Menlo Gangster Crip name changes over the years (pt. 5)

Summary

In this candid conversation, the speaker reflects on the evolution of the Meno Boy (MLO) gang, its struggle for identity, and its relationship with larger gangs like the Hoovers and A-Trades. The narrative delves into how the gang navigated its transformation from Meno Boy to Meno Gangster, highlighting the internal shifts in leadership, prison politics, and the desire for recognition. The speaker shares personal insights on how the group fought to maintain its independence and respect while grappling with external pressures and shifting alliances throughout the 80s and 90s.

Takeaways

• 😀 The conversation revolves around the evolution of a gang's identity, particularly in relation to the name changes of the 'Meno' group from 'Meno Boy' to 'Meno Gangster'.
• 😀 The Meno group initially emerged as a small faction within the 65th neighborhood but later became distinct when their street (70th) gained recognition despite not being initially known.
• 😀 There were tensions within the community, especially with the Hoovers, who felt territorial over certain streets like 70th, leading to occasional conflicts and competition for neighborhood control.
• 😀 The Meno group wanted to establish their own identity separate from larger, more established gangs, which was part of the motivation behind adopting the 'Meno' name and changing it over time.
• 😀 In the late 1970s to early 1980s, the Meno group transitioned from being a neighborhood faction to becoming part of the broader Crips affiliation, marking the group's shift from 'Meno Boy' to 'Meno Crip'.
• 😀 The introduction of the 'Meno Gangster' name occurred in the early 1980s, likely around 1982, after Lorenzo, a key member, proposed the name to emphasize a stronger gang identity.
• 😀 The name 'Meno Gangster' was meant to solidify the group's identity and to be more impactful, helping them establish a presence within the larger gang dynamics.
• 😀 Despite adopting the 'Gangster' title, the Meno group was never fully aligned with the broader 'Gangster' faction within the Crips, maintaining a unique identity separate from other gang alliances.
• 😀 In the 1990s, around 1994-1995, the Meno group distanced itself from the 'Gangster Crip' label, signaling a shift in the group’s direction, especially as they began to have conflicts with other Crip factions.
• 😀 Although the Meno group and other Crips like the A-Trays were once allied, by the 1990s, their relationships became more complex, with the Meno group asserting its independence and rejecting labels that no longer fit their evolving identity.

Q & A

What was the significance of rolling 7s in the neighborhood?

The emphasis on rolling 7s originated from a specific group in the area, who used 70th Street as a representation of their identity. It was an effort to create their own distinct identity, separate from the dominant influence of 65th Street.

Why was the 70th Street movement not widely recognized initially?

The 70th Street movement was overshadowed by the stronger presence of 65th Street, which had a more established reputation in the area. The 65th Street neighborhood's influence made it hard for 70th Street to gain recognition.

Was the formation of the 70th Street group a recent phenomenon?

No, the 70th Street group, or 'Meno,' had been around for some time, but their recognition was relatively recent compared to the more well-known gangs in the area. The group was present before the birth of many of the current generations.

How did the Hoovers react to the rise of the 70th Street group?

The Hoovers were initially upset, as they felt that the 70th Street group was intruding on territory they had claimed. However, the speaker understands the Hoover's frustration, acknowledging that if the roles were reversed, they would likely feel the same way.

What did the term 'Meno' represent for the group?

'Meno' originally referred to the name of the street and the neighborhood they identified with. Over time, the group adopted different variations of the name as they evolved and sought a stronger, more distinct identity.

Why did the group shift from 'Meno boy' to 'Meno gangster'?

The shift from 'Meno boy' to 'Meno gangster' occurred after a conversation with Lorenzo, who suggested adding 'gangster' to their identity. The group was looking for a stronger name that had a more formidable ring to it, which led to the adoption of 'Meno gangster.'

How did the 70th Street group differentiate itself from other gangs?

The 70th Street group maintained an independent identity, despite being surrounded by larger, more established gangs like the Hoovers and the A-Trays. They fought their own battles and were known for their resilience and toughness, even if they were not as large as some other gangs.

What impact did the shift from 'gangster' to 'neighborhood' have on the group's identity?

In the mid-90s, the group dropped the 'gangster' label as they began to move away from the broader 'gangster' identity that associated them with other gangs they were beefing with, like the A-Trays. This shift marked a transition toward focusing more on their neighborhood identity rather than the larger gang politics.

What role did family ties play in the formation of the group?

Family ties were a significant factor in the group's formation and connections. For example, Lorenzo's cousin from the A-Trays played a role in introducing the term 'gangster' to the group, showing how cross-neighborhood relationships helped shape their identity.

Did the 70th Street group ever formally align with the Hoovers or other gangs?

While the 70th Street group had relationships with the Hoovers and even fought alongside them at times, they never formally aligned with any one gang. The group maintained its independence and avoided being absorbed into other larger gangs, even if they cooperated on occasion.