip Hop Uncovered, fighting to get TV executives to see his vision of documenting hip-hop’s gritty roots, even using personal footage from the genre’s early days to tell the story.
The Federal Indictment: A Criminal Empire Exposed
Big U’s dual life as a gang leader and music mogul came crashing down with a 43-count federal indictment unsealed in March 2025. Prosecutors accuse him of running the "Big U Enterprise," a mafia-like operation that allegedly engaged in murder, extortion, human trafficking, robbery, illegal gambling, and fraud. They claim he leveraged his Rollin’ 60s connections to intimidate businesses and individuals across L.A., creating a climate of fear to maintain control. Among the charges is a racketeering (RICO) count, often used to dismantle organized crime networks. One of the most chilling allegations ties Big U to the 2021 murder of an aspiring musician signed to Uneek Music, killed outside a Hollywood recording studio in a dispute linked to the enterprise. The victim, identified in some reports as Rayshawn Williams, was allegedly targeted after releasing a diss song—a stark reminder of the deadly intersections of music and street life.
The feds also allege financial crimes: Big U is accused of defrauding donors to his non-profit, Developing Options, which he founded in 2004 to steer youth away from gangs. The organization, funded by the City of L.A. and NBA stars, was meant to provide mentorship and job training, but prosecutors claim Big U siphoned off donations for personal gain. He’s also accused of submitting a fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan application for Uneek Music, further compounding the charges. On April 8, 2025, Big U pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in downtown L.A., with a detention hearing set for April 10 to determine if he’ll remain in custody until trial. If convicted, he faces life in federal prison, alongside six co-defendants also charged in the case.
Ties to Nipsey Hussle: A Mentor’s Legacy
Big U’s influence in hip-hop is undeniable, most notably through his mentorship of the late Nipsey Hussle. As a product of the Rollin’ 60s himself, Nipsey often credited Big U for jump-starting his career, providing guidance as he navigated the music industry while staying true to his South L.A. roots. Big U’s support helped Nipsey rise from a local artist to a global icon, known for his independent hustle and community-focused ethos. In Hip Hop Uncovered, Big U’s role in Nipsey’s journey is highlighted, showing how he used his street credibility to open doors for the rapper. Nipsey’s tragic 2019 murder hit Big U hard, and some posts on X have speculated about a connection between Big U and Nipsey’s death, though these claims remain unproven and controversial. The feds reportedly investigated Big U’s ties to the murder after he sent a cease-and-desist to a media outlet for linking him to the case, but no charges related to Nipsey’s death have been filed.
A South L.A. Saga Unfolds
Big U’s story reflects the broader struggles of South Los Angeles—a community shaped by systemic inequality and gang violence. His non-profit work painted him as a reformed figure, but the indictment suggests a darker reality. Was Big U a mastermind hiding behind a mask of redemption, or a man caught in the crosshairs of his past? The debate rages on, and the courtroom battle ahead will reveal more.
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