Territory | East Compton South Lynwood |
---|---|
Ethnicity | Primarily African American |
Activities | Drug trafficking[1] Robbery[1] Arms trafficking[1] |
Allies | Elm Street Piru |
Rivals | Santana Blocc Compton Crips [Compton Varrio 3 Compton Varrio Tortilla Flats Lueders Park Piru, Cross Atlantic Piru, Cedar Block Piru |
Notable members | Suge Knight Wardell Fouse |
The East Side Mob Piru (also known as MOB Piru, Insane Mob Gang or Mob Piru) are a "set" of the Piru gang alliance, which is itself part of the larger Bloods alliance.[2] Suge Knight, the co-founder and former CEO of Death Row Records, is a member.[3][4]
In 1969, a gang called the Piru Street Boys was founded by Sylvester Scott and Vincent Owens. According to some sources, the Piru Street Boys were initially associated with the Crips,[5] but later had a falling out. However, other sources dispute any alliance, claiming that the Piru Street Boys were victimised by the Crips.[6] Nevertheless, by 1972, the Piru Street Boys formed an alliance with other smaller street gangs such as the Brims, Bishops and Denver Lanes, which also opposed the Crips.[7] This alliance became known as the Bloods, as the members of this alliance called each other "blood".[7]
Over time, more Blood "sets" would form, including the Mob Piru Bloods. According to Reggie Wright Jr., the Mob Piru and Lueders Park Piru were previously one gang, until they split apart.[8]
Suge Knight, who would co-found Death Row Records, became affiliated with the Mob Piru set at some point[3] and hired many Mob Piru members in Death Row Records.[9] When Tupac Shakur joined Death Row Records in 1995, he also became affiliated with the Mob Piru.[10] Other notable Mob Pirus who were associated with Death Row Records include:
Although the two gangs were allies, a rivalry developed after a Lueders Park Piru member was murdered in April 2009, leading to a series of shootings between 2009 and 2013.[16]
The Mob Piru engage in drug trafficking, arms dealing and robbery.[16] Suge Knight is alleged to have provided the Mob Piru with large quantities of assault rifles.[2]