The allure of fame often conceals the tumultuous journeys that lead to the spotlight. For some celebrities, this path includes affiliations with gangs, adding layers of complexity to their public personas. Here, we delve into the stories of five notable figures whose lives were intertwined with gang culture before and during stardom.
Snoop Dogg – Gang Affiliations with Rollin’ 20s Crips
Snoop Dogg’s journey from the streets of Long Beach to global stardom is deeply intertwined with his early ties to the Rollin’ 20s Crips. Growing up in this environment, he infused his music and persona with authentic references to Crip culture, evident in his lyrics and style. A notable instance of this connection was during the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show, where Snoop donned a blue bandana outfit—a clear nod to his Crip affiliation—despite the NFL’s request to avoid gang-related imagery. This act underscored his unwavering commitment to his roots and highlighted the complex relationship between his past affiliations and mainstream success.
Ice-T – Associated with LA Crips
Tracy Marrow, better known as Ice-T, navigated the gritty streets of Los Angeles during his youth, where he was affiliated with the Crips. These firsthand experiences with gang culture profoundly shaped his music, leading him to pioneer “gangsta rap.” His 1986 track “6 in the Mornin’” is often hailed as one of the genre’s foundational songs, vividly depicting street life and the challenges of urban existence. Transitioning from gang life, Ice-T channeled his past into a successful career in music and acting, exemplifying resilience and the power of personal transformation.
Cardi B – Gang Affiliations with Bronx Bloods
Before her rise to fame, Cardi B was associated with the Bloods in the Bronx, New York. She has openly discussed her involvement with the gang during her teenage years, attributing it to the environment she grew up in. Cardi B’s early candidness about her past provides insight into the challenges she overcame on her path to success.
Nipsey Hussle – Affiliated with Rollin’ 60s Crips
Nipsey Hussle, deeply rooted in his Los Angeles community, used his music to portray the complexities of gang life. Often seen wearing the Chicago White Sox cap—a symbol favored by the Rollin’ 60s Crips due to its black and white design—he embraced his past while striving for positive change. Tragically, on March 31, 2019, Nipsey was fatally shot outside his Marathon Clothing store in South Los Angeles. The assailant, Eric Holder Jr., was a fellow Rollin’ 60s member, highlighting the persistent challenges of gang affiliations. This incident underscores the enduring impact of gang ties, even for those dedicated to community upliftment.
Chris Brown – Ties with LA Piru
Singer Chris Brown has been linked to the Bloods gang, particularly the Fruit Town Piru set in Los Angeles. While he has denied active membership, his associations and public gestures have sparked controversy. In 2014, Brown was seen throwing up gang signs at a club in Los Angeles, which were connected to the Fruit Town Piru set. Additionally, he has been seen using Fruit Town Piru gang signs and has hired several members of the gang to work for him, giving their Compton community an economic boost. Brown’s connections to gang culture highlight the complex interplay between celebrity and street affiliations.
The journeys of these celebrities highlight how gang affiliations have influenced their rise to fame. Their stories offer insight into the environments that shaped them and the resilience required to overcome such backgrounds. By examining their experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between street culture and the pursuit of success, prompting us to consider the broader societal factors that influence these paths.
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