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 Best Friends Gang—founded by brothers Ezra “Wizard,” Gregory “Ghost,” Reginald “Rockin Reg,” and Terrance “Boogaloo” Brown—emerged on Detroit’s east side as a contract-killing unit before expanding into a major cocaine organization. Initially working enforcement for Richard “Maserati Rick” Carter and Demetrius Holloway, the Browns eventually formed their own drug enterprise after gaining access to a Colombian supplier.

By 1986, the group had grown to 25–50 members and developed a reputation for discipline, secrecy, and high lethality. They controlled territory along Van Dyke and Harper and later pushed into rival zones across the east side. At their height, the Best Friends reportedly moved 100 kilograms of cocaine per week and expanded their network into Flint, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and parts of Ohio and Kentucky via the I-75 corridor.

A federal crackdown in the early 1990s—linked to murders, weapons offenses, and trafficking—ended the organization, culminating in a 1992 indictment of 29 members on 56 counts.

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 Chambers Brothers—B.J., Larry, Willie, and Otis—operated one of Detroit’s most extensive crack cocaine empires in the 1980s. Known for managing hundreds of crack houses and amassing large sums of cash, their organization became nationally recognized after law enforcement obtained videotapes of them counting money and displaying wealth.

They controlled the Broadmoor apartment complex on E. Grand Blvd, later mirrored as “The Carter” in the film New Jack City. Their enterprise employed a large workforce and became an archetype of the crack-era drug structure. The group’s downfall arrived through extensive federal investigations, though their influence persisted in literature and popular culture.

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

Young Boys Incorporated was a dominant heroin organization founded near Dexter and Davison in the late 1970s. Formed by youths including Bone Man, Wonderful Wayne, Nut, and Choicey Chuck, YBI expanded into a highly organized criminal enterprise. At its height, YBI reportedly controlled 80% of Detroit’s heroin market, generating roughly $300,000 per day.

The organization maintained an enforcement arm known as the A-Team and became recognizable for its specific fashion and branding. Splits within YBI created factions led by Dwayne Davis, Raymond Peoples, and Butch Jones, resulting in internal conflict and homicides. Major federal indictments in 1982 and shifting drug markets (from heroin to crack) ultimately led to the group’s decline.

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

Founded by Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, BMF originated in Southwest Detroit in the mid-1980s before expanding nationally. With operations in more than a dozen states—including hubs in Atlanta and Los Angeles—the organization grew into a large-scale cocaine distribution and money-laundering network with over 500 associates.

Internal disputes over lifestyle and exposure contributed to the brothers’ eventual separation. Federal wiretaps, surveillance, and synchronized raids in the 2000s dismantled the organization. BMF maintained ties to Detroit’s street scene and Atlanta’s rap industry before its collapse, with remnants later appearing in groups like Famgoon/Famerica.

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 Errol Flynns were a highly influential 1970s Detroit gang based along Kercheval between Mt. Elliott and Conner. Known for their flashy style and recognizable hand signs, the group became one of the city’s most prominent street organizations, controlling territory and engaging in robbery, extortion, and heroin trafficking.

Their displays of coordinated hand gestures and dances functioned as territorial markers at parties and neighborhood gatherings. The gang reached an estimated 400 members at its peak but declined in the 1980s due to major prosecutions and the shift toward crack cocaine markets. The Flynns significantly influenced later Detroit sets, including the Dexter Boys, FMK, Coney Oneys, 7 Mile Killers, and the Chene Gang.

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

Active in the 1970s, the Black Killers controlled turf bounded by Shoemaker (north), Mack (south), Conner (east), and Cadillac (west). Led by figures such as Sherm and Ced Tooks, Donnie King, and Jeff Dye, the gang became known for violent robberies, territorial enforcement, and internal discipline.

The group’s conflicts with the Errol Flynns defined much of the era’s gang landscape. Numerous arrests and violent incidents—including multiple robberies and sexual assaults documented in a 1976 police report—characterized their operational peak. Future drug lord Johnny Curry was among their early members.

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 Purple Gang, originally called the Sugar House Boys, was a Prohibition-era Jewish criminal syndicate based in Detroit’s lower east side (Little Jerusalem/Little Paris). Active in the 1910s–1930s, they controlled bootlegging, extortion, and racketeering operations. The group achieved significant influence during Prohibition but fractured in the 1930s due to internal warfare and federal pressure.

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 Shakers, sometimes called the Shaker Gang or Shaker Stooges, were a major Detroit youth gang in the early 1950s with territory in the North End district. Known for large brawls—including a notable rumble with the Jokers at Berry School Playground—the group reportedly reached membership numbers near 700, including the “Shakerettes.”

The gang absorbed several smaller crews (Lover Boys, Kings’ Men, Seven Crowns, Chilli-Macs). Their most famous former member was singer Jackie Wilson.

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

A small Blood-aligned street clique formed in 1993 along Plymouth between Warwick and the Southfield Freeway. Their activity subsided through the late 1990s and they are now considered defunct.

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

Established in 1992 along Plymouth between Southfield and Greenfield, the MadDawg Bloods were sometimes called the Black Counts due to close ties with the Latin Counts. The group operated into the 1990s before dissolving.

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

A Latin Kings set—aligned with Chicago-lineage Kings—once active in Clark Park and Mexicantown. They maintained a rivalry with the Toledo Mafia Counts (TMC), which eventually overpowered and eliminated the Detroit set. No active presence remains.

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

A short-lived Mickey Cobras set near Chalmers & Outer Drive. Detroit never developed a stable MC presence, and this group faded quickly. Any modern claims are likely from older former members or unaffiliated individuals.

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

A small clique composed largely of Bounty Hunna Bloods (BHB) near 8 Mile. Active around 2012–2013, they maintained alliances with YGB, LTC, and CTM and rivalries with Bandcrew, TSN, RTM, CMH, HoodRich, and WildLife. The set is now fully inactive.

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

A brief Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crip presence near Joy Road & Southfield. Their lack of numbers prevented long-term activity, and the set dissolved.

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 Delray neighborhood—once a multi-ethnic industrial community—declined sharply due to pollution, plant closures, and mass demolitions tied to the Gordie Howe Bridge project. The Delray Boys, a small local clique operating during the area’s later years, disappeared as the neighborhood itself was largely erased.

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

Based on Bayside Street in Oakwood, this Latin Counts set feuded with Sur 13 and the Gangster Disciples. Industrial expansion, heavy demolition, and Marathon Petroleum’s buyouts of Oakwood Heights eliminated the neighborhood and the gang’s presence with it.

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

A Cass Corridor-based clique believed to be defunct. Their territory sat near major institutions like Cass Tech, prompting law-enforcement pressure. By the late 2010s, the area shifted toward crews like 2030 or TMO. Federal efforts to clean up the corridor ended A1’s presence.

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

A Southwest Detroit street clique not formally aligned with any national gangs, the group had intermittent rivalries with local Latin Counts and Gangster Disciples. They were also known by names such as ‘CFP,’ ‘2400,’ and ‘4400.’ The clique was primarily active in the early to mid-2000s. Present-day activity is disputed: some accounts suggest limited involvement by a small number of older members, while others describe the group as largely inactive. Available street-level observations generally support the latter.