Inside the Rise of Gangster Crips 3X Movin in Detroit

The “Crips” were founded in Los Angeles in 1969 by Raymond Washington, who is widely recognized as the principal founder of what would become a nationwide street-gang network. The Crips initially began as a local alliance before eventually fracturing into numerous independent sets.

Today, the “Crips” are a massive collection—or “alliance,” as many members may characterize the broader affiliation, particularly within prisons and jails—of both structured and unstructured street gangs across the United States. These groups share elements of a common gang culture, including the use of blue, shared terminology, iconography, symbolism, and ideological rivalries with groups such as the “Bloods” street gang.

Crip-associated terminology can include linguistic conventions such as replacing “ck” with “cc” in certain words, resulting in spellings such as “bacc” instead of “back” or “sicc” instead of “sick.” This pattern can appear in graffiti, written communication, music, and online posts. Other commonly associated forms of symbolism include hand signs and, in some regions, six-pointed stars.

National Crip membership has been estimated at approximately 30,000 to 35,000 members. Although the Crips originated in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Crip-affiliated groups eventually spread throughout the Midwest, East Coast, South, and other regions of the United States. Significant regional concentrations developed in places such as North Carolina, Minnesota—including Minneapolis, Michigan—including Detroit and Flint—Ohio—including Columbus and Toledo—as well as New Jersey and New York.

Crip groups outside California have often developed more adaptable or hybridized identities based on local street and prison culture. During the expansion of Crip-affiliated groups throughout the Midwest, East Coast, and South, local sets frequently adapted their practices to existing regional gang structures rather than strictly following Los Angeles neighborhood politics. As a result, regional Crip organizations may place greater emphasis on local alliances, prison politics, and relationships with other established gangs than on the specific 2X-versus-3X dynamics associated with Los Angeles.

Much of this expansion occurred during the 1980s and 1990s, driven by factors including mass incarceration, migration, popular media, and the movement of incarcerated gang members between correctional facilities. In Midwest, East Coast, and Southern correctional systems, incarcerated Crip sets encountered large, highly organized Chicago-based gang coalitions, most notably the Folk Nation and People Nation.

The Folk Nation is traditionally associated with the six-pointed star, while the People Nation is associated with the five-pointed star. Within certain correctional environments, Crip-affiliated groups developed alliances with members of the Folk Nation, which was heavily associated with the Gangster Disciples. These relationships are commonly described as the “8-Ball” alliance, a reference to the black eight-ball in pool and the perceived alliance between Crips and Folk-affiliated groups.

The six-pointed star consequently became an important symbol among many Crip sets outside California, particularly in parts of the Midwest, East Coast, and South. In these environments, the symbolism was incorporated into existing Crip identity and was sometimes interpreted through the six principles traditionally associated with the Gangster Disciples: Life, Love, Loyalty, Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding. Consequently, some Midwest and East Coast Crips use the “Six Points” or “Six” as a representation of purpose, loyalty, and affiliation.

It is important, however, to distinguish these regional adaptations from the historical culture of California Crips. Los Angeles and California Crips traditionally do not recognize the six-pointed star as a Crip symbol and do not consider themselves part of the Folk Nation. California Crips have historically operated according to localized neighborhood politics and affiliations, including distinctions between groups such as Rollin’ Neighborhood Crips and Gangster Crips.

As a result, a Crip member from the Midwest or East Coast who enters Los Angeles while displaying symbols associated with the Folk Nation—such as pitchforks or the six-pointed star—may be viewed by local L.A. Crips as an outsider rather than as someone sharing the same regional gang identity. These symbols developed within a different historical and correctional environment and therefore do not carry the same meaning within traditional West Coast Crip culture.

Detroit represents another example of how Crip identity has been adapted to a local environment. In Detroit, references to the “Six” or “6” can carry Crip-related meaning, while six-pointed-star symbolism may also overlap with iconography associated with Gangster Disciples. The meaning of these symbols is therefore highly dependent on regional context, local history, and the specific set using them rather than being universally interpreted the same way throughout the national Crip network.

Large, nationally recognized Crips gangs include the Eight Trey (or “Tray”) Gangster Crips, Rollin’ 60s Crips, and Grape Street Watts Crips. Crips gangs operate in approximately 221 cities across 41 states. Their primary sources of income include the street-level distribution of powder cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and PCP. Crips gangs are also involved in various forms of other criminal activity, particularly violent offenses such as assault, carjacking, and homicide.

Given the size and decentralized nature of the Crips, the larger street-gang umbrella contains internal sub-alliances commonly referred to as “Cars” or “Cards.” The two most well-known are the “Gangster Crips” (or “3X/Movin’ Gang”) and “Neighborhood Crips” (or “Rollin’/2X”).

Detroit’s Gangster Crip (“GC”) presence is decentralized and highly localized, with individual cards (or “cars”) represented by smaller, neighborhood-anchored subsets rather than a single centralized organization. The following sets are among the most consistently referenced within Detroit’s east- and west-side Gangster Crip landscape.

For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.

*In No Particular Order*

For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.

Origin: West Coast Gangster Crip identity adapted into Detroit’s local framework

General Territory: Originally formed along W. Seven Mile. Through the early–late 2010s held a large zone between Evergreen and Lahser before a major RICO case took down 16 members. A small, scattered presence also exists on the Eastside.

Notable Subsets / Cliques:

*In No Particular Order*

• 7 Mile Playboy Gangster Crips (7M PBGC): Heavy activity along W. Seven Mile between Lahser and Evergreen

• East Warren Crips (EWC): Heavy activity along E. Warren Avenue near Conner Street

• Eastside Playboy Gangster Crips (E/S PBGC): Older, smaller clique tied to blocks along E. Warren

Notes:

Detroit PBGC sets operate independently of LA-based PGC but retain the Playboy identity and Gangster Crip structure. Considered one of the most organized Crip sets in Detroit’s history, with extensive documentation of coordinated criminal activity.

For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.

General Territory: Northwest/Westside, Five Points neighborhood; concentrated along W. Seven Mile between Evergreen and Telegraph

Notable Subsets / Cliques:

*In No Particular Order*

• 24000 Blocc a/k/a “ScoreGang”: One of the largest and most visible sub-alliances, heavily seen on walls and in rival crossouts

• Baby Hyenas Gang (BHG): Youth-gang of the W7M Crips with a strong street presence

• Tiny Lok Krew (TLK): A prominent graffiti clique affiliated with the W7M Crips and BHG

Notes:

W7M ETGC is generally understood to be a localized adaptation of the Eight Trey (‘8Tray’) Gangster Crips, a well-known Gangster Crip identity that originated in Los Angeles and expanded nationally during the late 1990s and early 2000s. While the group draws heavily from the symbolism, terminology, and cultural influence associated with the Los Angeles-based Eight Trey tradition, local accounts describe W7M ETGC as an independent Detroit offshoot rather than a formally sanctioned chapter operating under direct authority from California. Within northwest Detroit, W7M ETGC is widely regarded as one of the more organized and publicly visible Gangster Crip–identified groups. The organization is active within the broader 5Point Nation (5PN) and Movin Gang (3X) alliance structure and has developed a substantial presence through territorial identification, neighborhood influence, social-media visibility, and extensive graffiti activity throughout the Five Points corridor and surrounding areas. Community documentation, graffiti records, and local accounts frequently identify W7M ETGC as one of the larger contemporary Crip-affiliated groups operating on Detroit’s west side. The group maintains documented associations and alliances with several other Crip-aligned organizations referenced in community reporting and gang-documentation sources, including Y.L.S. 107 HCG, Brightmoor Gangster Crips (BGC), East Warren Crips (EWC), and Paybacc Crips (PBC). These relationships form part of a broader network of affiliated groups connected through shared symbolism, neighborhood ties, and participation in the larger 5PN/3X alliance structure.

Members of the West 7 Mile Evergreen Telegraph Gangster Crips (W7M ETGC) frequently reside in several local apartment complexes throughout the area. These include:

  • Country House Apartments: A large Section 8 housing complex locally referred to as “The Woods” or, more infamously, “LA County.”
  • Four Corners Apartments: Known locally as “The Zoo,” located near Grand River Avenue and Telegraph Road.
  • Northwest Co-Op: Also referred to as “The Grandview Townhomes.”
  • Abandoned/Condemned Properties: Members frequently loiter in vacant structures, such as the former “Beyond The Gates” complex near W. Seven Mile Road and Fenton Street (18900–19100 blocks).

Subgroups and Territory

Gang members claim affiliation with various distinct subgroups (or “member gangs”) tied to specific residential streets along W. Seven Mile Road, spanning between Telegraph Road and Five Points Street, known as the “24000 Blocc Crips” or “24BLK”:

  • North-to-South Streets:
    • Woodbine Street: Home to the “24200” and “24300 Blocc Crips” (where the Country House Apartments / “LA County” is located).
    • Lenore Avenue: Claimed by the “24300 Blocc Crips.” [This specific subgroup played a central role in establishing a Crips street clique in Redford Charter Township known as the “Lil Mad Daly Boyz” (LMDB). The active criminal clique frequently vandalizes property throughout the township with W7M ETGC and SCRG insignia.]
    • Winston and Fenton Streets: Territory of the “24500” and “24600 Blocc Crips.” [It is worth noting that members from the Winston Street area have formed a distinct clique known as “Bloc19” (or the “19000 Blocc Crips”). The Bloc19 clique maintains a close, informal alliance with the 24500 Blocc Crips—collectively referred to as the “19-45 Crips.” Members of this alliance are frequently deployed to the front lines during violent tag wars against the local Black P. Stone Bloods (also known as the “Jungle Stone Bloods”).]
    • Grandview Street: Home to the “24700 Blocc Crips.” [Also home to locally known street cliques and subgroups like the “Blocc Boy Flocc” (B.B.F.), Two-Syxx Gang (26G), Baby Hyenas Gang (BHG), and “North Side Gutta Ave Crips” (NSC).]
  • East-to-West Streets:
    • Frisbee Street: Controlled by the “24700 Blocc Crips,” a foundational subgroup of the broader W7M ETGC gang.
    • Fargo Avenue: Claimed by the “24800 Blocc Crips.” [Home to the street clique known as the “BigJumpShotGang” (BJSG), a locally notorious youth wing known for its alleged involvement in neighborhood shootings targeting rival gangs.]

While additional streets are claimed, these primary groups represent the majority of known active members.

Alliances and Rivalries

These subgroups frequently form internal geographic alliances:

  • BaccWest: Composed of the 24600, 24700, and 24800 Blocc Crips. [considered locally as the most active sub-alliance]
  • FarrWest: Composed of the 24200, 24300, and 24500 Blocc Crips.

Notably, there is no recognized “24400 Blocc Crip” subgroup. That block is territory of the “Wormer Ave Bloods,” a renegade set that splintered from the local West 7 (Mile) Black P. Stone Bloods (W7 BPS). Despite the split, they maintain informal ties with W7 BPS and frequently engage in “Tag Wars” alongside them against local Crips sets (such as SCRG and 5PN). In Detroit, “Tag Wars” refer to volatile conflicts triggered by gang graffiti—often beginning with the crossing out of rival tags and rapidly escalating into deadly violence. The Detroit Police Department’s Organized Crime Division considers these conflicts extremely hazardous, warning that defacing or crossing out gang graffiti can be a fatal offense.

For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.

General Territory: Eastside and Westside; most active along 6 Mile and across various W/E Warren pockets

Notable Subsets / Cliques:

*In No Particular Order*

• GreenGuyz: One of the most visible SGC identifiers

• 1229 / ReaperGang: Youth-heavy clique with a strong music presence

• 6 Mile ShoutGun Crips (6M SGC): Activity along 6 Mile near Livernois

• Warren ShoutGun Crips: Presence around both E. Warren and W. Warren corridors

Notes:

ShoutGun Crips are one of Detroit’s most fragmented Gangster Crip sets, defined tightly by blocks and micro-territories. Some cliques, such as 1229/ReaperGang, maintain ties to Rollin 60s Crips, underscoring how Detroit’s “Gangster Crip Card” operates far more fluidly than out-of-state Gangster Crip structures.

For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.

General Territory: Minor but steady Westside and jail-system footprint; street-level activity is viewed as largely defunct with no known youth pipeline

Known Subset:

• 6 Mile 52 Hoover Gangster Crips (6M 52 HGC): Small clique tied to the 6 Mile–Schaefer area

Notes:

Detroit Hoover sets operate differently from West Coast Hoover politics; alliances and rivalries do not map cleanly. Periodic 107 Hoover Criminals Gang (Y.L.S.) tags have appeared near ScoreGang graffiti, though not consistently enough to confirm an active presence in Metro Detroit.

For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.

General Territory: Minor but steady presence in the Brightmoor neighborhood of northwest Detroit; street-level activity is viewed as partly defunct with current activity being minor

Notable Subsets / Cliques:

*In No Particular Order*

• W/S BGC

• N/S BGC

• Grape Street Gangsters (GSG)

• Various other spin-off cliques

Notes:

BGC (Brightmoor Gangster Crips) is documented as a small but active Gangster Crip–aligned street group operating primarily within Detroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood and the broader ’23 Zone’ (48223 ZIP code). Available sources and graffiti documentation indicate long-standing alliances and associations with local Gangster Disciples–aligned groups, including BMG. The group maintained a visible tagging and graffiti presence throughout the Brightmoor area during the mid-to-late 2010s, particularly amid localized graffiti conflicts commonly referred to as “tag wars,” where rival street gangs and neighborhood factions repeatedly crossed out or defaced each other’s markings to assert territorial influence and neighborhood dominance. Some individuals associated with BGC have adopted symbolism, iconography, and stylistic elements linked to the Grape Street Watts Crips (GSWC), including references in graffiti, colors, and online imagery. However, individuals connected to the group have consistently denied any formal organizational ties to the original Watts-based Los Angeles gang. In recent years, BGC has increasingly been observed aligned or associated with younger west side Detroit groups, particularly factions connected to the W7M ScoreGang Crips, with documented overlaps appearing in graffiti activity, neighborhood affiliations, and mutual opposition to rival groups.

Members of the BGC street group (or “street gang”) often frequent a local apartment called “Parkside Apartments” (23740 Fenkell) and members of other local gangs like the “ScoreGang” and “BMG” frequent this same densely populated complex located on Fenkell street near Telegraph road, in close proximity to Redford Charter Township.

General Territory: The Eye neighborhood (48219 ZIP code)

Notable Subsets / Cliques:

*In No Particular Order*

• Worm Gang / WG / WGC (claims Wormer Ave in The Eye neighborhood)

• 17300 Lunatics / 17-3 LC’s (claims the 17300 Block of Lenore Ave in The Eye neighborhood)

Notes: The W/S Paybacc Crips (PBC) are a Gangster Crip–aligned street gang originating from Gardena, California, where they are more formally known as the Gardena Paybacc Crips (GPBC). In Southern California, the group is historically aligned with other Gardena-based Gangster Crip factions, including the Shotgun Crips (SGC) and Thug Family Gangster Crips (TFGC). According to community accounts and local observations, a small PBC presence later emerged in Detroit by the late 2010s, primarily on the city’s northwest side. While the group has never developed a major footprint in terms of size or notoriety, individuals identifying with PBC have reportedly operated alongside more established Crip factions in jail environments and neighborhood alliances, including groups connected to the Playboy Gangster Crips (PBGC), 6M 52 Hoover Gangster Crips, and W7M ETGC. In Detroit, PBC is most commonly associated with “The Eye” area of northwest Detroit, where members have occasionally been observed gathering around Edward G. Heckel Park wearing customized blue apparel and bandannas displaying identifiers such as “PBC” and “W/S PAYBACC.” The group has also been associated with localized tensions and rivalries involving the larger 7-Tel Rollin 40s Crips (R40s), a Neighborhood Crip–aligned faction operating under the Rollin/2X tradition. PBC is generally regarded as one of the smallest documented Crip factions operating within Detroit.

For definitions of terminology related to activity, conduct, demographics, gang-related terms, identifiers, and classifications used on this page, refer to the site glossary.

Detroit’s Gangster Crip (“3X / Movin Gang”) sets traditionally maintain opposition toward Rollin/Neighborhood (“2X”) Crips sets and various Blood-affiliated crews.

Primary Rivalries:

*In No Particular Order*

Notable Detroit Rivalries:

*In No Particular Order*

  • 7 Mile Playboy Gangster Crips vs. 7 Mile Rollin 60s — One of Detroit’s most documented Crip-on-Crip feuds. Resulted in multiple shootings and large federal cases: 16 PBGC members convicted, 12 R60s members convicted
  • W7M ETGC vs. Rollin 60s (RR$C) — Publicly reported mainly as graffiti exchanges, though locals cite underlying violence and retaliatory incidents.
  • Paybacc Crips vs. Rollin 40s (7-Tel RFC) — Publicly reported mainly as intermittent street disputes, locals cite street fights and verbal online banter.

Notes & Verification Status

• Information is compiled from public records, community reporting, and law-enforcement sources.

• This page is informational and historical; it does not function as legal documentation.

Sources:

*Sources are listed in no particular order. Numerical placement does not indicate priority, authority, or primary-source status.*

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