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

Crip-affiliated gang members are commonly associated with the color blue, which may appear in clothing or accessories such as bandanas, shoelaces, belts, hats, sweatshirts, or other apparel. Bandanas are often worn on the left side to indicate Crip affiliation, though this practice can vary by location and set.

When clothing alone does not clearly communicate affiliation, hand signs may be used. One of the most common is the “C” hand sign, typically made with either the left or right hand and derived from adapted sign language used within Crip culture.

Crip-associated terminology can include distinctive linguistic conventions, symbolism, and phrases used in graffiti, written communication, music, and online posts. One commonly documented convention is replacing “ck” with “cc” in certain words, producing spellings such as “bacc” for “back” or “sicc” for “sick.” Other symbolism associated with Crip-affiliated groups can include hand signs and, in some regions, six-pointed stars. Usage and meanings can vary by neighborhood, set, region, and individual.

References characterized as anti-Blood language—meaning expressions directed against the “Bloods,” a nationally recognized rival street-gang network—may also appear, including abbreviations such as “B/K” (“Blood Killer”). Affiliates may also adopt clothing, colors, or symbols associated with their specific set. For example, certain Detroit-based Crip groups, including the Shotgun Crips (SGC), have been associated in reporting with the use of Green Bay Packers apparel. Other examples include:

Cuh / Cuzz — Terms used by some (if not all) Crip-affiliated individuals as informal forms of address, comparable to words such as “bro” or “dude.”

On the Set / On Crip — A phrase used to refer to a person’s immediate gang territory or affiliation with their set.

On the Dead Homie(s) / DHz — A phrase used by some Crip-affiliated individuals to pay homage to deceased associates or gang members. “DHz” is a spelling sometimes seen in social-media posts.

What it C like — A traditional Crip greeting used among members (“C” replacing “Be”).

What’s Craccin / Watts Craccin Lok — A traditional Crip greeting that can also function as a form of initiating confrontation with rivals by questioning their temperament, readiness, or willingness to engage in a conflict. “Craccin”carries a meaning similar to “What’s going on?,” “What are you about?,” or “Are you ready for us?” “Watts Craccin Lok” is a more formalized greeting used among members of Crip-affiliated street gangs, functioning similarly to “hello,” “what’s up,” or “wassup.” Depending on the context and who it is directed toward, however, the phrase can carry a more confrontational meaning than an ordinary greeting.

Hoodsta — A shorthand term used by some Crips street gang members for “Hood Star,” referring to a respected or reputed member of a particular gang, set, or street clique.

Burner / Blower / Strap / Blicc / Thumper — Interchangeable slang terms used by some Crips street gang members to refer to firearms, ranging from handguns to rifles and shotguns. The term “Street Sweeper” is also used in some Crip-associated slang to refer to a shotgun, particularly a 12-gauge or double-barrel shotgun.

Grip / Cheese / Guap — Interchangeable slang terms used by some Crips street gang members to refer to money or cash, which may be obtained through either legal or illegal means.

Bald Heads / FMJs — A slang term used by Crips street gang members (and their associates) to refer to Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds, which typically have rounded bullet tips resembling a “bald head.” The term appears in gang-related music and street vernacular. For example, Detroit/Inkster-based Rollin’ 60s Crips affiliate rapper FWC Big Key, associated with the “24CashGang,” references a “clip” (slang for a firearm magazine) full of “bald heads” in several songs, including “Debo” and “Milwaukee.” Crips street gang members favor “bald heads” for their reliability in a wide range of firearms. FMJ ammunition is commonly associated with target practice, while Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) rounds are designed to expand upon impact. In street-gang culture, FMJ rounds are often referenced in connection with firearm reliability, particularly where improper weapon storage and inadequate maintenance can contribute to malfunctions. FMJ ammunition is generally known for feeding reliably in many firearms, although performance depends on the weapon’s condition, design, and ammunition compatibility. Given the Crips street gang long history and extensive presence in American street-gang culture, firearm terminology such as “bald heads” has become part of the slang and lyrical references associated with some members and affiliates.

G-Way / G-Station — A shorthand term used by members and associates of the Crips street gang to refer to local gas stations within or in close proximity to their particular gang’s claimed territory. Such locations may serve as gathering places where members congregate and, according to law-enforcement and community accounts, may also be associated with illegal activities such as drug distribution, primarily marijuana.

Low-Down — A term used by Crips street gang members to refer to “laying low” or keeping a low profile to the point of not being seen or heard, including while committing a criminal act. For example: “We gotta get low-down on them slobs and smash ’em for disrespecting our hood.”

Gangsta / Gangster — A term used to refer to a Crips street gang member and their overall identification with Crip culture. Whether a member is associated with a particular “car” (or card), such as “Gangster,” “Rollin,” “Mafia,” “Hustler,” or “Blocc,” they may still generally identify as a “Gangster” rather than a “soldier.” This terminology can differ across gang cultures; for example, members of Sureño groups may use “soldier” terminology in reference to their broader affiliation with the Mexican Mafia (La Eme).

Extra / Extra’d Out — A term used to describe a member who is particularly theatrical or overt in displaying their Crip identity and culture, often by adhering closely to stereotypical or outdated depictions of Crip culture, such as dressing exclusively in blue or drinking malt liquor.

Whip / Vee / Machine / Stiker — Interchangeable slang terms used by Crips street gang members and their associates to refer to motor vehicles (often reported as stolen).

Sto / Store — A shorthand term used by members and associates of the Crips street gang to refer to local corner stores and liquor stores within or in close proximity to their particular gang’s claimed territory. Such locations may serve as gathering places where members congregate and, according to law-enforcement and community accounts, may also be associated with illegal activities such as drug distribution, primarily marijuana.

Dolo — A term used by Crips street gang members to refer to being outside “solo,” or alone, often carrying a weapon and prepared for a potential confrontation.

Deep — A term used by Crips street gang members to refer to roaming an area, whether on foot or in a vehicle, with five or more members together. This is typically done to show a group presence or, according to accounts of gang activity, to commit a criminal act.

Blowed / Zooted / Fully Loaded — Terms used by Crips street gang members to describe themselves or their peers as being extremely intoxicated or heavily under the influence of drugs.

Chipped / Clipped / Bodied / Destroyed / Dropped — Slang terms used by Crips street gang members to refer to the violent killing of an individual or rival gang member. For example: “We just chipped two piss stains” (a derogatory term for members of the Black P. Stones street gang) “up the block, dead homies” (a street-level oath or phrase used in reference to fallen peers).

Drop / Lo / Camp — Terms used by Crips street gang members to refer to a specific location, which could be a house, plaza, street, or other identifiable places. The terms are typically used in the context of locating rivals or identifying a target location for acts of violence or illicit activity, such as robberies or burglaries. For example: “We just got the drop on them piss stains, let’s go pull a skit.”

Drill / Slide / Spin — In Crip culture, these interchangeable terms generally refer to an act of targeted violence, a drive-by shooting, or an aggressive retaliatory action against a rival gang, such as the “Bloods.” Although the term “drill” originated in Chicago street culture, its usage has expanded beyond Chicago in more recent years and has become increasingly prevalent within Crip-related terminology.

Scrap / Fade / Squabble — Slang terms used by members to refer to a street-level fistfight or brawl. Members of the same gang may “fade” each other when conflicts or disputes arise within their particular “set.”

D.P. / Disciplinary Punishment — A term used within Crips street gang culture to refer to internal disciplinary conflicts in which members may be required to face a “D.P.” for failing to meet their gang’s protocols or standards. These situations can arise from a perceived lack of presence, such as not going outside or being inactive, failing to participate regularly with the gang, or violating internal rules. The punishment can reportedly range from a fistfight or “jumping” to, in extreme cases, a potentially fatal encounter.

Battle Scars / Rank — Terms used within Crips street gang culture to refer to permanent tattoos or inked Crips insignia that may signify a member’s status, affiliation, or experience within a particular gang. In some sets, certain tattoos may be more closely associated with highly active or senior members, while newer or less-established members may face restrictions or social pressure surrounding the use of particular identifiers. According to accounts of internal gang practices, disputes over unauthorized tattoos or perceived attempts to claim a higher status can sometimes result in disciplinary action, including a “D.P.,” or pressure to prove oneself through criminal or violent activity.

Scoreboard — A slang term used by some Crips street gang members to refer to ongoing, overtly violent gang warfare, particularly when discussing the number of people killed on opposing sides. For example, if a Crips gang and a Bloods gang were involved in a shooting war in which five people were killed—three of them Bloods members—Crips members might mock their rivals on social media with posts or comments such as, “We up 3–2 on them slobs. Check the scoreboard!” The phrase refers to keeping track of perceived “kills” during an ongoing conflict.

Poke / Bitch — Slang terms reportedly used within Crips street gang culture, particularly in jail or prison settings, to refer to a homemade or improvised knife. “Poke” replaces the word “stab” and refers to the act of using the weapon to “poke” someone, while also serving as slang intended to minimize or disguise the seriousness of the threat. “Bitch” refers to how a person might be perceived as reacting when unarmed and confronted with a knife. For example, a member might say, “People act like a ‘bitch’ when you up the poke on ’em in the county jail, lok.”

Smash(ed) / Smashin(g) / Bashin(g) — Terms used by some Crips street gang members to describe the use of force against rivals or, in some contexts, police. The terminology implies overwhelming or violently dominating an opposing group. For example, a Crip-affiliated social-media post might contain a phrase such as “Trays stay smashin sissies,” referring to 8Tray Crips and using “sissies” as a derogatory reference to the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips. In that context, the phrase conveys a claim of ongoing violent dominance over the rival group.

Sissies — A derogatory term reportedly used primarily by 8Tray Crips offshoots when referring to members of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips (R60NHC), playing off the number “60s” and serving as a rival gang diss.

Tag Wars — Highly volatile graffiti conflicts where rival Crip (or “Blood”) sets spray paint over or cross out each other’s identifiers, a practice heavily monitored by law enforcement because it frequently escalates into fatal violence.

Striking Up / Strike Ups — A term used by Crips street gang members to refer to the process and act of gang-related graffiti vandalism. The word “striking” is intended to resemble the motion of applying spray paint, while the phrase coincides with the broader use of “active” to describe an individual’s or gang’s immediate level of street-level activity. In the context of the Crips street gang, being “active” is often associated with criminal operations, including violence, drug trafficking, and other illicit activity.

C-Walkin (Crip Walking) — A specific set of dance moves historically associated with Crips street gang culture and sometimes used as a display of gang pride, affiliation, or status. The phrase may also be used in street slang metaphorically to express pride or satisfaction over an incident involving a gang. For example, a member might disrespect the “Bloods” by saying, “We just C-Walked all over them slobs around the corner; bet they won’t tag our block again.” In this context, “C-Walked” is being used as slang implying that the speaker’s gang physically retaliated against its rivals—potentially through gun violence—rather than referring literally to the dance.

Skit / Play / Lick / Score — These are similarly associated terms that generally refer to earning or obtaining a large sum of money quickly, often through an illegal act, criminal scheme, or risky hustle. Although the usage of each term can vary by context and region, a “skit” is sometimes used more specifically to describe a violent criminal act. For example, members of the Crips street gang might say, “We just pulled a skit on them slobs, dropped at least two of them,” referring to a shooting targeting members of the “Bloods” street gang. By contrast, “play,” “lick,” and “score” generally refer to the acquisition of money or other material gains, rather than violence itself.

Crip Crazy / Loc’d Out — A phrase used within the Crips street gang culture to describe an intense sense of identification, attachment, and dedication to the broader national Crips street-gang network and its associated cultural practices. The expression (often seen in graffiti) conveys a heightened level of loyalty or enthusiasm toward the “Crip(s)” identity, essentially indicating that an individual is deeply committed to, or “crazy” about, the Crips street gang culture and affiliation.

Monkey Suit — A term reportedly used within Crips street gang slang to describe wearing dark-colored clothing, often entirely black, in preparation for or during participation in criminal activity intended to benefit an individual’s immediate gang or clique. The term is reportedly derived from the belief that dark-colored clothing makes an individual less visible at night, with “monkey” referencing the commonly perceived dark coloration of certain monkeys or apes. The expression is therefore associated with nighttime activity, although gang-related criminal activity may occur at any time depending on the nature of the offense.

Khaki Suit / Kaks — A term used within Crips street gang culture to describe the traditional or semi-formal use of Dickies-style workwear, particularly matching work shirts and double-knee work pants, commonly worn in navy blue or desert tan. Although this style of dress has reportedly become less prevalent among some newer generations, it has historically been associated with a formal or ceremonial dress code within portions of Crip culture. The term also reflects the use of the word “Gangster” as a self-descriptive identity among some (if not all) Crip-affiliated individuals, referring to members of an organized criminal group who engage in unlawful activity for money, status, or power. Some individuals have historically drawn comparisons between their organizational structure and that of the Mafia, or La Cosa Nostra, while the “suit” in this street-level cultural context is represented by the practical Dickies workwear rather than conventional formal attire. The outfit may be worn for significant events, gatherings, or other occasions associated with gang affiliation.

Chuccs — A shorthand for Chuck Taylor sneakers, also known as Converse sneakers. “Chuccs” (as spelled in Crip-culture) are a traditional style of footwear associated with Crips street-gang culture and are often paired with a matching Dickies outfit, commonly referred to as a “Khaki Suit” or “Kaks.” The combination is colloquially known as “Chuccs and Kaks” within parts of the broader national Crips street-gang network. Other sneakers and footwear historically associated with the “Khaki Suit” include Air Max 95s, Nike Cortez, and Timberland boots.

Hood Day / Set Day — Terms used within Crips street gang culture to describe a specific annual date designated by a local neighborhood, Crip-affiliated gang, or “set” to commemorate its territory, honor deceased members, and reinforce collective identity and affiliation. The date is often selected because its numerical representation corresponds to numbers associated with the gang or set’s name or identity. For example, the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips have been associated with June 10 (6/10), which is sometimes expressed through the phrase “Six Times Ten” or “6×10,” corresponding numerically to 60. Observances may include neighborhood block parties, cookouts, social gatherings, and memorial tributes for deceased members. Participants may also wear colors, clothing styles such as “Khaki Suits,” or other symbols associated with their particular neighborhood, block, or clique, including customized or airbrushed designs on clothing.

SixOwe — A nickname associated with the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, a prominent subset of the broader Crips street-gang network.

8Tray — A nickname associated with the Eight Trey Gangster Crips, also referred to as “Trays” or “Eight Treys.” The Eight Trey (or “Tray”) Gangster Crips are a nationally recognized violent subset of the broader Crips street-gang network.

Naybahood — A stylized spelling of Neighborhood, commonly associated with the Neighborhood Crips alliance or affiliated sets.

LOC / LOK / LOCSTA — Terms that can be used within Crip-associated contexts to refer to members or associates. “Loc” is sometimes given various backronyms, including “Loyal Outstanding Crip” and “Love Only Crips,” although these explanations are not necessarily universal. “Lok” may appear in written or online communication as a form of address. “Locsta” can be used to describe someone perceived as strongly committed to Crip affiliation.

HardHead / HardBody — A term referring to an individual who is extremely stubborn or obstinate and refuses to change their mind, follow instructions, or defer to their elders within the gang. The term can also describe an elite or hardened soldier within the gang—someone regarded as particularly tough, disciplined, or deeply committed to the gang’s Crip culture and expectations.

Down for the Set — A phrase describing a person perceived as highly committed or loyal to their particular gang set.

MOVIN GANG — A phrase associated with the Gangster Crips alliance. Within some Crip-associated contexts, it is used to express strong Gangster Crip identity and loyalty (“ALL GAS NO BREAKS”).

OK / NappK — Terms used as derogatory or hostile references toward the Rollin’ Neighborhood Crips or Neighborhood Crips, respectively. Meanings and usage can vary by group and region (“OweKilla,” “NappyHead Killa”).

3K / TrampK / Tr3mpK — Derogatory or hostile terms directed toward Gangster Crips, sometimes referred to as “Treys” or “Trays.”

Slob — A derogatory slang term used by members of the Crips street gang to disrespect and insult their ideological rivals, the “Bloods.” The term serves as a direct counter to the Bloods’ derogatory term for Crips: “crab.” In-person, using either insult can be considered a serious provocation and may escalate into armed or unarmed gang violence. However, within Crip culture, the term “crab” may also be used—or tolerated—when directed at rival Crip-affiliated groups, although this practice is not widespread across all sets. For example, Gangster Crips (3X/Movin Gang) may tolerate Bloods-affiliated members, particularly in Los Angeles through the unofficial “SMG” alliance, dissing neighborhood Crips (2X/Rollin Gang) as “crabs” in musical tracks, graffiti disses, and social media posts. This reflects the depth of hostility between certain rival groups, where animosity toward a particular set can supersede broader Crip-versus-Blood rivalries. In such cases, even a traditionally derogatory term does not necessarily unite Crip-affiliated sets under a common banner against their outside rivals.

Mark / Buster / Goofy — These are terms—sometimes grouped together in street slang as equivalent insults—that are often used to describe someone who is viewed by Crips street-gang members as physically or mentally weak, gullible, soft, an easy target, or someone who can be easily taken advantage of.

Tray / Trey / Trays — Terms associated with the number three (3) and, by extension, with the Gangster Crips. “C” is the third letter of the alphabet, and “Tray/Trey” can therefore carry Crip-associated meaning in certain contexts.

RICH ROLLIN — A phrase associated particularly with some Rollin’ Neighborhood Crips, including the Rollin’ 60s, and used to express wealth, status, or affiliation.

On Rollin’ — A phrase used by some members of Rollin’ Neighborhood Crip sets to emphasize a statement, claim, or oath connected to their affiliation.

On Gangsta — A phrase used by some Gangster Crip members to emphasize the seriousness or authenticity of a statement or claim made in connection with their affiliation.

Rip Rida — A term used as shorthand for “Crip Rider,” referring to an individual who is deeply devoted to their gang’s interests and is willing to “ride” for their gang at any given moment. To “ride” generally means to participate in activities—including criminal activity—that are perceived as furthering the gang’s influence, interests, or status.

FLY BLUE — A phrase associated with wearing blue clothing or blue bandannas, reflecting a color traditionally associated with Crip identity. Color symbolism varies by location and individual set.

Furthermore, when it comes to Crips street-gang terminology, the vast majority of Crips members do not recognize or acknowledge the acronym “Community Revolution In Progress.” This is largely because the concept of a “revolution” does not represent an established principle within traditional Crips street-gang culture or ideology. Some older members, particularly those from Los Angeles, may instead reinterpret the name “Crip” as “Community Resources For (an) Independent People,” as referenced in Eight-Tray Gangster: The Making of a Crip, a 1993 documentary directed by Thomas Lee Wright. However, this was a later attempt at changing their public image and was never the original meaning of the name. Traditionally, “Crip” has no distinct, universally accepted meaning as an acronym. Historical accounts indicate that the name evolved from “Cribs” to “Crips,” a transition discussed by nationally recognized founding member Stanley “Tookie” Williams, among others.

Accounts concerning the gang’s origins offer different explanations for how the name came about. According to Craig Monson and other accounts of the gang’s naming, Raymond Washington—the principal founder of the Crips street gang—was previously associated with a Los Angeles-based street gang known as the Avenues, which Monson led. During that period, Washington reportedly became involved in a conflict with Monson and his younger brother over a girl.

In 2014, Zach Fortier interviewed Derard Barton, Raymond Washington’s half-brother, who discussed his understanding of Washington’s motivations for forming the Crips. During the interview, Barton described their brother Reggie as a popular musician at Fremont High School. In 1969, Reggie was voted homecoming king, while the homecoming queen was reportedly Craig Monson’s girlfriend. According to Barton’s account, Monson became jealous of Reggie and threatened him with a gun. This angered Washington’s brother, Ronald Joe, who attacked Monson, while Washington attacked Monson’s younger brother. Following the incident, Washington left the Avenues, declaring, “Fuck the Avenues. I’m gonna start my own gang.”

In a separate YouTube interview with KevMacVideos, Craig Monson offered his account of how the name “Crips” originated. According to Monson, after Washington announced his intention to start his own gang, Monson asked him, “What are you gonna call it, you little crip(ple)?” Monson explained that he used the term because Washington reportedly walked with a limp as part of a distinctive, stylized walk. According to Monson, Washington embraced the insult and responded, “That’s what I’ma call it. The Crips.”

Regardless of which account of the naming process is accepted, the claim that “Crip” is an acronym is not supported by the traditional origin story. Although various sources have circulated alternative expansions, such as “Community Revolution In Progress,” these interpretations should be distinguished from the historical accounts describing the name’s evolution from “Cribs” to “Crips.”

Tattoos are another frequent identifier and often reference a specific set or clique. For example, “R60 NHC” (associated with the Rollin’ 60s Crips) “W7M/ETG/SCRG” (associated with the ScoreGang and Frisbee Street Crips) and “SGC” (associated with the Shotgun Crips) are all known Crip-related tattoos observed in Detroit. Written language may also reflect affiliation: Crip—affiliated gang members and their associates are known to replace the letters “CK” with “CC” in certain words, resulting in spellings such as “bacc” instead of “back” or “sicc” instead of “sick.” This linguistic pattern may appear in graffiti, written communication, or online posts.

In Detroit, Crip-affiliated street gangs tend to be highly localized and decentralized, rather than operating as a single unified organization with citywide control. Graffiti is commonly used to mark territory, communicate presence, or insult rival groups. Tags such as “B/K” or “SLOB KILLA” have been used to disparage Blood-affiliated gangs.

Crip-affiliated street gangs are often identified by the criminal activity attributed to them. In Detroit, many Crip-affiliated street gang “sets” have historically been associated with the illicit drug trade, which has contributed to conflicts over territory among rival factions and offshoots. Criminal activity varies by set and location but generally occurs within areas the gang claims as its own.

The height of Detroit Crips “tag wars” began building throughout the 2010s and reached their most volatile period between 2024 and 2025. These conflicts drew significant scrutiny from the Detroit Police Department’s Organized Crime Division due to the speed at which aesthetic turf-marking escalated into broader street-level violence.

The Dynamics of the Tag Wars

The term “tag wars” refers to highly dangerous graffiti battles in which rival street factions cross out, flip, or deface one another’s identifiers as a form of disrespect and territorial signaling. While Crip-affiliated sets began appearing in Detroit during the late 1990s and early 2000s, localized graffiti conflicts evolved into a more volatile modern era over the following decade.

The height of this activity was characterized by several specific elements:

• Origins: On Detroit’s Westside and Northwestside, the early “tag wars” involved sets such as the Brightmoor Gangster Crips (BGC), Brightmoor Gangsters Disciples (BMG), 7 Mile Playboy Gangster Crips (7M PBGC), and 7 Mile Rollin’ 60s Crips (7M RSC).
• Key Factions in the Modern Era: In more recent years, conflict became heavily concentrated on the far Northwestside, particularly within the 48219 ZIP code and Five Points neighborhood. Major Crip-affiliated groups, including the W7M ScoreGang Crips (SCRG) and 5Point Nation (5PN), became associated with extensive cross-out campaigns involving local Bloods sets such as the West 7 Black P. Stone Bloods (W7 BPS / 07B / BPSN / JSB) and the Wormer Ave Bloods.
• Escalation to Violence: What began primarily as spray-paint campaigns on utility boxes, alleyways, storefronts, and other surfaces increasingly became associated with reports of neighborhood shootouts, armed robberies, and other violent activity. Seven Mile Road, Grand River Avenue, and Telegraph Road emerged as major focal points for both physical and visual territorial claims.
• Social Media Amplification: At their peak, the tag wars extended well beyond physical walls. Factions used platforms such as Instagram, Reddit, X, and YouTube to circulate photos of crossed-out tags, publicize rivalries, post alleged “hit lists,” and record music videos in or near rival territory, further amplifying the conflicts online.

The public and law-enforcement spotlight intensified following a major front-page investigative report published by The Detroit News in August 2025, which featured locally known Crip-affiliated figure Zahid Sekou, also known as “Tiny Joker,” and examined graffiti activity associated with the ScoreGang (SCRG). The report documented how graffiti and localized “tag wars” had become intertwined with Detroit’s broader street-gang culture.

The article also revealed that these conflicts were being monitored by the Detroit Police Department’s Organized Crime Bureau. Former ATF agent Joe Nether, who had previously worked on an investigation involving a Detroit-based Bounty Hunter Bloods gang, provided additional insight into the significance of gang identifiers and graffiti. His comments illustrated why seemingly simple markings on walls can carry substantial meaning within street-gang conflicts.

One prominent set associated with Detroit’s modernized “Tag Wars,” which gained citywide publicity through an August 2025 Detroit News article, is known as “ScoreGang” (also known as SCRG or W7M Evergreen Telegraph Gangster Crips). The group is described as a predominantly African-American, violent, heavily armed, Crip-affiliated street gang operating in the 48219 ZIP code on Detroit’s far northwest side, particularly around the Five Points and Brightmoor corridors. The group has reportedly been active since approximately 2019 and is said to have more than 100 members.

Origins and Evolution

• From Graffiti to Gangs: The group originally developed from youth graffiti and tagging crews, including the Bloc Side Soldiers (B.S.S.). ScoreGang was heavily influenced by the 7 Mile Playboy Gangster Crips (7M PBGC), which previously dominated portions of Detroit’s Westside along West Seven Mile Road. Although both organizations developed as homegrown Detroit groups rather than official Los Angeles chapters, the Playboys’ legacy, structure, and local influence helped shape the environment from which ScoreGang emerged.Following a major federal RICO indictment that resulted in convictions against members of the Playboy organization and disrupted its leadership, a power vacuum emerged along portions of the West Seven Mile corridor. ScoreGang (W7M ETGC) subsequently surfaced around 2019 in the neighboring corridor extending from Evergreen to Telegraph.ScoreGang adopted the “Gangster Crip” and “3X Movin” framework associated locally with the Playboys, identifying with the Eight Tray Gangster Crip (83GC) tradition while developing its own localized slang, hand signs, graffiti identifiers, and the “Gangsta City” corridor designation. According to local accounts, remaining Playboy members and ScoreGang maintain ties through the broader Five Point Nation (5PN) network, including overlapping territory, resources, and rivalries.
• Local Identity: ScoreGang evolved into a localized Detroit adaptation of the Eight Tray Gangster Crip tradition, commonly using identifiers such as “W7M,” “83GC,” and an “LA” Dodgers-style symbol. The group’s identity draws heavily from the imagery, terminology, and traditions associated with the historically established Eight Tray Gangster Crips (ETGC) of Los Angeles.The original Eight Tray Gangster Crips in Los Angeles are known for longstanding territorial identity, extensive graffiti activity, and strong neighborhood ties. Detroit sets such as W7M 83GC/W7M ETGC adapted elements of that tradition independently rather than functioning as official Los Angeles chapters. ScoreGang’s local identity incorporates the style, iconography, hand signs, and terminology associated with the Eight Tray/Gangster Crip tradition while applying them to Detroit’s own neighborhood geography.ScoreGang members have frequently used the classic “LA” Dodgers logo in Detroit graffiti. Within the Five Points environment, local users have reportedly repurposed the imagery to refer to their own Seven Mile–Telegraph corridor and associated housing complexes. Similarly, the use of Texas Rangers apparel and three-finger hand signs draws on the “Tray” and “3X/Movin” symbolism associated with Gangster Crip culture.The comparison with Los Angeles is nevertheless important: the original Eight Trays maintain a longstanding territorial identity around the 83rd Street and Normandie/Western area of South Los Angeles, whereas the Detroit adaptation operates within a more decentralized, neighborhood-based environment. Rather than reproducing Los Angeles territorial structures exactly, groups such as ScoreGang establish visibility along major transportation corridors such as West Seven Mile and through highly visible public locations.That visibility has included extensive graffiti on commercial storefronts, transit infrastructure, and other public surfaces. Examples documented in Detroit include tagging on businesses and graffiti written inside DDOT buses, allowing the group’s identifiers to become visible well beyond its immediate neighborhood.
• Alliances: ScoreGang is connected to a broader network of Detroit Crip sets and local alliances. Local accounts have described relationships with neighboring groups such as the Brightmoor Gangster Crips (BGC) and East Warren Crips (EWC), while the group’s connections to the Five Point Nation (5PN) network provide another layer of local affiliation and alliance.

Nature of the Violence and Crime

• Tag Wars and Turf: ScoreGang’s public presence has been heavily associated with aggressive “tag wars” and territorial disputes, including conflicts involving rival Blood-affiliated groups such as BPSN/JSB and other Crip sets, including R60s and R40s. The disputes center heavily on graffiti, territorial markings, and competing claims to neighborhood space. Law-enforcement reporting and media coverage have described these conflicts as capable of escalating beyond property damage into intimidation, physical confrontations, shootings, and other retaliatory violence.
• Armed Operations: The group has drawn attention from the Detroit Police Department’s Organized Crime Bureau in connection with its alleged involvement in violent activity and firearms offenses. Law-enforcement accounts have described members of the broader network as heavily armed, with firearms ranging from handguns to rifles being used in connection with street conflicts and territorial disputes.
• Street-Level Activity: Beyond graffiti and territorial disputes, individuals associated with the organization have been linked in reporting and law-enforcement accounts to a range of alleged criminal activity, including armed robberies, burglaries, neighborhood intimidation, drug distribution, and retaliatory shootings. The extent to which each allegation applies to the organization as a whole versus particular individuals or affiliated subsets should be distinguished when documenting the group’s history.

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

The Crips are one of the largest and most violent associations of street gangs in the United States. With an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 members in 2008, the gangs’ members have been involved in murders, robberies, and drug dealing, among other crimes. They have a long and bitter rivalry with the “Bloods” street gang. Some self-identified Crips have been convicted of federal racketeering. As with most criminal street gangs, the Crips have benefited monetarily from illicit activities such as illegal gambling, drug-dealing, pimping (prostitution or coercion), larceny, and robbery. Crips also profit from extorting local drug dealers who are not members of the gang. Along with profitable rackets such as these, they also participate in vandalism and property crime, often for gang-pride reasons or simply enjoyment. This can include public graffiti (tagging/striking up) and “joyriding” in stolen vehicles. The gang’s current primary source of income is street-level drug distribution, however many Crip members also make notable amounts of funds from the black market sale of illicit firearms. The gang’s size and power was greatly augmented by the profits from the street sale of crack cocaine throughout the 1980s. The gang’s initial phase of growth and popularity was due to the explosion of crack cocaine in the United States during the 1980s.

Crip-affiliated sets are active across multiple Detroit neighborhoods, including:
• Northwest Detroit: Rollin 20s (RTC), Rollin 40s (RFC), Rollin 60s (R60s NHC / RRSC), Rollin 100s (R100s NHC), Playboy Gangster Crips (7M PBGC), 8Tray Gangster Crips (ScoreGang), Paybacc Crips (PBC), Brightmoor Gangster Crips (BGC), 5Point Nation Crips (5PN), 107 Hoover Crips / Criminals Gang (Y.L.S. 107 HCG), and other Crip-aligned street gangs
• Eastside Detroit: 4 Gang, East Warren Crips, Playboy Gangster Crips, Rollin 60s, ShotGun Crips, and BTN Crips

Territorial activity is documented through law enforcement reports, public records, graffiti, and community accounts.

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

The Crips street gang became popular throughout southern Los Angeles (formerly “South Central LA”) as more youth gangs joined. At one point, they reportedly outnumbered non-Crip gangs by 3 to 1, sparking disputes with non-Crip gangs, including the L.A. Brims, Athens Park Boys, the Bishops, the Drill Company, and the Denver Lanes. By 1971, the gang’s notoriety had spread across Los Angeles. Also in 1971, a gang on Piru Street in Compton, California, known as the Piru Street Boys, formed and associated itself with the Crips as a set. After two years of peace, a feud began between the Pirus and other Crip sets. The conflict later turned violent as gang warfare ensued between the former allies. The battle continued, and by 1973, the Pirus wanted to end the violence and called a meeting with other gangs that had been targeted by the Crips. After a long discussion, the Pirus broke all connections with the Crips and began an organization that would later be called the Bloods, a street gang infamous for its rivalry with the Crips. Since then, other conflicts and feuds have developed between many of the remaining Crip sets. In addition to feuding with Bloods, Crip sets have also fought each other. For example, the Rolling 60s Neighborhood Crips (R60NHC) and Eight Trey Gangster Crips (ETGC) have reportedly been rivals since approximately 1979. In Watts, California, the Grape Street Watts Crips (GSWC) and the PJ Watts Crips have feuded so intensely that the PJ Watts Crips even teamed up with a local Blood set, the Bounty Hunter Bloods (BHB), to fight the Grape Street Crips. In the mid-1990s, the Hoover Crips’ rivalries and wars with other Crip sets contributed to the group becoming independent and dropping the Crip name, after which they began calling themselves the Hoover Criminals (formerly “Hoover Crips”). The “Bloods” street gang are the Crips’ main rival. The Bloods initially formed to provide Piru Street Gang (“Pirus”) members with protection from the Crips. The rivalry began in the late 1960s, around 1969, when Raymond Washington and other Crip members attacked Sylvester Scott and Benson Owens, two students at Centennial High School. Following the incident, Scott formed the Piru identity and ideology, while Owens established the WestSide Piru gang (WSP) on Piru Street in Compton, California. In late 1972, several gangs that felt victimized by the Crips because of their escalating attacks joined the Pirus to create a new federation of non-Crip gangs that later became known as the “Bloods.” Between 1972 and 1979, the rivalry between the Crips and Bloods street gangs grew immensely, accounting for a majority of gang-related murders in southern Los Angeles. Members of the Bloods and Crips have continued to occasionally fight each other and, as of 2010, were responsible for a significant portion of gang-related murders in Los Angeles. This rivalry is also believed to have been behind the 2022 Sacramento shooting, in which six people were killed. On June 15, 2025, a teenager allegedly opened fire during a festival in West Valley City, Utah, killing three people, including an eight-month-old infant, and wounding two others. One of the two wounded victims was pregnant, and the fetus was not delivered as a result, leading to a fourth murder charge. The shooter was suspected of being a member of the Titanic Crip Gang and was reportedly feuding with alleged Bloods members, with gang epithets allegedly being exchanged during the confrontation. At least one of the victims reportedly had ties or friendships with the Bloods gang. This rivalry is also confirmed to be behind the July 4, 2024, mass shooting in Detroit, Michigan, at a block party on the eastside, where two people were killed and 19 others were injured. On July 4, 2024, a teenager from the 55 Seven Mile Bloods gang, Demetrius “Meech” Shaw, age 19, allegedly opened fire on a crowd of partygoers. The shooting was reportedly targeted at a Crips-affiliated group/gang called “BTN,” which allegedly hosted the party.

It’s not easy to quantify fear, but the Detroit Police Department’s Organized Crime Bureau made a notable attempt when Captain John Stewart spoke with the Detroit News in August 2025 about volatile “tag wars” in the Five Points neighborhood. Stewart stated on the record that Detroit has “dozens” of Crip spinoffs, with one of the largest being the Rollin’ 60s Crips, which has more than 150 documented members. Another major organization is the “5PN Crips” (or “5Point Nation Crips”), described in community accounts as a massive alliance of Crip-affiliated street gangs and groups allegedly encompassing roughly 150–200 members. According to community accounts from across the city, total Crip gang membership has been (unofficially) estimated at roughly 900 to 1,000 individuals spread across approximately 36 different groups (or “sets”). Stewart noted that membership can include individuals involved in graffiti-related vandalism and conflicts that can escalate into fatal violence, citing what he described as a “lack of conflict resolution skills.” In any other major city—or country—assemblies of hundreds of heavily armed young men and women might arguably merit a description stronger than simply “gangs.” Armies, perhaps.

Numerically, the entire Gangster Crips alliance (3X / “Trays” / Movin Gang) in Detroit is estimated to include approximately 350 to 500 active members across the city. The total Crip population in Detroit—including factions such as the Rollin’ Neighborhood Crips, Gangster Crips, and independent localized blocks—is (unofficially) estimated at roughly 900 to 1,000 documented individuals spread across approximately 36 sets. The Gangster Crip (3X) umbrella therefore represents nearly 40% to 50% of Detroit’s overall Crip population.

The 5Point Nation alliance, along with its core ScoreGang arm, accounts for an estimated 150 to 200 members of that total. This would place the Five Points neighborhood at nearly 40% of Detroit’s entire Gangster Crip presence, making it the largest concentrated hub within the 3X network. The remaining estimated 200 to 300 Gangster Crips are distributed among smaller and more disconnected pockets throughout the Northwest (BGC, PBC, and SGC) and Westside (PBGC and SGC) with additional scattered blocks on the Eastside (SGC and PBGC).

Although other citywide Crip alliances—such as the “4s”—may constitute a larger generalized alliance system because they span a greater number of neighborhoods, the Gangster Crips (3X) remain a dense and significant traditional network in Detroit, with the Five Points territory functioning as its primary center of gravity.

The Rollin’ Neighborhood Crips (2X / Deuces / NHC) operate entirely outside the estimated 350-to-500-member Gangster Crip (3X) population. Under traditional Crip organizational terminology, the Deuces (2X) and Trays (3X) are historically rival factions, and are therefore treated as separate networks rather than being combined into a single membership count.

Within Detroit’s (unofficially) estimated 900 to 1,000 documented Crip members, the Rollin’ Neighborhood Crip alliance is estimated to account for approximately 200 to 250 active members citywide. The dominant force within Detroit’s 2X network is the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips (R60s). First established around 2006 near West 7 Mile and Tracey Street, the R60s are described in federal indictments and intelligence databases as having approximately 150 active members alone.

The remaining estimated 50 to 100 members are divided among smaller, localized Rollin chapters scattered throughout different parts of the city, including the Rollin 20s (3G Sosaworld), Rollin 30s (defunct), Rollin 40s (7-Tel RFC), and Rollin 100s (113 OBC). Outside their original West 7 Mile territory, the Rollin 60s network also includes the Jefferson Avenue Rollin 60s, known locally on the Eastside as the “BlueZone 60s,” as well as the Rich Rollin 60s, a younger clique operating in the Berg-Lahser area that reportedly rivals the ScoreGang/Frisbee Street Crips.

Because the Rollin 60s (2X) and Gangster Crips (3X) are traditionally opposed networks, Detroit has experienced significant internal Crip conflict. One of the most notable examples was the violent feud between the 7 Mile Rollin 60s (7M RSC) and the 7 Mile Playboy Gangster Crips (7M PBGC), a conflict that ultimately resulted in multiple high-profile federal RICO convictions.

Today, while active and comparatively large Crip organizations such as ScoreGang and 5Point Nation dominate the Gangster Crip (3X) landscape on Detroit’s Northwest side, the Rollin’ Neighborhood Crips (2X) reportedly maintain a concentrated and heavily policed rival presence only blocks away along the same West 7 Mile corridor. The resulting geography makes the 7 Mile corridor one of the clearest examples of the longstanding 2X-versus-3X divide within Detroit’s broader Crip landscape.

In April 2008, according to data from the National Drug Intelligence Center, the Detroit Police Department estimated that between 50 and 75 gangs were active in Detroit. That figure may have increased significantly over the years, particularly with the rise of social media and the proliferation of smaller neighborhood-based crews, cliques, and gang offshoots. According to present-day local accounts, more than 100 gangs are now reportedly operating across Detroit, with a significant portion described as Crip-affiliated groups or offshoots.

According to local estimates of Detroit’s Crip presence, which is approximately 900–1,000 active members across 36 distinct “sets,” Crip-affiliated groups and gangs account for a substantial share of the city’s gang population (~36%). Making the Crip-vs-Crip wars in Detroit a large portion of the violence, including their rivals of several other gangs such as the Bloods and Vice Lords, two major groups within the city.

Alliances:

Detroit Crip-affiliated sets occasionally form short-term coalitions, but alliances are fluid and hyperlocal. Gangster Crips (3X/Movin Gang), Rollin Crips (2X), Rollin Neighborhood Crips (2X/Rollin), and Hoover Gangster Crips (52HGC) all maintain a presence in metro Detroit. These cards do not operate like their out-of-state counterparts; Detroit’s gang structure is neighborhood-first, not citywide or nationally standardized.

Rivals:

In Detroit, most Crip-identified sets historically maintain adversarial relationships with several Blood-affiliated groups. Longstanding conflicts have been documented between Crip sets and organizations such as the Black P. Stones, Bounty Hunter Bloods, the 55 Seven Mile Bloods/RedZone Bloods, as well as various Vice Lord factions. Crip-on-Crip rivalries are also common, reflecting the city’s fragmented, block-based gang landscape in which neighborhood boundaries often outweigh broader national affiliations.

Available law-enforcement data and community-level reporting suggest that Crip-affiliated street gangs constitute a significant portion of Detroit’s traditional gang landscape, though precise membership estimates vary across sources. Additional rivalries have been recorded involving Piru-affiliated street gangs and a range of independent neighborhood-based street gangs.

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 Crip—affiliated sets are frequently referenced in the city’s underground rap scene. Local rappers affiliated with these groups often use coded language, neighborhood references, and graffiti imagery to reflect their connections. These cultural outputs are part of Detroit’s broader urban expression and have influenced local music, art, and identity.