As part of his most recent clemency actions, President Donald Trump commuted the federal sentence of one of the most notorious crime bosses in history. Larry Hoover has been locked behind bars since the ‘70s, and despite Trump’s clemency agreement, he won’t be getting out anytime soon.
Outside of rapper Rick Ross’ reference to the gang leader in his song “B.M.F.” (I think I’m Big Meech, Larry Hoover), most folks don’t know much about Hoover or the Gangster Disciples— one of Chicago’s most powerful gangs. That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the now 74-year-old gangster and his complicated history with law enforcement.
Founding the Gangster Disciples
The Gangster Disciples (GDs) were founded in the mid ‘60s by Hoover and David Barksdale— known as King David. Initially, the GDs were the result of a merge between the Black Disciples and Supreme Gangsters gangs of Chicago, according to reports. After Barksdale death in 1974, Hoover took over.
The gang soon grew from a ragtag team of young Black men to almost 30,000 members in Chicago alone, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Today, the Gangsters Disciples are represented in at least 35 different states, raking in $100 million in estimated annual revenue.
Murder of Pooky Young
Over the years, police linked the GDs to countless murders, robberies, extortions and drug crimes across the country. So when the state of Illinois decided to go after the gang, Hoover ultimately became the face of the enterprise.
In 1973, Hoover was convicted for the murder of 19-year-old drug dealer named William “Pooky” Young, according to court documents. He was sentenced to 150 to 200 years in prison, which many advocates argued did not justly fit the crime committed.
State prosecutors saw Young’s murder as the only time they’d be able to stick Hoover with crimes connected to his gang. So once they saw an opportunity to finally stop the crime boss, they threw the book at him.
Federal Sting and Conviction
Despite being behind bars, Hoover was still calling the shots as the head of the GDs. This led to a joint investigation by Illinois correctional officers and the FBI and ATF in 1995.
Federal sentencing for Hoover came in 1998. He was convicted on charges alleging he helped operate a widespread nationwide drug operation through the Gangster Disciples. So with conspiracy, extortion and money laundering charges, Hoover was sentenced to three life sentences.
Since then, he has been housed in solitary confinement at the supermax prison in Colorado where all furniture is made of poured concrete, according to NBC Chicago. This is the same prison where Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán is located.
Kanye West’s Connection to Trump, Hoover
The 74-yer-old felon might have one man to thank for the president finally hearing his case. Chicago rapper Kanye “Ye” West began a campaign to #FreeLarryHoover in 2021. He even planned a benefit concert with Drake as a special guest.
Ye gave Drizzy his props, writing on X “Thank you Drake for for helping to bring Larry Hoover home.” He continued thanking Trump saying, “WORDS CAN’T EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE FOR OUR DEVOTED ENDURING PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP FOR FREEING LARRY HOOVER.”
Although Hoover’s federal sentence is commuted, he still has to serve out his 200-year sentence in Illinois. The Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied Hoover’s request for early release last year. The board won’t hear his case for another four years.
