Darryl Baum’s name may not immediately ring a bell for those outside of boxing and hip-hop circles, but within them, he’s a figure who can’t be overlooked.
Baum was closely associated with two notable personalities: heavyweight boxing icon Mike Tyson, as an aide and bodyguard, and rapper 50 Cent, albeit under more infamous circumstances.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Baum’s life was steeped in an environment where he mixed with individuals from various walks of life, some of whom were involved in illicit activities.
Baum’s narrative took a decisive turn in the twilight of the 20th century, with his alleged involvement in a serious crime making headlines.
His name would be forever entangled with a life-changing event for Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent. The rapper and actor, who would rise to global fame, suffered multiple gunshot wounds in an incident in 2000—a moment that nearly derailed his career before it could truly take off.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Darryl Baum was Mike Tyson’s bodyguard and had a storied past intertwined with crime.
- He was implicated in the 2000 shooting of rapper 50 Cent.
- This incident has had lasting implications for the involved parties’ histories.
Darryl Baum’s Background
In the streets of Brooklyn, a personality emerged who would eventually become closely associated with heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. Darryl Baum not only left his mark as a Brooklyn native but also made headlines as Tyson’s bodyguard.
Brooklyn Origins
Born on August 20, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, Darryl Baum was shaped by the neighborhood he called home.
His youth unfolded in a bustling urban environment that was at times a playground and at others a battleground.
Rumors swirled of Baum’s involvement with gangs, suggesting his early exposure to the city’s harsher realities may have steered him to life as a gang member.
Connection to Mike Tyson
The intersection of Baum’s path with that of Mike Tyson turned him into more than just a local character.
He served as a bodyguard to the boxing legend, cementing his status in the celebrity’s inner circle.
Their bond became a matter of public discussion, especially after a serious incident that tied Baum’s name to the world of hip-hop as well.
Involvement in Crime
Darryl Baum’s life in crime was marked by deep ties to organized crime and a series of high-profile criminal acts. His involvement ranged from gang associations to alleged roles in notorious criminal incidents.
Affiliation with Gangs
Gangs had a significant influence on Baum’s life.
He was closely associated with the notorious gang leader Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, a key figure of the Supreme Team.
This gang, part of the larger Cash Money Brothers (CMB), was involved in various illegal activities.
Under McGriff’s leadership, Baum was believed to be connected to multiple crimes related to gang operations.
Notorious Crimes
Within his criminal career, Baum is frequently mentioned in the context of several notorious crimes.
One of the most significant incidents includes the attempted murder of rapper 50 Cent, where Baum was allegedly the shooter.
His criminal activities likely extended into other serious offenses such as robbery and murder.
Baum’s involvement with crime culminated in his own death, which is widely attributed to his deep-seated connections with gang warfare and retaliatory violence.
He was fatally shot on June 10, 2000, which many speculate was a consequence of the ongoing disputes within the criminal underworld, including those involving Damion “World” Hardy, Myron “Wise” Hardy, Aron “E-Bay” Granton, and the broader operations of the Cash Money Brothers Gang.
The Shooting of 50 Cent
In the year 2000, a shocking incident occurred that profoundly impacted the hip-hop community. Curtis James Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, was the target of a serious attack that almost cost him his life. Darryl “Hommo” Baum, who was known to be a close associate of boxing legend Mike Tyson, was implicated in the shooting.
Date & Location:
The incident took place on May 24, 2000, in a locale close to home for 50 Cent—the neighborhood of South Jamaica, Queens, outside his grandmother’s residence.
The Attack:
- Number of Shots: 9
- Areas Hit: hands, legs, hips, arms, chest, left cheek
- Aftermath: Spent 13 days in the hospital
Background Context: Tensions in the music industry were high at that time.
There was a notorious feud involving 50 Cent, Ja Rule, and their respective labels, G-Unit and Murder Inc.
Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff was a name often mentioned in relation to Murder Inc, and rumors swirled about his possible involvement in the incident.
Three weeks following the attack on 50 Cent, Baum met with a violent end—he was murdered, adding another layer of tragedy to this story.
Impact on 50 Cent: This event was a turning point for 50 Cent.
He lived through the ordeal and used his experiences to fuel his music career, which saw him rise to staggering heights of fame.
The gritty details of his brush with death have been etched into the legacy of hip-hop as a testament to his survival and resilience.
Legal Repercussions and Aftermath
The legal aftermath of Darryl Baum’s activities brought significant sentences and notable cultural ripples.
Trials and Sentences
The law caught up with those involved in the violence tied to Darryl Baum.
Notably, Kenneth McGriff was reportedly a key figure in a criminal enterprise that was implicated in drug trafficking, murder-for-hire, and racketeering.
McGriff’s trial ended in a life imprisonment sentence for his crimes, highlighting the severity of the gang’s activities.
In a concerted effort to dismantle the criminal network, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), played pivotal roles.
United States District Judge Frederic Block presided over the trials that led to these significant consequences.
- Key Figures:
- Kenneth McGriff: Life Imprisonment
- Others: Various Sentences
- Leading Authorities:
- FBI: Major Investigative Role
- HSI: Coordinated Efforts
- Judge Frederic Block: Presiding Judge
Cultural Impact
Baum’s life and the legal outcomes of the crimes he was associated with had a resonating impact on culture. The shoot-out that occurred in an attempt on 50 Cent’s life, of which Baum was alleged to be a part, became a notorious event in hip-hop history.
This incident, along with others, influenced the narrative of gang-related themes in music and entertainment, reflecting the darker undercurrents of urban street life.
Authorities such as Diego G. Rodriguez of the FBI and William J. Bratton, the then NYPD Commissioner, were vocal about the efforts to curb the influence of gangs and violence. Their actions and the eventual sentences handed down served as both a deterrent and a stark reminder of the consequences that stem from such lifestyles.
- Influenced Areas:
- Music Industry: Changed Narratives
- Public Perception: Heightened Awareness
By understanding the trials, sentences, and cultural impacts, one gains insight into the complex and often tragic outcomes of lives entwined with crime.
