Los Angeles' online community promotes real-world violence, transforming it into viral material on the internet
In the heart of the city, Los Angeles, a series of shootings has sent shockwaves through the community. The most significant incident occurred on August 20th, in the 600 block of 80th Street, where three individuals were struck, one fatally. This tragedy marked the beginning of a tit-for-tat spree of shootings across the city.
The shooting resulted in one death and four injuries, with victims ranging in age from 19 to 45. The man gunned down was identified by an account called Hood War Stories as 'Chipmunk.' This incident is believed to be a flare-up in a long, bloody struggle between different sets of the Hoover and Main Street Crips.
A federal indictment against a crime ring allegedly fronted by Eugene 'Big U' Henley, a reputed Crips leader and music mogul, mentions comments he allegedly made on podcast appearances. Henley, accused of murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion, and fraud, has pleaded not guilty. However, the details regarding the background and responsible parties of the August 2022 shootout remain undisclosed by the Los Angeles Police Department.
The shooting marked a dark chapter in Los Angeles' otherwise improving safety record. So far this year, the city has been safer than at any point in recent history, with shootings down nearly 8% from this time last year.
Amidst the street gossip and speculation, renowned gang interventionist Skipp Townsend found himself trying to tamp down rumours, including whether the attack was orchestrated by a rival gang or the result of an internal Hoover conflict. Townsend and others lament 'clout chasers' and 'culture vultures' who exploit other people's trauma to try to gain larger and larger audiences.
The demand for street politics-influenced podcasts shows they fill a need by reporting on incidents uncovered by traditional media outlets. Longtime Los Angeles gang researcher Alex Alonso states that these shows are creating an oral history of local gang culture and its influence on the city. However, Alonso also notes that these podcasts can blur the lines between documenting and fomenting violence.
Munchie B, who joined the Inglewood Family Bloods at an early age and had emerged as a leading voice in the rap podcast world, states that shows that revel in street violence are 'counterproductive.' Podcasts have been used as evidence in high-profile prosecutions, including the racketeering case against rapper Young Thug in Atlanta.
The shooting at a 'Hood Day' celebration for a faction of the Hoovers gang, claiming the life of Africa Johnson, who was described as an innocent bystander, further underscores the dangerous consequences of street violence. As the city grapples with these incidents, the hope remains for a return to peace and safety.
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