Zechariah 14:12-13  

Evolution and Expansion

 

In the 1970s, the Hoover Groovers aligned themselves with the Crip movement, becoming the Hoover Crips. This alignment was influenced by prominent Crip figures like Raymond Washington and Stanley "Tookie" Williams. The Hoover Crips adopted the blue attire and hand signs characteristic of the Crips, and their activities expanded from neighborhood protection to organized criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking, robberies, and extortion.

    Lil Bal    

Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods

 

Latrice "Queen L" Johnson

 

^{Source of Income: Strategic planning}

 

^{Daily Income: $350}

^{Weekly Income: $2,450}

^{Monthly Income: $10,500}

^{Yearly Income: $126,000}

^{Relationship: Lil Bal's} girlfriend ^{for 3 years; key in planning.}

 

99 Mafia Crips

 

Dante "D-Man" Brooks

 

^{Source of Income: Strategic planning for drug operations}

 

^{Daily Income: $400}

^{Weekly Income: $2,800}

^{Monthly Income: $12,000}

^{Yearly Income: $144,000}

^{Relationship: Coordinating operations with Lil Bal for 4 years.}

 

99 Mafia Crips

 

Jamal "Lil J-Rock" White

 

^{Source of Income: Modifying vehicles for operations}

^{Daily Income: $450}

^{Weekly Income: $3,150}

^{Monthly Income: $13,500}

^{Yearly Income: $162,000}

^{Relationship: Aligns with Pop-Oc and Lil Bal for 3 years.}

 

 

Gardena Shotgun Crips

 

Carlos "Chulo" Martinez

 

^{Source of Income: Sharpshooting during conflicts}

 

^{Daily Income: $500}

^{Weekly Income: $3,500}

^{Monthly Income: $15,000}

^{Yearly Income: $180,000}

^{Relationship: Allied with Pop-Oc and Lil Bal for 4 years.}

53 Avalon Gangster Crips

 

Jerome "Big J-Roc" Smith

 

^{Source of Income: Reconnaissance and intelligence}

^{Daily Income: $350}

^{Weekly Income: $2,450}

^{Monthly Income: $10,500}

^{Yearly Income: $126,000}

^{Relationship:Known Lil Bal for 3 years; provides valuable intel.}

 

51 Trouble Gangster Crips

 

Marcus "Slick" Thompson

 

^{Source of Income: Drug deals negotiation}

 

^{Daily Income: $600}

^{Weekly Income: $4,200}

^{Monthly Income: $18,000}

^{Yearly Income: $216,000}

^{-Relationship: Collaborates with Lil Bal for 3 years; strong bond.}

Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods

 

Sean "Red" Williams

 

^{Source of Income: Liaison for joint operations}

 

^{Daily Income: $400}

^{Weekly Income: $2,800}

^{Monthly Income: $12,000}

^{Yearly Income: $144,000}

^{Relationship: Known Lil Bal for 4 years; keeps alliances productive.}

53 Avalon Gangster Crips

 

Andre "Ace" Coleman

 

^{Source of Income: Gathering intelligence and tech operations}

 

^{Daily Income: $600}

^{Weekly Income: $4,200}

^{Monthly Income: $18,000}

^{Yearly Income: $216,000}

^{Relationship: Known Lil Bal for 4 years; tech wizard.}

Rebranding to Hoover Criminals

 

By the mid-1990s, internal conflicts and violent rivalries with other Crip sets led to a transformation within the gang. Many Hoover sets dropped the Crip affiliation, rebranding themselves as the Hoover Criminals. This shift was a strategic move to distance themselves from the internal strife within the Crips and to establish a broader and more menacing identity. The Hoover Criminals adopted the color orange, distinguishing themselves from traditional Crip blue, although some older members still wear blue.

Hoover Criminal Gang (HCG) Overview

 

The Hoover Criminal Gang (HCG) is a notorious African-American street gang that emerged from the gritty, crime-ridden streets of South Central Los Angeles. The genesis of the gang traces back to the turbulent 1960s when it was originally known as the "Hoover Groovers." During this period, Los Angeles was a hotbed of social unrest and civil rights struggles. Against this backdrop, the Hoover Groovers formed as a means of providing protection and solidarity among African-American youth in the area.

 

As the 1970s dawned, the gang evolved into the Hoover Crips, aligning themselves with the growing Crip movement initiated by notable figures such as Raymond Washington and Stanley "Tookie" Williams. The Crips, known for their distinctive blue attire and hand signs, became synonymous with street-level violence and criminal activities, and the Hoover Crips were no exception. The gang’s activities expanded from neighborhood protection to more organized criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking, robberies, and extortion. Hoover Street, a central thoroughfare in South Central Los Angeles, served as the nucleus of their territory and operations, embedding the street’s name into their identity.

 

The crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s proved to be a pivotal era for the Hoover Crips. The devastating effects of crack cocaine on communities across the United States were particularly pronounced in South Central Los Angeles. The Hoover Crips capitalized on the burgeoning drug trade, gaining notoriety and significant wealth. Their involvement in the distribution of crack cocaine brought them both power and intense law enforcement scrutiny. The gang’s reputation for ruthless violence and their role in the drug trade made them one of the most feared criminal organizations in Los Angeles.

 

By the mid-1990s, internal strife and violent rivalries with other Crip sets led to a significant transformation within the gang. Many Hoover sets decided to drop the Crip affiliation, distancing themselves from the internal conflicts that plagued the Crips. This strategic shift marked the evolution of the Hoover Crips into the Hoover Criminals. The rebranding signaled a broader, more menacing identity, encapsulating their relentless drive for dominance and control over their territory.

 

The Hoover Criminals are known for their brutal enforcement tactics. Stories of drive-by shootings, retaliatory killings, and violent confrontations with rival gangs are part of the gang’s dark legacy. Members often wear the color orange, a distinguishing feature that sets them apart from traditional Crip blue, though older members who were part of the original Hoover Crips may still don the blue. The gang’s hand sign, with the thumb tucked between the index and middle finger, represents the letter "H" for "Hoover," a crucial part of their identity and a symbol of their allegiance.

 

Today, the Hoover Criminal Gang continues to be one of the most active and dangerous gangs in Los Angeles. Their influence extends beyond their traditional strongholds, impacting various communities and contributing to the ongoing challenges of gang violence and crime in the city. Despite numerous efforts by law enforcement to curb their activities, the Hoover Criminals remain resilient and adaptive, perpetuating their legacy of violence and criminal enterprise in South Central Los Angeles.

 

 

Ranks within Hoover Criminals

 

OG (Original Gangster)

 

Imagine standing on a gritty street corner in South Central Los Angeles, where the air is thick with tension and the echoes of past battles linger. An OG, or Original Gangster, strides down the sidewalk with a confident, almost regal bearing. These individuals are the revered elders of the gang, their status earned through years of loyalty, survival, and often, bloodshed. They command respect not just through their words, but through the weight of their presence. In the hierarchy of the Hoover Criminals, the OGs are the pillars of wisdom and experience, their decisions shaping the path of younger members.

 

YG (Young Gangster)

 

Nearby, a group of YGs, or Young Gangsters, gathers in animated conversation. These are the newer recruits, full of raw energy and eager to prove themselves. Their eyes gleam with ambition, and they move with a restless intensity, always ready to defend their turf or assert their dominance. For YGs, the streets are a proving ground, each confrontation and hustle a step towards greater recognition within the gang. They look up to the OGs, striving to one day earn that same level of respect and authority.

 

Baby Gangster

 

On the periphery, a few Baby Gangsters, the very young or newly initiated members, linger. Their faces show a mix of excitement and apprehension, the allure of gang life still fresh and intoxicating. They are the future of the gang, learning the ropes and absorbing the harsh lessons of street survival. Under the watchful eyes of their older counterparts, Baby Gangsters begin their indoctrination into the violent, fast-paced world of the Hoover Criminals.

 

Shot Caller

 

At the center of this web of activity is the Shot Caller, a high-ranking decision-maker whose word is law. Imagine a figure who combines strategic brilliance with ruthless efficiency, someone whose directives can mean life or death. The Shot Caller orchestrates the gang’s operations, from drug deals to retaliatory hits, ensuring the gang’s interests are protected and expanded. Their decisions are informed by a deep understanding of the streets and an unwavering commitment to maintaining order within the gang.

 

Soldier

 

Moving through the neighborhood, you’d encounter Soldiers, the backbone of the gang. These regular members are involved in the day-to-day activities, from enforcing the gang’s rules to engaging in criminal enterprises. Soldiers are the ones who carry out the directives of the Shot Caller, their actions ensuring the gang’s dominance and survival. They are seasoned and reliable, each one a testament to the gang’s enduring strength.

 

Lieutenant

 

In the alleys and corners, Lieutenants oversee specific areas or groups within the gang. These mid-level leaders act as intermediaries between the Soldiers and the higher ranks, managing operations on a local level and reporting back to the Shot Caller. A Lieutenant’s role requires a blend of leadership and loyalty, as they are responsible for maintaining discipline and coordinating the gang’s activities within their designated territory.

 

Enforcer

 

An Enforcer steps out of the shadows, their presence alone enough to incite fear. Tasked with carrying out violent acts to enforce the gang’s rules, Enforcers are the muscle of the Hoover Criminals. Their actions serve as brutal reminders of the gang’s power and the consequences of betrayal or defiance. Whether through intimidation or direct violence, Enforcers ensure that the gang’s authority is never questioned.

 

Lookout

 

High above, perched on rooftops or stationed at strategic points, Lookouts keep a vigilant watch for police or rival gangs. These members are the eyes and ears of the Hoover Criminals, their alertness safeguarding the gang’s operations. A quick signal from a Lookout can mean the difference between a successful deal and a sudden raid. Their role is crucial in maintaining the gang’s readiness and preventing surprise attacks.

 

Runner

 

Finally, Runners dart through the streets, their movements quick and purposeful. These younger or lower-ranking members are responsible for delivering messages or drugs, their speed and discretion essential to the gang’s communication network. Runners are often the first step in a member’s ascent through the ranks, their reliability and loyalty tested with each errand.

 

Each rank within the Hoover Criminals plays a vital role in the gang’s structure, creating a complex and efficient organization where loyalty and respect are paramount. Through this vivid hierarchy, the Hoover Criminals maintain their fearsome reputation and ensure their continued influence over the streets of South Central Los Angeles.

Rivals The Hoover Criminals have numerous rivalries, both with Blood and Crip sets. Initially part of the Crips, the Hoovers eventually split due to internal conflicts and their violent reputation, leading them to adopt the "Criminal" identity.

 

Their rivalries include:

 

Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips One of their most intense and violent rivalries. Imagine dusk settling over South Central Los Angeles, the air thick with tension and the streets bathed in the dim glow of streetlights. The Hoover Criminals and the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips are entrenched in a brutal feud, each side heavily armed and fiercely loyal. The rivalry is marked by frequent, deadly encounters—drive-by shootings that leave a trail of shattered glass and blood, and street battles that echo through the neighborhoods. Both gangs vie for control over overlapping territories, transforming the area into a war zone where every alley and corner could hide danger. The atmosphere is charged with a pervasive sense of impending conflict, creating an environment where fear and aggression are palpable.

 

Rollin' 90s Neighborhood Crips Another major Crip set they conflict with. Picture the narrow, winding alleyways of Los Angeles under the cloak of night, where the rivalry with the Rollin' 90s ignites fierce skirmishes. Members of both gangs navigate these dimly lit streets with a heightened sense of alertness, their movements swift and cautious. The sudden crack of gunfire often shatters the night’s silence, leaving chaos in its wake. Each encounter, whether a sudden ambush or a planned attack, is a brutal reminder of the deep-seated territorial disputes that drive these gangs apart. The ground often bears the scars of these conflicts, marked by bullet holes and the remnants of violent clashes. Denver Lane Bloods Longstanding animosity due to territorial disputes.

 

The Hoover Criminals' rivalry with the Denver Lane Bloods is steeped in decades of violence and retribution. Imagine the Denver Lane Bloods, identifiable by their crimson attire, patrolling their territory with a wary eye. The Hoover Criminals, relentless in their pursuit of dominance, often clash with them in fierce battles for control over lucrative drug markets. Skirmishes can escalate into full-blown street wars, with both sides suffering casualties. The air is thick with tension, and each gang's presence is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for power and influence.

 

The streets become battlegrounds where every confrontation could lead to a deadly escalation. Fruit Town Brims Frequent clashes over control and influence. The rivalry with the Fruit Town Brims is a relentless struggle for dominance. Picture the urban landscape, marked by the graffiti tags of both gangs, each one a claim to territory and power. The Hoover Criminals and the Fruit Town Brims often engage in violent confrontations, their clashes echoing through the streets. These encounters are not just physical but also psychological, as both sides employ brutal tactics to assert their control. The constant threat of violence hangs over the area, turning everyday life into a high-stakes game of survival where any corner turned could lead to a deadly encounter.

 

East Coast Neighborhood Crips Hostile interactions, often violent. The hostility between the Hoover Criminals and the East Coast Neighborhood Crips is intense and unforgiving. Imagine a city divided by invisible lines of territory, where crossing into rival areas can provoke swift and deadly retaliation. The air is thick with distrust and aggression, as members of both gangs engage in a continuous power struggle. Violent altercations are common, each one a stark reminder of the deep-seated enmity that defines this rivalry. The streets bear the scars of these conflicts, marked by the remnants of past battles and the constant presence of gang members ready to defend their turf.

Sources of Income and Financial Details:

 

51 Trouble Gangster Crips

 

KJ "Lil Trouble" Malone

 

Source of Income: Drug trafficking (runner for heroin distribution)

Daily Income: $500

Weekly Income: $3,500

Monthly Income: $15,000

Yearly Income: $180,000

Relationship: Known J-Lohc and Pop-Oc for 4 years; very close and loyal.

 

 

Trey "T-Dog" Williams

 

Source of Income: Lookout for drug operations

Daily Income: $300

Weekly Income: $2,100

Monthly Income: $9,000

Yearly Income: $108,000

Relationship: Trusted lookout for 2 years; reliable and cautious.

 

52 Broadway Gangster Crips

 

Tyrone "TJ" Jackson

 

Source of Income: Planning and executing robbery operations

Daily Income: $400

Weekly Income: $2,800

Monthly Income: $12,000

Yearly Income: $144,000

Relationship: Known Pop-Oc for 3 years; strategic partner.

 

Devon "D-Block" Harris

 

Source of Income: Enforcing gang territories

Daily Income: $500

Weekly Income: $3,500

Monthly Income: $15,000

Yearly Income: $180,000

Relationship: Teamed with J-Lohc for 3 years; highly dependable in fights.

 

Ray "Lil Ray" Coleman

 

Source of Income: Drug deals and street-level crimes

Daily Income: $250

Weekly Income: $1,750

Monthly Income: $7,500

Yearly Income: $90,000

Relationship: Learning from older members for 2 years; eager to prove himself.

 

53 Avalon Gangster Crips

 

Eric "E-Z" Davis

 

Source of Income: Courier for sensitive information and drugs

Daily Income: $400

Weekly Income: $2,800

Monthly Income: $12,000

Yearly Income: $144,000

Relationship: Courier for J-Lohc for 3 years.

 

Jerome "J-Roc" Smith

 

Source of Income: Reconnaissance and intelligence

Daily Income: $350

Weekly Income: $2,450

Monthly Income: $10,500

Yearly Income: $126,000

Relationship:Known Lil Bal for 3 years; provides valuable intel.

 

99 Mafia Crips

 

Jamal "J-Rock" White

 

Source of Income: Modifying vehicles for operations

Daily Income: $450

Weekly Income: $3,150

Monthly Income: $13,500

Yearly Income: $162,000

Relationship: Aligns with Pop-Oc and Lil Bal for 3 years.

 

Ronnie "Razor" Brown

 

Source of Income: Enforcing gang territories

Daily Income: $500

Weekly Income: $3,500

Monthly Income: $15,000

Yearly Income: $180,000

Relationship: Partnering with J-Lohc for 3 years.

 

Dante "D-Man" Brooks

 

Source of Income: Strategic planning for drug operations

Daily Income: $400

Weekly Income: $2,800

Monthly Income: $12,000

Yearly Income: $144,000

Relationship: Coordinating operations with Lil Bal for 4 years.

 

Gardena Shotgun Crips

 

Carlos "Trigger" Martinez

 

Source of Income: Sharpshooting during conflicts

Daily Income: $500

Weekly Income: $3,500

Monthly Income: $15,000

Yearly Income: $180,000

Relationship: Allied with Pop-Oc and Lil Bal for 4 years.

 

Miguel "Ghost" Ramirez

 

Source of Income: Surveillance and covert operations

Daily Income: $350

Weekly Income: $2,450

Monthly Income: $10,500

Yearly Income: $126,000

Relationship: Planning operations with J-Lohc for 3 years.

 

Juan "J-Blaze" Gonzalez

 

Source of Income: Front-line defense and combat

Daily Income: $450

Weekly Income: $3,150

Monthly Income: $13,500

Yearly Income: $162,000

Relationship: Involved in defenses with J-Lohc for 3 years.

 

Additional Allies

 

Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods

 

 

Tyrone "T-Bone" Jenkins

 

Source of Income: Enforcing during joint operations

Daily Income: $500

Weekly Income: $3,500

Monthly Income: $15,000

Yearly Income: $180,000

Relationship: Partnering with J-Lohc for 3 years.

 

Eight Tray Gangster Crips

 

Darius "D-Train" Johnson

 

Source of Income: Logistics coordination

Daily Income: $400

Weekly Income: $2,800

Monthly Income: $12,000

Yearly Income: $144,000

Relationship: Working with Pop-Oc for 3 years.

 

Kendrick "K-Dog" Lewis

 

Source of Income: Frontline fighter

Daily Income: $450

Weekly Income:** $3,150

Monthly Income:** $13,500

Yearly Income:** $162,000

Relationship:** Teaming up with Lil Bal for 3 years.

 

Monica "Mona" Rivera

 

Source of Income: Lookout

Daily Income: $300

Weekly Income: $2,100

Monthly Income: $9,000

Yearly Income: $108,000

Relationship: J-Lohc's girlfriend for 2 years; ensures their safety.

 

Gardena Shotgun Crips

 

Anna "Blaze" Martinez

 

Source of Income: Lookout

Daily Income: $250

Weekly Income: $1,750

Monthly Income: $7,500

Yearly Income: $90,000

Relationship: Ghost's girlfriend for 2 years; vital in surveillance.

 

Jessica "Jessi" Ramirez

 

Source of Income: Strategic coordination

Daily Income: $350

Weekly Income: $2,450

Monthly Income: $10,500

Yearly Income: $126,000

Relationship: Trigger's girlfriend for 3 years; key in coordinating operations.

 

Chemistry, Loyalty, and Relationships

 

J-Lohc, Pop-Oc, and Lil Bal

 

Chemistry: Very high, raised together and engaged in daily criminal activity.

Loyalty: Unmatched, akin to brothers.

Strengths:

 

J-Lohc: Leadership, Hit Taker, and combat.

Pop-Oc: Leadership, Moneymaking, Strategic planning and negotiation.

Lil Bal: Leadership, Hit Taker, and Combat, Moneymaking, Strategic planning and negotiation.

 

How Long Each Member Has Been Gang Members

 

Lil Bal

 

Started at Age 8: Born and raised on 112 and Vernon. Linked up with J-Lohc and Pop-Oc at elementary school and been together since.

 

J-Lohc and Pop-Oc

 

Started at Age 8: Grew up in the same neighborhood, initiated into the gang around the same time, and have been active members ever since.

 

Source of Income for J-Lohc, Pop-Oc, and Lil Bal

 

J-Lohc and Pop-Oc

 

Source of Income: Selling between 3-4 kilos of heroin at $80,000 a kilo for OG Punchy, daily.

 

Daily Income: $10,000 (split between them)