Hip-hop and street culture have been deeply intertwined for decades, with some rappers openly flaunting their gang affiliations while others operate in the shadows. Some artists use their past connections as a badge of authenticity, while others find themselves entangled in the underworld out of necessity or survival. From Kanye West’s cryptic ties to the Gangster Disciples to Eminem’s alleged protection by a ruthless Samoan gang, here’s a deep dive into famous rappers who have been secretly linked to dangerous gangs.
1. Kanye West – Ties to the Gangster Disciples (GD)
Most people wouldn’t associate Kanye West with gangs, but his ties to the Gangster Disciples (GD) have been heavily speculated. The speculation gained traction when Drake leaked Kanye’s unreleased song “Life of the Party,” where Kanye raps:
“I told Drake don’t play with me on GD.”
For those unfamiliar, GD stands for Gangster Disciples, one of the most notorious and violent gangs originating from Chicago.
Further fueling speculation, Kanye was seen working with Chicago rapper Ruga, known for his track “GD Anthem,” which is a literal tribute to the Gangster Disciples. Kanye even brought Ruga on stage during a Donda listening event to perform the track in front of a packed stadium.
But the biggest connection? Larry Hoover Jr., son of GD founder Larry Hoover Sr., was featured in Kanye’s song Jesus Lord. Many now believe Kanye’s close ties to Hoover and GD members played a significant role in his controversial support of Donald Trump—part of an effort to secure Hoover Sr.’s release from prison.
2. Eminem – Protected by the Samoan Booya Tribe
Eminem is one of the most lyrically fearless rappers in history, but behind the scenes, it’s rumored that he once needed protection.
Back in 2003, Eminem collaborated with the Booya Tribe on the song “911”. What most people don’t know is that the Booya Tribe wasn’t just a rap group—they were closely tied to the Samoan gangs of Los Angeles, particularly the Sons of Samoa.
It was later revealed that Eminem was being extorted by LA Crips and forced to “check in” with local gangs when visiting LA. The Booya Tribe allegedly stepped in to protect Eminem, preventing any further threats.
This connection may also explain why Eminem never feared Suge Knight, the feared Death Row Records boss known for his Blood gang affiliations. During the In Da Club video shoot with 50 Cent, Suge showed up with a group of men, but Eminem stood his ground—possibly because he knew he had backup from a gang that even Suge himself reportedly feared.
3. MC Hammer – Secret Ties to the Oakland Underworld
MC Hammer may be remembered for his flashy outfits and dance moves, but he was deeply connected to the Oakland street scene.
His family had ties to Felix Mitchell, a drug kingpin and leader of the 69 Mob, a powerful organization controlling much of Oakland’s drug trade. Even after Mitchell’s fall in the mid-1980s, Hammer’s entourage remained one of the most feared crews in hip-hop.
One of the most infamous incidents involved Third Bass, a rap duo who dissed Hammer’s mother in their song The Cactus. Soon after, rumors spread that a $50,000 hit was placed on them by the LA Crips—allegedly at Hammer’s request.
Hammer’s influence was so strong that even OG Crip leader Michael Concepcion once approached him, offering “protection” while in LA. Hammer refused, saying he didn’t need protection, and the next day, Concepcion returned with an apology. That speaks volumes about how powerful Hammer’s connections really were.
4. Ja Rule – Under the Protection of Supreme McGriff
Ja Rule’s career flourished under Murder Inc. Records, but his ties to notorious Queens drug lord Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff landed him in one of the deadliest feuds in hip-hop history.
McGriff led the Supreme Team, a gang that controlled Jamaica, Queens, raking in millions during the crack epidemic. After his release from prison, McGriff aligned himself with Murder Inc. and personally protected Ja Rule.
However, this connection also played a role in Ja Rule’s feud with 50 Cent. The beef escalated when 50 released “Ghetto Koran,” a song that referenced McGriff’s past criminal empire. Furious, McGriff allegedly placed a hit on 50, resulting in the infamous 2000 shooting where 50 was hit nine times but survived.
McGriff was eventually sentenced to life in prison, but his association with Ja Rule and Murder Inc. remains one of the most infamous gang ties in hip-hop.
5. Nick Cannon – The Bloods Connection
Nick Cannon may seem like the last person to have gang ties, but his family history tells a different story.
His father, James Cannon, was one of the founding members of the Lincoln Park Bloods, a violent gang in Southeast San Diego.
Nick admitted that while he never officially joined a gang, he was surrounded by Bloods throughout his childhood. He even recalled that certain colors and handshakes could determine safety in his neighborhood.
However, Nick chose a different path. After nearly being shot as a teenager, he decided to pursue entertainment and escaped gang life when Nickelodeon offered him a career.
In hindsight, Nick’s decision may have saved his life.
6. 50 Cent – Targeted by Supreme McGriff’s Hitmen
While 50 Cent was never officially affiliated with any gang, his feud with Supreme McGriff nearly cost him his life.
In the late 90s, 50 clashed with Ja Rule and Murder Inc., leading to growing tension between him and McGriff. After 50 released “Ghetto Koran”, a song that detailed the criminal activities of McGriff and his associates, rumors began circulating that McGriff had ordered a hit on him.
In May 2000, 50 was ambushed and shot nine times outside his grandmother’s house in Queens. Although he survived, the attempt on his life solidified his reputation as one of the toughest figures in hip-hop.
Despite the near-fatal attack, 50 continued to rise, eventually dismantling Ja Rule’s career and emerging as one of the most dominant rap figures of the 2000s.
Final Thoughts – The Dark Reality of Hip-Hop and Gang Culture
Hip-hop has always been a reflection of the streets, and many artists have been influenced, protected, or threatened by real-life gang ties. While some actively embrace their connections, others have been forced into situations beyond their control.
From Kanye West’s cryptic GD affiliations to Eminem’s surprising ties to Samoan gangs, the blurred lines between the rap industry and the criminal underworld are more complex than they appear.
What do you think? Are these rappers truly connected to dangerous gangs, or is it all just industry survival tactics? Drop your thoughts in the comments!