Big U
Eugene "Big U" Henley Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Eugene Henley |
| Occupation(s) | music manager, CEO, Music Executive, Alleged Gang Leader |
Eugene Henley Jr. known professionally as Big U, is a music manager, CEO of "Big U Enterprises", and alleged leader of the Rolling 60's Neighborhood Crips. He has managed the rappers Kurupt and Nipsey Hussle.
Early life
[edit]Eugene "Big U" Henley Jr., is the alleged leader of the rolling 60's Los Angeles "Crips" street gang. After serving 13 years in prison for a robbery gone bad in 1991 Henley resurfaced, and assumed the role of a music manager, and community activist. Henley first became apart of the Hip Hop music industry by managing Dogg Pound rapper Kurupt. Henley is noted as a key figure in the rise of Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussel's career.[1] His ties in the music industry was further developed with the assistance of Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight. Henley also became known for the practice called "Checkin In" which is, when a Hip Hop artist, musician or high profile individual from out of town visits a city and meets with the local street gang representative. They would then pay this person a "tax' or "fee" to be able to move around the city without the fear of being met with violence or conflict.[2][3][4]
Legal Issues
[edit]In 2025 a federal grand jury returned a 43 count indictment against Henley. Federal authorities have compared his Big U Enterprises to a mafia like criminal organization. Charges brought against Henley include fraud, robbery, extortion, tax evasion, embezzlement and attempted murder. [5] Authorities claim he used his influence with his street gang to intimidate business owners and the citizens of Los Angeles. Henley deceived celebrities such as Shaquille O'Neal, Draymond Green and other donors into believing his Big U Enterprises was helping young athletes to achieve their dreams.[6] He also led them to believe his organization was helping to curb gang violence. In reality Henley was amassing the funds for his own financial gain. According to authorities Henley also received federal grants for his charity, which were also diverted to fund his criminal enterprise.[7]
Before turning himself in to authorities to face the charges levied against him Henley took to social media, and accused Hip Hop media personality Wack 100 of conspiring with federal authorities to bring about his downfall.[8] To date Henley remains in federal custody. [9][10]
References
[edit]- ^ "Eugene "Big U" Henley | Hip Hop Uncovered". FX. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ Marie, Erika (2025-04-01). "Who Is Big U? From Street Legend To Accused Industry Enforcer". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ Marie, Erika (2025-04-03). "Big U RICO Case: What Does It Mean To 'Check In'?". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Schoolboy Q's Comments on 'Checking In' Have Resurfaced". Complex. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Feds say L.A. gangster spoke of 'the orange man,' wanted Trump to intervene in case". Los Angeles Times. 2025-04-22. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Big U Allegedly Defrauded Shaq and Draymond Green". Complex. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ Jeong • •, Helen (2025-04-08). "Eugene 'Big U' Henley Jr. pleads not guilty". NBC Los Angeles. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ Marie, Erika (2025-04-01). "Who Is Big U? From Street Legend To Accused Industry Enforcer". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Feds Say "Godfather of Rap" Big U Ran Mafia-like Enterprise Behind Anti-Gang Nonprofit". Yahoo News. 2025-03-27. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ Watkins (@GrouchyGreg), Grouchy Greg (2025-05-03). "EXCLUSIVE: Big U Buried Under 20,000 Wiretaps As Prosecutors Introduce New Evidence". AllHipHop. Retrieved 2025-05-05.