Eugene “Big U” Henley, once recognized as the manager of rapper Nipsey Hussle and a key figure in the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang, currently confronts a grave federal RICO charge. The allegations against him comprise serious crimes like murder, human trafficking, and extortion. Dubbed the “godfather” of rap, Henley’s involvement in a spectrum of illicit activities, including orchestrating the murder of an emerging rapper in Las Vegas in early 2021, has come under scrutiny.
Federal agents characterize Henley as the head of an influential, gang-like syndicate. It is alleged that he traveled with Sylvester “Vey” Robinson to North Las Vegas, where they shot and killed a rapper after he supposedly released a song disparaging Henley. Their actions reportedly involved hiding the body in a desert location and eliminating any evidence by threatening witnesses and damaging surveillance tapes upon their return to Los Angeles.
The extensive criminal operations described in the complaint suggest that Henley employed fear tactics to extort local businesses and embezzled substantial amounts under the façade of anti-gang initiatives. Moreover, he is accused of dishonestly obtaining COVID-19 relief funds for his label and diverting community service funds for personal use.
U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally has strongly criticized Henley and his network, labeling them as violent felons who disguise themselves as activists and music executives. The accusations extend to Henley exploiting athletes and musicians, forcing them to seek his “protection” in Los Angeles, leveraging his position within the Rollin’ 60s for coercion.
Having previously served a lengthy prison sentence for a failed robbery in 1991, Henley is now evading law enforcement. Arrests of affiliated individuals such as part-time rappers Bricc Baby and Luce Cannon have been made in connection to the alleged criminal acts, spanning from robbery to human trafficking, bank fraud, and RICO violations.
Further investigation reveals Henley’s illicit manipulation of funds initially aimed at reducing gang activity and enhancing youth programs in L.A., reportedly siphoning celebrity donations intended for his nonprofit, Developing Options. His enterprise also allegedly conducted a series of thefts and extortions, including an incident involving a marijuana dispensary in L.A., from which Henley purportedly extorted $25,000 monthly until orchestrating a violent raid after payments halted.
Developing Options, having secured significant municipal grants, is now under examination for regulatory breaches, with Henley accused of channeling these resources into criminal endeavors. The charges, if proven, could sentence him to two decades in prison, escalating to life imprisonment upon a murder conviction.
Despite his notorious stature as a “godfather” in the rap industry, highlighted by associations with artists like Kurupt and Nipsey Hussle, whom he guided, Henley was seen by some as a gang member turned community leader. However, recent revelations expose the violent and deceitful side of his activities. Investigations continue to unearth more about his extensive criminal network and its impact across Los Angeles.
