LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- Alleged Los Angeles gang leader Eugene Henley Jr., known as "Big U,'' was ordered to remain behind bars Thursday pending a detention hearing in federal court at the end of the month.
Henley is charged in a federal complaint alleging an array of racketeering crimes, including extortion, human trafficking, fraud & the 2021 murder of an aspiring rap musician.
A magistrate judge ordered him to remain in federal custody at least until his detention hearing on March 31.
Henley is an alleged leader of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips & runs a vast, mafia-like'' organization that has committed crimes including murder, trafficking & COVID fraud.
Henley is charged in the complaint with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Authorities also accuse Henley, the founder of Big U Enterprise, with murdering a young Las Vegas rapper, Rayshawn Williams, in January 2021.
The criminal complaint further claims that Henley defrauded famous athletes, including Basketball Hall of Famer & former Laker Shaquille O'Neal & Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green by persuading them to donate money to charity - cash that he allegedly pocketed himself.
In addition, Henley is accused of fraudulently obtaining funding from the Gang Reduction & Youth Development program supervised by the L.A. Mayor's Office.
Henley was instrumental in launching the career of the late Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle, who was shot to death in South Los Angeles in 2019.
Authorities also allege Henley submitted a fraudulent application for a COVID-19 pandemic relief loan in which he claimed that Uneek Music was operating at a $200,000 profit in 2019 despite operating at a $5,000 loss that year, which should have disqualified it from loan eligibility.
Henley served 13 years in prison for trying to steal cocaine from an undercover sheriff's deputy in 1991. His son, Daiyan Henley, is a linebacker entering his second season with the Los Angeles Chargers.
If convicted, Henley would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- Alleged Los Angeles gang leader and so-called rap "godfather'' Eugene Henley Jr., known as "Big U,'' was ordered to remain behind bars Thursday pending a detention hearing in federal court at the end of the month.
Henley, charged in a federal complaint alleging an array of racketeering crimes, including extortion, human trafficking, fraud and the 2021 murder of an aspiring rap musician, surrendered to law enforcement Wednesday as investigators fanned out to find him.
A magistrate judge ordered him to remain in federal custody at least until his detention hearing in downtown L.A. on March 31. His arraignment was scheduled for April 8. No plea was taken at Henley's initial court appearance Thursday.
Prior to turning himself in, the self-described anti-gang activist from the South L.A. community of Hyde Park, posted videos on Instagram denying the accusations.
"I'm looking at all these charges in the news,'' he said. "I'm heading back to LA. Ain't going to be no real evidence. Ain't going to be no real nothing ... Now, they're saying all that stuff to assassinate my character.''
According to federal prosecutors, Henley is a leader of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips and runs a vast, mafia-like'' organization that has committed crimes including murder, trafficking and COVID fraud.
Henley is charged in the complaint with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Authorities also accuse Henley, the founder of Big U Enterprise, with murdering a young Las Vegas rapper, Rayshawn Williams, in January 2021.
The criminal complaint further claims that Henley defrauded famous athletes, including Basketball Hall of Famer and former Laker Shaquille O'Neal and Golden State Warriors four-time all-star forward Draymond Green by persuading them to donate money to charity - cash that he allegedly pocketed himself.
In addition, Henley is accused of fraudulently obtaining funding from the Gang Reduction and Youth Development program supervised by the L.A. Mayor's Office.
Henley runs the Los Angeles music promotion company Uneek Music. He was instrumental in launching the career of the late Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle, who was shot to death in South Los Angeles in 2019.
Authorities also allege Henley submitted a fraudulent application for a COVID-19 pandemic relief loan in which he claimed that Uneek Music was operating at a $200,000 profit in 2019 despite operating at a $5,000 loss that year, which should have disqualified it from loan eligibility.
Henley served 13 years in prison for trying to steal cocaine from an undercover sheriff's deputy in 1991. His son, Daiyan Henley, is a linebacker entering his second season with the Los Angeles Chargers.
If convicted, Henley would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison, authorities said. Robinson and Martin would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
RJ Payne x BP Infinite - Walk In My Shoes (Prod. BP Infinite) (New Official Audio)
"Walk In My Shoes" is the lead single off of "A Different Kind of Payne Volume II." The forthcoming EP from Philadelphia emcee RJ Payne and producer BP Infinite.
XP The Marxman & BroGawd - Bass Boss (Prod. So=Cal) (New Official Music Video)
The latest offering from XP the Marxman and Brogawd's collaborative project, "Black and Brown Business," arrives in the form of a striking visual for the track "Bass Boss." Fully produced by So=Cal, the song's energy is amplified by a cinematic video shot and expertly edited by Jason Lucero. The visual component promises to be more than just a music video; it's a carefully crafted piece designed to complement the sonic landscape of "Bass Boss." Expect compelling imagery and a narrative, however subtle, that elevates the listening experience and further solidifies the artistic vision behind "Black and Brown Business." Lucero's touch suggests a visually rich and thoughtfully paced accompaniment to the hard-hitting track.
Miami's famed Maze Lounge is undergoing a remarkable transformation, rebranding as Golden Door—a luxury destination for elite entertainment, high fashion, and unrivaled sophistication. The grand opening night promises an unforgettable evening, bringing together power players, top tastemakers, and industry influencers.
Golden Door’s debut event will be hosted by Ziggy Zeigler, a rising star in the entertainment world with a mission to revitalize music through performance art. Zeigler’s influence extends across the globe, impacting high society and haute circles. His commitment to curating moments of electrifying performances and unfiltered glamour ensures that the night will be nothing short of extraordinary.
Behind this lavish affair are two seasoned hospitality visionaries—Billy Karasik and Maxim Vergun—whose names have become synonymous with luxury entertainment. Both have played pivotal roles in shaping Miami's nightlife landscape and are now leading Golden Door into a new era.
Billy Karasik: The Innovator Behind Luxury Entertainment
Billy Karasik has a rich history of reshaping high-end entertainment. With a career spanning New York and Miami, Karasik’s innovations have set the standard for luxury hospitality and event planning. Known for blending elite dining with upscale nightlife, Karasik’s ventures have included renowned establishments like Red Wine with Fish in Manhattan and the exclusive Green Room nightclub in Soho.
His knack for creating immersive, high-society experiences has made him a fixture in luxury entertainment circles, attracting A-list clientele and cultural tastemakers alike.
Whether curating bespoke dining experiences or ultra-private nightlife retreats, Karasik continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of luxury entertainment.
Maxim Vergun: Mastermind of Miami’s Social Scene
Maxim Vergun is the architect behind some of Miami’s most iconic nightlife events, and his impact on the Golden Door experience is undeniable. Known for orchestrating high-profile events with global appeal, Vergun has hosted star-studded performances by top artists such as DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, and Steve Aoki. His efforts have made the rebranded Golden Door (formerly Maze Lounge) the go-to venue for Miami Swim Week and Art Basel after-parties, attracting a sophisticated and global crowd.
The Golden Door Experience
The Golden Door launch event will kick off at 9:00 PM on Friday, March 21, 2025, with a red-carpet reception that welcomes Miami's entertainment, fashion, and business elite. The evening will feature a mesmerizing performance by the world-renowned Crazy Horse Paris, making its Miami debut with an avant-garde fusion of dance, artistry, and seduction.
DJ Golden Boy, a staple in the international luxury nightlife scene, will curate the night’s music. With experience across New York, Miami, and Las Vegas, DJ Golden Boy is known for seamlessly blending high-energy beats with sophisticated soundscapes, ensuring an electric atmosphere for the event.
The evening’s grand finale will be the Branson Cognac King’s Table Dinner Party—a fine-dining experience that combines culinary artistry with high-society allure. Guests can expect surprise celebrity appearances and exclusive entertainment, adding to the night’s intrigue and glamour.
Event Details:
Location: Golden Door (formerly Maze Lounge) 300 S Biscayne Blvd, Unit C-202B, Miami, FL 33131
Motivational melodies and diverse influences collide in Tobex's latest international release.
Lagos' own Tobex has released his dynamic new single, "Neighbour," a track that seamlessly blends elements of Hip Hop, Pop, R&B, and Reggae to create a rich and genre-defying listening experience. Delving into personal themes and international appeal, Tobex’s latest offering is not just a song; it’s a motivational anthem that resonates with diverse audiences around the world.
"Neighbour" showcases Tobex's unique talent for crafting lyrics that inspire and motivate, drawing listeners in with its catchy rhythm and poetic depth. Since embarking on his professional music journey in 2021, Tobex has consistently pushed the boundaries of genre to deliver a sound that is unmistakably his own. The single highlights his evolution as an artist who not only creates music for entertainment but also for empowerment.
This new track is a testament to Tobex's ability to fuse different sounds into a cohesive and compelling narrative, something that his fans have eagerly anticipated. Through "Neighbour," Tobex aims not only to entertain but also to connect on a deeper emotional level, inviting listeners into a world that is both familiar and refreshingly unique.
With an undeniable presence in the international music scene, Tobex’s work continues to gather momentum. As fans around the globe continue to embrace his sound, "Neighbour" stands as a beacon of his artistic growth and a teaser of even more exciting music to come. To experience Tobex's new single firsthand, visit his website. Don’t miss the opportunity to stream, download, and share in the universal message Tobex delivers through his music.
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ABOUT
Tobex, born Oyelakun Oluwatobiloba Emmanuel on January 11, 2001, in Lagos, has been making music since 2017 and became a professional artist in 2021. Known for his extraordinary ability to blend multiple genres, Tobex creates music that transcends cultural and musical boundaries. Growing up in a musically inclined family with four brothers and a sister, his artistic journey is deeply rooted in personal experiences and family support. Tobex continues to gain recognition for his unique sound and his passion for motivation and empowerment through music.
Nyce Da Future x Klicko - The Meet UP (Ghost & Ray) (Prod. Eto) (New Official Music Video) (EPFilmz}
Southside Jamaica, Queens native and Mobb Deep affiliate, Nyce Da Future, and Brooklyn fire spitter Klicko have teamed up to give hip hop fans that gritty New York sound the game has been missing.
"Saran Rap" is the name of the duo's new EP. Produced entirely by Rochester, New York legend, Eto, for New Crack Era.
Peep the visuals for the project's lead single titled "The Meet Up (Ghost & Ray)"
Cartier Chase - Free Cuffy (New Official Music Video) (Prod. Ditty Broker)
Unless you've been hiding under a rock the last couple of months, you've probably heard about the controversy surrounding former Black Mafia Family (BMF) drug kingpin Big Meech's recent release from prison.
Did Big Meech benefit from third party cooperation or work with the government to bring down St. Louis drug dealer, Dionne Lamont Gatling, a/k/a “Cuffy,” with help from DEA informant Tammy Cowins, to reduce his sentence?
At this point the only thing for certain is that Big Meech is a free man while Cuffy is serving a 27-year sentence.
Homicide Hartfor rapper Cartier Chase decides to weigh in on the subject swirling around Demetrius Edward "Big Meech" Flenory Sr., Terry "Southwest T" Flenory, Demetrius "Lil Meech" Flenory Jr, Tammy Cowins, BMF, Bleu Davinci, Curtis "50 Cent" Jckson, the business mogul who brought the BMF story to to a worldwide audience vis his Starz television show and Tonesa Welch.
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