If you’ve spent any time following West Coast hip-hop or the complex history of South Los Angeles, you’ve heard the name Eugene Henley, better known as Big U. For decades, he was the guy you had to see if you wanted to move safely through certain neighborhoods. He was the "Godfather" of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips. But he was also the man credited with discovering Nipsey Hussle and launching Kurupt’s solo career.
Things took a massive, dark turn in early 2025.
Basically, the federal government dropped a hammer that nobody saw coming—or maybe everyone saw coming but didn't want to say out loud. A 43-count RICO indictment. It wasn't just about street stuff; it was about a "mafia-like" organization called the Big U Enterprise that federal prosecutors claim was hiding behind the face of a community nonprofit.
The Dual Life of Eugene Henley Big U
Honestly, the story of Big U is a masterclass in contradiction. On one hand, you have the man who founded Developing Options in 2004. This was supposed to be his redemption arc after serving 13 years for a 1991 robbery conviction. He became a staple on cable documentaries like Hip Hop Uncovered, talking about peace treaties and keeping kids away from the lifestyle that nearly took his own.
But then there's the other side. The side the FBI spent years documenting through wiretaps and tailing black SUVs.
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The Feds argue that while he was collecting millions in grants from the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, he was simultaneously running a criminal empire. We’re talking about extortion, human trafficking, and even murder. It’s a wild reality to wrap your head around: a man getting paid by the city to stop gang violence while allegedly being the CEO of a gang-linked criminal enterprise.
The Murder of R.W.
One of the most chilling parts of the March 2025 indictment involves an aspiring rapper named Rayshawn Williams, who went by R.W. He was signed to Henley’s label, Uneek Music. According to federal court documents, Williams recorded a "diss track" that insulted Henley.
In January 2021, prosecutors say Big U and an associate lured Williams to a recording session in Las Vegas. From there, they allegedly drove him out into the Nevada desert, shot him in the face, and left his body in a ditch off Interstate 15. The detail that really sticks is that Henley supposedly ordered studio workers to delete the security footage immediately after returning to LA.
Why the Music Industry is Shaking
You've probably heard the term "checking in." It’s the unofficial tax that rappers and celebrities often pay when they visit Los Angeles to ensure they don't get robbed or harassed. For years, Big U was the person people "checked in" with.
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The indictment claims this wasn't just some street respect thing—it was straight-up extortion.
- NBA Players: High-profile athletes allegedly paid Big U thousands for "protection."
- Celebrity Donations: Big names like Shaquille O’Neal and Draymond Green reportedly donated to Henley’s charity, thinking they were helping youth football and literacy programs.
- COVID Fraud: Even the pandemic wasn't off-limits. Prosecutors say he faked profits for Uneek Music to get hundreds of thousands in relief loans.
It’s messy. It’s complicated. And for a lot of people in the community who saw him as a mentor, it's a huge betrayal.
The Wack 100 Feud
Before he turned himself in on March 19, 2025, Big U took to Instagram. He didn't just deny the charges; he went after Wack 100, another heavy hitter in the LA music scene. Henley accused Wack of being a federal informant and working with the government to take him down.
Wack, of course, fired back. This back-and-forth played out in real-time on social media, blurring the lines between street beef and a federal racketeering case. It’s the kind of drama that feels like a movie, except the stakes are actual life sentences.
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The Fallout and What’s Next
Right now, Eugene Henley is sitting in federal custody. A judge denied him bail in April 2025, calling him a "danger to the community" and citing a massive amount of evidence regarding witness intimidation.
The government claims they have over 20,000 recorded wiretaps. That’s a lot of talking.
What makes this case different from your average gang trial is the scale. It's not just about what happens on the corner of Crenshaw and Slauson. It’s about how street power translates into corporate and political influence. If Henley is convicted, it will likely change how the city of Los Angeles handles community grants and how the music industry deals with "street consultants" forever.
Actionable Takeaways for Following the Case
If you're trying to keep up with the Eugene Henley Big U situation, here is how to navigate the noise:
- Monitor PACER for Court Filings: Since this is a federal RICO case, the most accurate info comes from the Central District of California court records.
- Look Past the Social Media Noise: There is a lot of "clout chasing" happening on YouTube and Instagram regarding this case. Stick to reports from outlets like the Los Angeles Times or Courthouse News Service for the actual legal facts.
- Understand the RICO Act: Researching how the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act works will help you understand why the feds are trying to link the murder in Vegas to the fraud in LA. It’s all about the "enterprise."
- Watch the Legacy of Nipsey Hussle: Many people look at this case through the lens of Nipsey’s legacy. Notice how the community distinguishes between the work Nipsey did and the allegations against his former manager.
The trial is expected to be one of the biggest in LA history. Whether you see Big U as a fallen leader or a man being targeted for his past, the legal battle ahead will likely define the next decade of West Coast culture.