A prominent figure in the hip-hop community has been hit with RICO and other charges for the alleged extortion of sports stars, kidnapping, robbery and the murder of a young rapper under his tutelage.
Eugene “Big U” Henley, a longtime leader of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, and multiple associates were named in an affidavit from the United States Department of Justice released Wednesday.
That set of the Crips is well-known in hip-hop, especially given the prominence of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, and prosecutors say its members served as Henley’s muscle as he controlled the Los Angeles area, forcing celebrities from out of town to “check in” and pay a protection fee. He also allegedly forced organizers of parties and gambling in the area to do the same.
“While HENLEY and other supporters attempt to persuade the public that the ‘check in’ provides safety and security for those who do so, as set forth herein, HENLEY and the Big U Enterprise also manufacture the very danger they purport to protect against,” federal officials said in the affidavit.
The practice is widespread, the affidavit explains, and it didn’t affect his standing in the hip-hop community.
“If I was to describe Big U’s role in rap, he would definitely be the godfather,” Wiz Khalifa said in the “Hip Hop Uncovered” docuseries, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. “Can’t do nothing without consulting him. He’s the only guy who does move how he moves.”
“Checking in” wasn’t Henley’s only source of income.
As the Times details, businesses and celebrities like NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Draymond Green were allegedly convinced to donate to Henley’s charities, only for that money to be transferred to Henley’s personal bank accounts.
He also is accused of organizing a robbery of a cannabis dispensary that stopped paying protection, as well as obtaining money from the L.A. mayor’s office through its the Gang Reduction Youth Development program and the federal government for pandemic-relief loans.
The charges listed in the affidavit include Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act conspiracy, interference with commerce by robbery, transportation of an individual in interstate commerce with the intent that the individual engage in prostitution and bank fraud.
While it’s not listed as a charge, officials allege Henley killed young rapper Rayshawn Williams in 2021 as well.
Henley remains a fugitive, officials said.
