35 Facts About Larry Hoover

Who is Larry Hoover? Larry Hoover, often called "King Larry," is a name that echoes through the streets of Chicago and beyond. Born on November 30, 1950, in Jackson, Mississippi, Hoover moved to Chicago at a young age and quickly became involved in gang activities. By his early teens, he had already risen to a leadership position within the Supreme Gangsters. Hoover's influence grew exponentially when he co-founded the Gangster Disciples, a gang that would dominate Chicago's South Side and expand its reach across multiple states. Despite being imprisoned since 1973, Hoover continued to wield significant power, running a vast criminal empire from behind bars.

Key Takeaways:

Larry Hoover rose from a troubled youth to become a powerful gang leader, even running his criminal empire from prison. Despite public support, he is currently serving six life sentences.
Despite his criminal activities, Larry Hoover has garnered public support and influenced popular culture. Efforts to secure his release continue, with advocacy from various public figures.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Rise to Power

Larry Hoover's journey from a young boy in Mississippi to a notorious gang leader in Chicago is both fascinating and alarming. Here are some key moments from his early years and rise to power.

Birth and Early Life: Born on November 30, 1950, in Jackson, Mississippi, Hoover's family moved to Chicago when he was just four years old.
Early Involvement in Crime: By age 13, Hoover had dropped out of junior high and joined a local gang called the Supreme Gangsters. He was involved in petty crimes like theft and muggings.
Rise to Leadership: Hoover quickly climbed the ranks of the Supreme Gangsters, becoming a teen leader due to his natural leadership skills and ability to command respect.
Formation of Gangster Disciples: In the late 1960s, Hoover allied with David Barksdale to form the Black Gangster Disciple Nation (BGDN), later known as the Gangster Disciples (GDs).
Assumption of Leadership: After Barksdale was injured in a shooting in 1969, Hoover took control of the Gangster Disciples, rapidly expanding the gang's influence and power.

Criminal Activities and Imprisonment

Hoover's criminal activities and subsequent imprisonment did not hinder his control over the Gangster Disciples. In fact, his influence grew even while behind bars.

Expansion and Control: By the early 1970s, the Gangster Disciples controlled the drug trade on Chicago's South Side, earning significant profits and extending their operations to multiple states.
Murder Conviction and Imprisonment: In 1973, Hoover was sentenced to 150 to 200 years in prison for ordering the murder of a drug dealer named William Young.
Prison Influence: Despite being incarcerated, Hoover continued to run the Gangster Disciples, recruiting new members from prison and maintaining communication with his underlings on the streets.
Reform Efforts: In the 1990s, Hoover claimed to have renounced his violent past and rebranded the Gangster Disciples as "Growth and Development," focusing on social causes like voter registration and charity events.
Public Image: Hoover's public image as a reformed gang leader attracted positive attention from some community members, further enhancing his influence.

Luxurious Prison Life and Continued Criminal Activities

Even in prison, Hoover managed to live a life of luxury and continued his criminal activities, running a massive drug empire from behind bars.

Luxurious Prison Life: Hoover enjoyed a luxurious life in prison, transferred to a minimum-security prison in Vienna, Illinois, where he could meet privately with friends and family.
Criminal Empire: Hoover secretly ran a massive drug empire from prison, with the Gangster Disciples selling over $100 million in drugs per year.
Nonprofit Fronts: The "Growth and Development" nonprofits promoted by Hoover were actually fronts for laundering drug money, a scheme uncovered during a five-year investigation.
Conviction and Additional Sentences: In 1997, Hoover was convicted of conspiracy, extortion, money laundering, and running a continuing criminal enterprise from prison, receiving another life sentence.
Multiple Life Sentences: Hoover is currently serving six life sentences, with additional life sentences for his continued involvement in gang activities from prison.

Family Life and Public Support

Despite his criminal background, Hoover has a family and has garnered support from various public figures and community members.

Family Life: Hoover has been romantically involved with Winndye Jenkins, with whom he shares one of his three children. They were legally married by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2020.
Involvement in Cold Cases: Hoover has been involved in fighting cold cases related to murders tied to the Gangster Disciples, part of his efforts to clear his name and reduce his sentence.
Book Publication: In 1996, Hoover's teachings were published in a book titled "The Blueprint of a New Concept: From Gangster Disciple to Growth & Development."
The Larry Hoover Project: In 2014, Hoover's wife created the Larry Hoover Project aimed at giving her husband clemency and reviewing his criminal history.
Kanye West Involvement: Kanye West has been a vocal supporter of Hoover, calling for his pardon and staging benefit concerts to raise awareness about Hoover's case.

Influence in Popular Culture

Larry Hoover's influence extends beyond the criminal world, making a significant impact on popular culture, especially in the music industry.

Rick Ross Mention: Rapper Rick Ross mentioned Hoover in his song "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)" from his album "Teflon Don."
FBI Involvement: The FBI has extensively documented the activities of the Gangster Disciples, including Hoover's leadership and the gang's operations.
Gang Symbolism: The Gangster Disciples used the Star of David as their gang symbol, a unique identifier for the organization.
Documentary Mention: A 2006 docudrama titled "The Larry Hoover Story: The Sanctioned Version" referred to Hoover as "Chicago's biggest gangster since Al Capone."
Geto Boys Appearance: Hoover appeared via phone from prison on multiple skits of Geto Boys' 1996 album "The Resurrection."

Continued Advocacy and Current Status

Despite his incarceration, efforts to secure Hoover's release continue, with support from various public figures and ongoing advocacy.

Rap-A-Lot Records Support: J. Prince, the founder of Rap-A-Lot Records, has shown support for Hoover, advocating for his pardon as of 2022.
Drug Sales and Profits: The Gangster Disciples, under Hoover's leadership, made significant profits from drug sales, at one point selling over $100 million in drugs per year.
Membership and Reach: The Gangster Disciples had an estimated 30,000 members across 35 states, making the gang a formidable force in the illicit drug trade.
Prison Transfers: Hoover was transferred to various prisons during his incarceration, including the maximum-security Stateville Correctional Center and the ADX Florence prison facility in Colorado.
Reform Efforts and Public Image: Despite his criminal activities, Hoover presented himself as a reformed individual, promoting social causes and organizing charity events.
Former Mayor Support: Former Chicago Mayor Eugene Sawyer spoke out in favor of Hoover's parole in 1993, noting his efforts to help inmates reform and his positive influence on the community.
Parole Attempts: There have been several campaigns to have Hoover released on parole since the 1990s, with mixed results.
Kanye West Meeting with Trump: In 2018, Kanye West met with then-President Donald Trump to discuss Hoover's case, arguing that Hoover was doing positive work inside Chicago and should be pardoned.
Son's Involvement: Larry Hoover Jr., Hoover's son, was featured on Kanye West's album "Donda," with a voicemail thanking Kanye for his efforts to help his father.
Current Status: Larry Hoover is currently serving six life sentences at the ADX Florence prison facility in Colorado.

Larry Hoover's Complex Legacy

Larry Hoover's life is a mix of crime, leadership, and attempts at reform. Born in Mississippi, he moved to Chicago and quickly climbed the ranks of the Supreme Gangsters. By the late '60s, he co-founded the Gangster Disciples, becoming a powerful figure in Chicago's underworld. Even after his 1973 murder conviction, Hoover continued to control the gang from prison, expanding its reach and influence.

Despite his claims of reform in the '90s, Hoover's criminal activities persisted, leading to additional life sentences. His public image as a reformed leader clashed with his ongoing criminal empire. Supporters like Kanye West and J. Prince have called for his pardon, but Hoover remains incarcerated.

Larry Hoover's story is one of contrasts—between crime and reform, power and imprisonment. His influence endures, making him a controversial figure in American history.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat led to Larry Hoover's rise in prominence?

Hoover's ascent can be traced back to his leadership skills and strategic mindset, which he utilized to transform the Gangster Disciples into one of the most powerful and organized gangs in the United States. His ability to unify gang factions and expand their operations beyond Chicago played a crucial role.

QHow did Larry Hoover's early life influence his path?

Growing up in a challenging environment, Hoover encountered the harsh realities of poverty and racial discrimination. These experiences shaped his worldview and contributed to his decision to join gang life, seeking power and respect in a society where he felt marginalized.

QWhat were the major criminal activities associated with Larry Hoover?

Under Hoover's leadership, the Gangster Disciples engaged in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. His organization's involvement in the drug trade, in particular, led to significant legal troubles and his eventual life sentence.

QHow has Larry Hoover's imprisonment affected his gang's operations?

Despite being behind bars, Hoover initially managed to maintain influence over the Gangster Disciples, directing operations through coded messages. However, increased prison security measures and legal actions have since curtailed his ability to communicate, impacting the gang's cohesion and activities.

QWhat efforts have been made towards Larry Hoover's rehabilitation and potential release?

Advocates for Hoover argue that he has undergone a transformation while incarcerated, advocating for peace and community development. Efforts for his release have included legal appeals and public campaigns highlighting his changed perspective and potential for positive community impact.

QCan Larry Hoover's story be seen as a cautionary tale?

Absolutely. Hoover's journey from a young gang member to a notorious gang leader, and eventually a life sentence prisoner, serves as a stark warning about the consequences of choosing a life of crime. It underscores the importance of positive role models and opportunities for youth in vulnerable communities.

QWhat impact has Larry Hoover had on popular culture?

Hoover's life and legacy have been referenced in music, literature, and film, often symbolizing the complexities of gang leadership and the socio-economic factors driving individuals towards crime. Artists and writers have explored themes of power, redemption, and the quest for justice through his story.

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