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Inside the Crips: Life Inside L.A.'s Most Notorious Gang
Colton "C-Loc" Simpson was a Crip. Beginning at the age of ten in the mid-1970s, Simpson’s world was defined in terms of war. By the time he quit, Simpson had risen through the ranks to become Stabilizer and later, General. Simpson was the son of Dick Simpson, a ballplayer for the California Angels and Cincinnati Reds, but even before he became a gangbanger, his life was rough. Raised by his grandmother in South Central L.A., Simpson didn’t so much turn to the streets as become engulfed by them: without asking to become part of the gang, his forced induction into the Crips meant running down an alley while the members opened fire on him. Inside the Crips is Simpson’s unstinting account—emotional, violent, ugly and tender—of life inside a gang. You’ll meet intense characters such as Smiley, Simpson’s fellow gangbanger, and heartbreaking ones such as Gina, the mother of two young sons who married Simpson in prison.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2005
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917 people want to read
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April 8, 2015
You can't blame other people for crimes you're guilty of yourself!
‘Inside the Crips’ is such a difficult book to review because even as I start typing I still don’t know if it deserves a 5 Star or a 3 Star. “Give it a 4 Star then,” I hear you shout. No, I can’t sit on the fence like that. It deserves a 5 Star because Colton Simpson has without a doubt written an engaging tale with complete candour and integrity.
After growing up on the streets of South-Central Los Angeles, being ‘initiated’ into the Crips at 10 years of age, shooting people, robbing jewellery stores, shooting more people, robbing more jewellery stores and spending more than a decade in some of the toughest prisons in America where war between Blacks, Mexicans, Whites, Bloods and even separate Crip sections is an ongoing source of violence and death he’s come full circle. But – and this is a huge BUT – he’s such a bloody racist, and I just can’t offer a racist a 5 Star review.
I detest racism of any kind. I hate the ignorance of it. I’ve worked with tough Poles, lazy Somalians, hard-working Lithuanians and Bulgarians, friendly Romanians, fun-loving Sikhs and quiet Muslims. And I absolutely despise and abhor the kind of racism that Simpson, or Li’l Cee Loc, preaches so openly in this book.
“My people are still enslaved by the White race.” No they're not. They’re enslaved by themselves. They chose to commit those crimes. And your people, my arse! What does that mean? In the book you claim it’s the Black man. That would be the Black man that’s spent decades shooting and killing other Black men, I suppose. Yeah right, your people …..
And what is this White Race? Hungarian? Romanian? Italian? Lithuania? Scottish? Which race? White isn’t a race, Colton Simpson, it’s a colour. How can you apportion blame onto ALL people of a white colour? How is it the white man’s fault?
“At last the system has turned me from a human being to just another number.” Not really, Li’l Cee. Your own CHOICES turned you from a human being to just another number. Really, does society deserve to have to put up with the likes of Li’l Cee Loc?
“1.6 percent of White men between 20 and 34 are in prison (Simpson’s figures not mine), 12 percent of Black men 20 to 34 are in prison. My people are still enslaved.” They’re your figures Simpson and they speak for themselves, don’t they? I checked out some other stats. Black people make up about 30% of the population of the United States, and 60% of the prison population. Now regardless of whom you committed your crimes against society had decided that it had earned a well-deserved rest from your activities. It had absolutely nothing to do with the colour of anybody’s skin.
“Judge Cecil J. Mills peers over his glasses and says, ‘Well now Mr Simpson. Don’t you dare look at me like that,’” and Li’l Cee honestly doesn’t understand how the judge thinks he’s being antagonistic. But I understand it. Li’l Cee’s look is common to the streets of South-Central L.A., in particular the areas of Compton, Watts and Inglewood. And I know that because in the early eighties I worked that area as a White English cab driver. I possibly know more about those areas and the people who live in them than any other Englishman alive.
And I’ll tell you something for nothing. They were such a miserable crowd, not giving a toss about manners, respectability or even cleanliness. Their homes were greasy, foul and noxious, their personalities were out for the count, and they never, ever smiled. The only thing that came close to a smile would be a derisory snigger or a mocking catcall. And they had such a chip on their shoulders. Always bitching about how the white man had screwed them over.
And that may be true. Black people definitely had a raw deal in the old slavery days, but no small measure of irony creeps in here when we realize that the Moors - Muslims who eventually settled in North-West Africa - laid waste the coasts of Europe, taking slaves that were sold in the markets of Venice. In the early 9th century the Vikings took over the slave trade - the word commemorates the fate of the Slavic people - and sold them to rich Muslims in the Eastern Mediterranean. But Muslims were the world's first slave traders. I only speak the truth.
However, the way that Black people were treated in the south of America in the 50’s and 60’s was disgusting. But Native Americans and Jews have been treated far, far worse over the centuries, and you don’t hear them whinging about it, do you?
Coloured people really don’t do themselves any favours by turning the neighbourhoods they live in, in whatever city of the world they happen to be, into trouble spots and danger areas. It’s a well-documented fact that a large proportion of the crime in London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles is focused around the Black communities.
Why is this? Are White people to blame? Of course not. For if that were the case then the Jewish sections in countries like Russia and Germany would also be ‘no-go’ areas where prostitution, drugs and homicide are a daily form of misery, fear and death.
When Pulitzer prize-winning writer, Edwin Way Teale, wrote in 1953 that, “It is not races but individuals that are noble and courageous or ignoble and craven or considerate or persistent or philosophical or reasonable,” what he was really saying was that a whole race of otherwise well-adjusted, well-dressed and well-read people get the blame when a high percentage of their individuals are troublesome.
But why are a high percentage of their individuals troublesome? I don’t know. It’s just the way they are. Lack of effective role models as parents probably has a lot to do with it. But it’s not my fault, is it?
I’ve learned that there are a group of people, those who are so racist, so bigoted, so locked inside their own tiny little box of hate that the only way to deal with it is to accuse OTHER people of being racist.
A small portion of the ethnic minorities living in England and the USA have such a narrow focus that, for whatever reason, they live in a permanent state of hostility towards the (quote) White race (unquote). They may well have suffered trauma and persecution, but this has warped their mind-set and psyche to such an extent that they now hold ALL White people accountable for ill treatment their ancestors may have previously suffered, ever on the look-out for any imagined sign of abuse.
The persecuted has become so twisted that he has swapped places and is now himself the persecutor, intolerant of all White members of the community. These people who habitually fill their own minds with the rank poisons of hatred, suspicion and jealousy can get very upset at those who refuse to do likewise, and they find a perverted relief in actually accusing THEM of being racist, when of course it is the reciprocal outlook that is the truth.
Interesting how the perspective changes with the point of view, isn’t it?
So while this really is an excellent book and a fascinating read as we follow Simpson’s spirited, brave and it has to said foolhardy journey from Colton-to-Li’l Cee-to-Cee Loc-to-Colton again as he comes full circle and shares his campaign with us I just can’t give a racist a 5 Star.
This is one of the best books I’ve read about the Bloods and Crips, but with regret – for I believe Simpson to be, and to have always been, a very principled human being - I can only afford it a 3 Star.
‘Inside the Crips’ is such a difficult book to review because even as I start typing I still don’t know if it deserves a 5 Star or a 3 Star. “Give it a 4 Star then,” I hear you shout. No, I can’t sit on the fence like that. It deserves a 5 Star because Colton Simpson has without a doubt written an engaging tale with complete candour and integrity.
After growing up on the streets of South-Central Los Angeles, being ‘initiated’ into the Crips at 10 years of age, shooting people, robbing jewellery stores, shooting more people, robbing more jewellery stores and spending more than a decade in some of the toughest prisons in America where war between Blacks, Mexicans, Whites, Bloods and even separate Crip sections is an ongoing source of violence and death he’s come full circle. But – and this is a huge BUT – he’s such a bloody racist, and I just can’t offer a racist a 5 Star review.
I detest racism of any kind. I hate the ignorance of it. I’ve worked with tough Poles, lazy Somalians, hard-working Lithuanians and Bulgarians, friendly Romanians, fun-loving Sikhs and quiet Muslims. And I absolutely despise and abhor the kind of racism that Simpson, or Li’l Cee Loc, preaches so openly in this book.
“My people are still enslaved by the White race.” No they're not. They’re enslaved by themselves. They chose to commit those crimes. And your people, my arse! What does that mean? In the book you claim it’s the Black man. That would be the Black man that’s spent decades shooting and killing other Black men, I suppose. Yeah right, your people …..
And what is this White Race? Hungarian? Romanian? Italian? Lithuania? Scottish? Which race? White isn’t a race, Colton Simpson, it’s a colour. How can you apportion blame onto ALL people of a white colour? How is it the white man’s fault?
“At last the system has turned me from a human being to just another number.” Not really, Li’l Cee. Your own CHOICES turned you from a human being to just another number. Really, does society deserve to have to put up with the likes of Li’l Cee Loc?
“1.6 percent of White men between 20 and 34 are in prison (Simpson’s figures not mine), 12 percent of Black men 20 to 34 are in prison. My people are still enslaved.” They’re your figures Simpson and they speak for themselves, don’t they? I checked out some other stats. Black people make up about 30% of the population of the United States, and 60% of the prison population. Now regardless of whom you committed your crimes against society had decided that it had earned a well-deserved rest from your activities. It had absolutely nothing to do with the colour of anybody’s skin.
“Judge Cecil J. Mills peers over his glasses and says, ‘Well now Mr Simpson. Don’t you dare look at me like that,’” and Li’l Cee honestly doesn’t understand how the judge thinks he’s being antagonistic. But I understand it. Li’l Cee’s look is common to the streets of South-Central L.A., in particular the areas of Compton, Watts and Inglewood. And I know that because in the early eighties I worked that area as a White English cab driver. I possibly know more about those areas and the people who live in them than any other Englishman alive.
And I’ll tell you something for nothing. They were such a miserable crowd, not giving a toss about manners, respectability or even cleanliness. Their homes were greasy, foul and noxious, their personalities were out for the count, and they never, ever smiled. The only thing that came close to a smile would be a derisory snigger or a mocking catcall. And they had such a chip on their shoulders. Always bitching about how the white man had screwed them over.
And that may be true. Black people definitely had a raw deal in the old slavery days, but no small measure of irony creeps in here when we realize that the Moors - Muslims who eventually settled in North-West Africa - laid waste the coasts of Europe, taking slaves that were sold in the markets of Venice. In the early 9th century the Vikings took over the slave trade - the word commemorates the fate of the Slavic people - and sold them to rich Muslims in the Eastern Mediterranean. But Muslims were the world's first slave traders. I only speak the truth.
However, the way that Black people were treated in the south of America in the 50’s and 60’s was disgusting. But Native Americans and Jews have been treated far, far worse over the centuries, and you don’t hear them whinging about it, do you?
Coloured people really don’t do themselves any favours by turning the neighbourhoods they live in, in whatever city of the world they happen to be, into trouble spots and danger areas. It’s a well-documented fact that a large proportion of the crime in London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles is focused around the Black communities.
Why is this? Are White people to blame? Of course not. For if that were the case then the Jewish sections in countries like Russia and Germany would also be ‘no-go’ areas where prostitution, drugs and homicide are a daily form of misery, fear and death.
When Pulitzer prize-winning writer, Edwin Way Teale, wrote in 1953 that, “It is not races but individuals that are noble and courageous or ignoble and craven or considerate or persistent or philosophical or reasonable,” what he was really saying was that a whole race of otherwise well-adjusted, well-dressed and well-read people get the blame when a high percentage of their individuals are troublesome.
But why are a high percentage of their individuals troublesome? I don’t know. It’s just the way they are. Lack of effective role models as parents probably has a lot to do with it. But it’s not my fault, is it?
I’ve learned that there are a group of people, those who are so racist, so bigoted, so locked inside their own tiny little box of hate that the only way to deal with it is to accuse OTHER people of being racist.
A small portion of the ethnic minorities living in England and the USA have such a narrow focus that, for whatever reason, they live in a permanent state of hostility towards the (quote) White race (unquote). They may well have suffered trauma and persecution, but this has warped their mind-set and psyche to such an extent that they now hold ALL White people accountable for ill treatment their ancestors may have previously suffered, ever on the look-out for any imagined sign of abuse.
The persecuted has become so twisted that he has swapped places and is now himself the persecutor, intolerant of all White members of the community. These people who habitually fill their own minds with the rank poisons of hatred, suspicion and jealousy can get very upset at those who refuse to do likewise, and they find a perverted relief in actually accusing THEM of being racist, when of course it is the reciprocal outlook that is the truth.
Interesting how the perspective changes with the point of view, isn’t it?
So while this really is an excellent book and a fascinating read as we follow Simpson’s spirited, brave and it has to said foolhardy journey from Colton-to-Li’l Cee-to-Cee Loc-to-Colton again as he comes full circle and shares his campaign with us I just can’t give a racist a 5 Star.
This is one of the best books I’ve read about the Bloods and Crips, but with regret – for I believe Simpson to be, and to have always been, a very principled human being - I can only afford it a 3 Star.
March 4, 2010
This was the most interesting book I had ever read. There's like non-stop action in this book. This book retain alot of action from when he was young until he was older. Check this book out it is really good. Jonas Williams 14 years old
December 6, 2014
‘Inside the Crips’ is such a difficult book to review because even as I start typing I still don’t know if it deserves a 5 Star or a 3 Star. “Give it a 4 Star then,” I hear you shout. No, I can’t sit on the fence like that. It deserves a 5 Star because Colton Simpson has without a doubt written an engaging tale with complete candour and integrity.
After growing up on the streets of South-Central Los Angeles, being ‘initiated’ into the Crips at 10 years of age, shooting people, robbing jewellery stores, shooting more people, robbing more jewellery stores and spending more than a decade in some of the toughest prisons in America where war between Blacks, Mexicans, Whites, Bloods and even separate Crip sections is an ongoing source of violence and death he’s come full circle. But – and this is a huge BUT – he’s such a bloody racist, and I just can’t offer a racist a 5 Star review.
I detest racism of any kind. I hate the ignorance of it. I’ve worked with tough Poles, lazy Somalians, hard-working Lithuanians and Bulgarians, friendly Romanians, fun-loving Sikhs and quiet Muslims. And I absolutely despise and abhor the kind of racism that Simpson, or Li’l Cee Loc, preaches so openly in this book.
“My people are still enslaved by the White race.” No their not. They’re enslaved by themselves. They chose to commit those crimes. And your people, my arse! What does that mean? In the book you claim it’s the Black man. That would be the Black man that’s spent decades shooting and killing other Black men, I suppose. Yeah right, your people …..
And what is this White Race? Hungarian? Romanian? Italian? Lithuania? Scottish? Which race? White isn’t a race, Colton Simpson, it’s a colour. How can you apportion blame onto ALL people of a white colour? How is it the white man’s fault?
“At last the system has turned me from a human being to just another number.” Not really, Li’l Cee. Your own CHOICES turned you from a human being to just another number. Really, does society deserve to have to put up with the likes of Li’l Cee Loc?
“1.6 percent of White men between 20 and 34 are in prison (Simpson’s figures not mine), 12 percent of Black men 20 to 34 are in prison. My people are still enslaved.” They’re your figures Simpson and they speak for themselves, don’t they? I checked out some other stats. Black people make up about 30% of the population of the United States, and 60% of the prison population. Now regardless of whom you committed your crimes against society had decided that it had earned a well-deserved rest from your activities. It had absolutely nothing to do with the colour of anybody’s skin.
“Judge Cecil J. Mills peers over his glasses and says, ‘Well now Mr Simpson. Don’t you dare look at me like that,’” and Li’l Cee honestly doesn’t understand how the judge thinks he’s being antagonistic. But I understand it. Li’l Cee’s look is common to the streets of South-Central L.A., in particular the areas of Compton, Watts and Inglewood. And I know that because in the early eighties I worked that area as a White English cab driver. I possibly know more about those areas and the people who live in them than any other Englishman alive.
And I’ll tell you something for nothing. They were such a miserable crowd, not giving a toss about manners, respectability or even cleanliness. Their homes were greasy, foul and noxious, their personalities were out for the count, and they never, ever smiled. The only thing that came close to a smile would be a derisory snigger or a mocking catcall. And they had such a chip on their shoulders. Always bitching about how the white man had screwed them over.
And that may be true. Black people definitely had a raw deal in the old slavery days, but no small measure of irony creeps in here when we realize that the Moors - Muslims who eventually settled in North-West Africa - laid waste the coasts of Europe, taking slaves that were sold in the markets of Venice. In the early 9th century the Vikings took over the slave trade - the word commemorates the fate of the Slavic people - and sold them to rich Muslims in the Eastern Mediterranean. But Muslims were the world's first slave traders. I only speak the truth.
However, the way that Black people were treated in the south of America in the 50’s and 60’s was disgusting. But Native Americans and Jews have been treated far, far worse over the centuries, and you don’t hear them whinging about it, do you?
Coloured people really don’t do themselves any favours by turning the neighbourhoods they live in, in whatever city of the world they happen to be, into trouble spots and danger areas. It’s a well-documented fact that a large proportion of the crime in London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles is focused around the Black communities.
Why is this? Are White people to blame? Of course not. For if that were the case then the Jewish sections in countries like Russia and Germany would also be ‘no-go’ areas where prostitution, drugs and homicide are a daily form of misery, fear and death.
When Pulitzer prize-winning writer, Edwin Way Teale, wrote in 1953 that, “It is not races but individuals that are noble and courageous or ignoble and craven or considerate or persistent or philosophical or reasonable,” what he was really saying was that a whole race of otherwise well-adjusted, well-dressed and well-read people get the blame when a high percentage of their individuals are troublesome.
But why are a high percentage of their individuals troublesome? I don’t know. It’s just the way they are. Lack of effective role models as parents probably has a lot to do with it. But it’s not my fault, is it?
I’ve learned that there are a group of people, those who are so racist, so bigoted, so locked inside their own tiny little box of hate that the only way to deal with it is to accuse OTHER people of being racist.
A small portion of the ethnic minorities living in England and the USA have such a narrow focus that, for whatever reason, they live in a permanent state of hostility towards the (quote) White race (unquote). They may well have suffered trauma and persecution, but this has warped their mind-set and psyche to such an extent that they now hold ALL White people accountable for ill treatment their ancestors may have previously suffered, ever on the look-out for any imagined sign of abuse.
The persecuted has become so twisted that he has swapped places and is now himself the persecutor, intolerant of all White members of the community. These people who habitually fill their own minds with the rank poisons of hatred, suspicion and jealousy can get very upset at those who refuse to do likewise, and they find a perverted relief in actually accusing THEM of being racist, when of course it is the reciprocal outlook that is the truth.
Interesting how the perspective changes with the point of view, isn’t it?
So while this really is an excellent book and a fascinating read as we follow Simpson’s spirited, brave and it has to said foolhardy journey from Colton-to-Li’l Cee-to-Cee Loc-to-Colton again as he comes full circle and shares his campaign with us I just can’t give a racist a 5 Star.
This is one of the best books I’ve read about the Bloods and Crips, but with regret – for I believe Simpson to be, and to have always been, a very principled human being - I can only afford it a 3 Star.
After growing up on the streets of South-Central Los Angeles, being ‘initiated’ into the Crips at 10 years of age, shooting people, robbing jewellery stores, shooting more people, robbing more jewellery stores and spending more than a decade in some of the toughest prisons in America where war between Blacks, Mexicans, Whites, Bloods and even separate Crip sections is an ongoing source of violence and death he’s come full circle. But – and this is a huge BUT – he’s such a bloody racist, and I just can’t offer a racist a 5 Star review.
I detest racism of any kind. I hate the ignorance of it. I’ve worked with tough Poles, lazy Somalians, hard-working Lithuanians and Bulgarians, friendly Romanians, fun-loving Sikhs and quiet Muslims. And I absolutely despise and abhor the kind of racism that Simpson, or Li’l Cee Loc, preaches so openly in this book.
“My people are still enslaved by the White race.” No their not. They’re enslaved by themselves. They chose to commit those crimes. And your people, my arse! What does that mean? In the book you claim it’s the Black man. That would be the Black man that’s spent decades shooting and killing other Black men, I suppose. Yeah right, your people …..
And what is this White Race? Hungarian? Romanian? Italian? Lithuania? Scottish? Which race? White isn’t a race, Colton Simpson, it’s a colour. How can you apportion blame onto ALL people of a white colour? How is it the white man’s fault?
“At last the system has turned me from a human being to just another number.” Not really, Li’l Cee. Your own CHOICES turned you from a human being to just another number. Really, does society deserve to have to put up with the likes of Li’l Cee Loc?
“1.6 percent of White men between 20 and 34 are in prison (Simpson’s figures not mine), 12 percent of Black men 20 to 34 are in prison. My people are still enslaved.” They’re your figures Simpson and they speak for themselves, don’t they? I checked out some other stats. Black people make up about 30% of the population of the United States, and 60% of the prison population. Now regardless of whom you committed your crimes against society had decided that it had earned a well-deserved rest from your activities. It had absolutely nothing to do with the colour of anybody’s skin.
“Judge Cecil J. Mills peers over his glasses and says, ‘Well now Mr Simpson. Don’t you dare look at me like that,’” and Li’l Cee honestly doesn’t understand how the judge thinks he’s being antagonistic. But I understand it. Li’l Cee’s look is common to the streets of South-Central L.A., in particular the areas of Compton, Watts and Inglewood. And I know that because in the early eighties I worked that area as a White English cab driver. I possibly know more about those areas and the people who live in them than any other Englishman alive.
And I’ll tell you something for nothing. They were such a miserable crowd, not giving a toss about manners, respectability or even cleanliness. Their homes were greasy, foul and noxious, their personalities were out for the count, and they never, ever smiled. The only thing that came close to a smile would be a derisory snigger or a mocking catcall. And they had such a chip on their shoulders. Always bitching about how the white man had screwed them over.
And that may be true. Black people definitely had a raw deal in the old slavery days, but no small measure of irony creeps in here when we realize that the Moors - Muslims who eventually settled in North-West Africa - laid waste the coasts of Europe, taking slaves that were sold in the markets of Venice. In the early 9th century the Vikings took over the slave trade - the word commemorates the fate of the Slavic people - and sold them to rich Muslims in the Eastern Mediterranean. But Muslims were the world's first slave traders. I only speak the truth.
However, the way that Black people were treated in the south of America in the 50’s and 60’s was disgusting. But Native Americans and Jews have been treated far, far worse over the centuries, and you don’t hear them whinging about it, do you?
Coloured people really don’t do themselves any favours by turning the neighbourhoods they live in, in whatever city of the world they happen to be, into trouble spots and danger areas. It’s a well-documented fact that a large proportion of the crime in London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles is focused around the Black communities.
Why is this? Are White people to blame? Of course not. For if that were the case then the Jewish sections in countries like Russia and Germany would also be ‘no-go’ areas where prostitution, drugs and homicide are a daily form of misery, fear and death.
When Pulitzer prize-winning writer, Edwin Way Teale, wrote in 1953 that, “It is not races but individuals that are noble and courageous or ignoble and craven or considerate or persistent or philosophical or reasonable,” what he was really saying was that a whole race of otherwise well-adjusted, well-dressed and well-read people get the blame when a high percentage of their individuals are troublesome.
But why are a high percentage of their individuals troublesome? I don’t know. It’s just the way they are. Lack of effective role models as parents probably has a lot to do with it. But it’s not my fault, is it?
I’ve learned that there are a group of people, those who are so racist, so bigoted, so locked inside their own tiny little box of hate that the only way to deal with it is to accuse OTHER people of being racist.
A small portion of the ethnic minorities living in England and the USA have such a narrow focus that, for whatever reason, they live in a permanent state of hostility towards the (quote) White race (unquote). They may well have suffered trauma and persecution, but this has warped their mind-set and psyche to such an extent that they now hold ALL White people accountable for ill treatment their ancestors may have previously suffered, ever on the look-out for any imagined sign of abuse.
The persecuted has become so twisted that he has swapped places and is now himself the persecutor, intolerant of all White members of the community. These people who habitually fill their own minds with the rank poisons of hatred, suspicion and jealousy can get very upset at those who refuse to do likewise, and they find a perverted relief in actually accusing THEM of being racist, when of course it is the reciprocal outlook that is the truth.
Interesting how the perspective changes with the point of view, isn’t it?
So while this really is an excellent book and a fascinating read as we follow Simpson’s spirited, brave and it has to said foolhardy journey from Colton-to-Li’l Cee-to-Cee Loc-to-Colton again as he comes full circle and shares his campaign with us I just can’t give a racist a 5 Star.
This is one of the best books I’ve read about the Bloods and Crips, but with regret – for I believe Simpson to be, and to have always been, a very principled human being - I can only afford it a 3 Star.
December 20, 2008
This book should be titled "Outside the Crips" or perhaps "The Cripper in The Rye". Why? Because though he takes us through a realistic and harrowing journey through gangsterism, bloodshed, crime and a life in prison, Colton Simpson, a.k.a. C-Loc, a.k.a. Lil' Cee, never seems to "get it".
He's a middle class kid in a gangster's world. He presents his childhood as an odd mixture of near stardom (pro baseball player dad, model mom) and downward mobility (abandoned to ghetto grandma). He grows up 'hood and becomes a loyal Crip. His crimes get him jailed and his recounting of the terror and beatings and wars inside are gripping,
But here's the thing...I always feel like if he wanted to, he could have pulled the middle class ripcord -- like an expensive lawyer or political connection -- and gotten himself out of the mess. And I think the hilarity in this book comes from everyone else around him and in prison seeing that -- except for the protagonist, Mr. Simpson himself!
The harder he tries to study "Cripology" the more ridiculous it gets. It's clear what Cripping is for everyone else...a way to survive. Not just a "gang of brothers" but something to hold on to in a world that is best described as anarchy during wartime. The definitions are never fixed, the rules are fluid...but Colton wants to see something that isn't there. A society, a brotherhood...but one minute that brotherhood is used for comraderie, the next for backstabbing.
I am not condemning those people around Colton...they have nothing and no way to get it. But Colton did -- and he never takes the time except for one or two sentences to recognize this.
But, I think I know why he did what he did. He just wasn't getting the middle class or rich kids rewards playing it straight. He found what he needed in the "Crips" (by the end of the book, you are left wondering if there really is any thing that can be defined exactly as that gang) and banging.
I don't know if it goes any further than that, cuz...
He's a middle class kid in a gangster's world. He presents his childhood as an odd mixture of near stardom (pro baseball player dad, model mom) and downward mobility (abandoned to ghetto grandma). He grows up 'hood and becomes a loyal Crip. His crimes get him jailed and his recounting of the terror and beatings and wars inside are gripping,
But here's the thing...I always feel like if he wanted to, he could have pulled the middle class ripcord -- like an expensive lawyer or political connection -- and gotten himself out of the mess. And I think the hilarity in this book comes from everyone else around him and in prison seeing that -- except for the protagonist, Mr. Simpson himself!
The harder he tries to study "Cripology" the more ridiculous it gets. It's clear what Cripping is for everyone else...a way to survive. Not just a "gang of brothers" but something to hold on to in a world that is best described as anarchy during wartime. The definitions are never fixed, the rules are fluid...but Colton wants to see something that isn't there. A society, a brotherhood...but one minute that brotherhood is used for comraderie, the next for backstabbing.
I am not condemning those people around Colton...they have nothing and no way to get it. But Colton did -- and he never takes the time except for one or two sentences to recognize this.
But, I think I know why he did what he did. He just wasn't getting the middle class or rich kids rewards playing it straight. He found what he needed in the "Crips" (by the end of the book, you are left wondering if there really is any thing that can be defined exactly as that gang) and banging.
I don't know if it goes any further than that, cuz...
April 9, 2016
A great book. I subtracted a star because much of the action seemed redundant and I skimmed a bit of it.
Overall I really enjoy the message that the author is putting out there. The first few chapters were a very comprehensive overview of how and why young people join gangs, which is very valuable. The last few chapters also give great insight on how he got out and what needs to be done to stop gangs, violence, and drug abuse.
Overall I really enjoy the message that the author is putting out there. The first few chapters were a very comprehensive overview of how and why young people join gangs, which is very valuable. The last few chapters also give great insight on how he got out and what needs to be done to stop gangs, violence, and drug abuse.
November 23, 2020
Browsing my local library I saw a section marked true crime and thought "this book looks interesting". My intuition was fairly correct and I was rewarded with a biography filled with many acts of violence and even a few insights. We go on a roughly 30 year journey in the gangbanging life of one Colton "Lil' Cee- Lock" Simpson. From the age of his gang initiation at 10 until his hopefully last brush with the law at age 40, we get a rolodex of his numerous transgressions.
My favorite part of this story is the ability for the author/s to show the dichotomy between the mostly good Colton who is a loving grandson and the rotten Cee Lock who is a murderous and barbarous gang member. In most media accounts the gangster (gangsta) lifestyle is either glamorized as one of wealth and prestige or traumatized as a destroyer of all they touch. Nuance is oftentimes thrown out the door and people are seen as either angels or devils. Simpson is a man whose identity is so entwined in the gangster life that despite multiple jail stints and innumerable acts of violence, he has a Herculean effort in ending his affiliation to his set, the local chapter of the Crips. Just as he is finally able to shake off the shackles of the Crips, he is booked for a shooting that he is not involved in but thankfully having friends in high places (thanks Ice-T) saves him a jail bid. As an addendum, it appears he is currently locked up again and under the 3 strikes law will be serving the remainder of his life behind bars.
Though this story is supposed to be a cautionary tale it seems to blur some of those lessons. It is important for a biography to be a truthful retelling but the amount of violent and criminal acts seem excessive. I have little reason to doubt this retelling but at some point it feels cartoonish or like a Grand Theft Auto game. By the time he shot at a bunch of Bloods for the third time or he got assaulted in prison for the umpteenth time I was exhausted. While, he didn't overall glamorize his lifestyle, during scenes of violence and mayhem, like when he robbed jewelry stores felt like tales of bravado and machismo.
The most challenging and probably worst aspect of this book was trying to tie in societal ills with the circumstances of Simpsons' decisions. While, it is unfortunate and very sad we live in a society that indoctrinates youth at such an age, this book seems to tack on issues as diverse as slavery, police brutality, drug wars, turf wars and other issues to Colton Simpson. Simpson had enough to deal with due to a delinquent father and an abusive and negligent mother that tying him in with a litany of social problems seemed like pushing a certain narrative. This is completely unnecessary and counterproductive to the idea of taking personal responsibility and making choices for yourself, which is ultimately the realization that Simpson comes to.
Overall, this book is a good companion piece to the portrayals of American gang life found in various music, tv and films. Simpson feels like he could have easily been a character in a Singleton film or the subject matter in a Tupac song. I don't know what it says about the American culture that Simpson's biography though incredibly violent and disturbing feels so commonplace that many of the scenes felt played out.
My favorite part of this story is the ability for the author/s to show the dichotomy between the mostly good Colton who is a loving grandson and the rotten Cee Lock who is a murderous and barbarous gang member. In most media accounts the gangster (gangsta) lifestyle is either glamorized as one of wealth and prestige or traumatized as a destroyer of all they touch. Nuance is oftentimes thrown out the door and people are seen as either angels or devils. Simpson is a man whose identity is so entwined in the gangster life that despite multiple jail stints and innumerable acts of violence, he has a Herculean effort in ending his affiliation to his set, the local chapter of the Crips. Just as he is finally able to shake off the shackles of the Crips, he is booked for a shooting that he is not involved in but thankfully having friends in high places (thanks Ice-T) saves him a jail bid. As an addendum, it appears he is currently locked up again and under the 3 strikes law will be serving the remainder of his life behind bars.
Though this story is supposed to be a cautionary tale it seems to blur some of those lessons. It is important for a biography to be a truthful retelling but the amount of violent and criminal acts seem excessive. I have little reason to doubt this retelling but at some point it feels cartoonish or like a Grand Theft Auto game. By the time he shot at a bunch of Bloods for the third time or he got assaulted in prison for the umpteenth time I was exhausted. While, he didn't overall glamorize his lifestyle, during scenes of violence and mayhem, like when he robbed jewelry stores felt like tales of bravado and machismo.
The most challenging and probably worst aspect of this book was trying to tie in societal ills with the circumstances of Simpsons' decisions. While, it is unfortunate and very sad we live in a society that indoctrinates youth at such an age, this book seems to tack on issues as diverse as slavery, police brutality, drug wars, turf wars and other issues to Colton Simpson. Simpson had enough to deal with due to a delinquent father and an abusive and negligent mother that tying him in with a litany of social problems seemed like pushing a certain narrative. This is completely unnecessary and counterproductive to the idea of taking personal responsibility and making choices for yourself, which is ultimately the realization that Simpson comes to.
Overall, this book is a good companion piece to the portrayals of American gang life found in various music, tv and films. Simpson feels like he could have easily been a character in a Singleton film or the subject matter in a Tupac song. I don't know what it says about the American culture that Simpson's biography though incredibly violent and disturbing feels so commonplace that many of the scenes felt played out.
October 27, 2012
We all seem to write these redemption books. And I mean "we" as those of us who really fucked up and now want to remove ourselves from our past – you know, want people to love us, and shit. Want people to look past that person they see, or the one on paper, defined by criminal records, police reports, and court documents. We write about all the horrendous shit we did, and then put that clause in: but I have seen the evil of my ways. And that somehow makes it all okay. Washes away the sins of the past. And yeah, we've changed. To write a book, many of us have really changed, as it's akin to snitching. But then there's a tone to how one writes. And if you've not left everything behind, that stroll from the yard creeps in and you can hear it. Hell, you smell it and taste it. But then how much of the real person is really going to go away. I don't regret my past. It has formed me into the person I am today. I'm sure Cee probably feels the same way. His is an interesting true story. He co-wrote another redemption book, another memoir from bad to good.
March 13, 2014
Absolutely an amazing book. From the forward by Ice T to the conclusion of afterword by Simpson himself, this book contains truly masterful language, parallelism, and symbolism. The main symbol is the comparison of life to a game of chess: those with debilitating and blinding anger and those who do not foresee the consequences of their actions will have major struggles in life. Simpson meets many wise men, formerly of the Black Panthers, during his time in prison, where he grows a surprising amount. He remains candid in defending himself from the allegations from the book. Honestly, despite his history of gangbanging, I am convinced that he is a good person. He acknowledges his shortcomings, but the positive impact and dynamicity of his character seem to overshadow those.
September 5, 2013
The setting of this story is very real because it talks about what happens in their lives and life.The setting of this story is very exciting and makes the reader want to read more about other peoples life and how they do it.
This makes me really think about how hard their lives are and why they do the things they do. It makes me think twice about the bad and violent choices i make in my day to day life.
i really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anybody that is into gang related gun related and other violent things
This makes me really think about how hard their lives are and why they do the things they do. It makes me think twice about the bad and violent choices i make in my day to day life.
i really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anybody that is into gang related gun related and other violent things
March 31, 2015
This book is very interesting to read, I can honestly say when I first looked at the front cover of the book I was kind of surprised because I thought to myself why is this man face so serious, is he a serial killer, is he a murderer like I was really confused but so curious on what the book was going to be about, so I started to read it almost every night, and I was just shocked about all of the conflicts and actions that were going through this mans life. Colton Simpson also known as C-Loc for his gang member name.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2012
The book, Inside The Crips, is a good book. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars because i like books that involve shootings and gang related stuff. i enjoyed this memoir because it talks about Colton's life and what he did to join a gang. It relates to me because my brother is in a gang and its hard. I would recommend this book to any gang affiliated people and or people that are struggling with their life.
July 7, 2008
This is a true story account of a real OG crip that joined the crips. Killed his first bloods at 10 years old. Is a personal friend of "ICE T" He wrote this book to show what being in a gang is really like and to discourage gangs. To show you only end up dead or in prison. It's not glamorous. And to "warn the children". I really enjoyed it.
March 6, 2012
This is hands down one of the best biographies and the BEST book on gangs I have ever read.
This is an incredible story that has fundamentally changed how I understand gang culture.
Thankyou for writing this Colton, and I wish you so much success with the legal fallout that has followed your courageous tale.
Sarah
This is an incredible story that has fundamentally changed how I understand gang culture.
Thankyou for writing this Colton, and I wish you so much success with the legal fallout that has followed your courageous tale.
Sarah
October 31, 2008
a great read. i was hooked from page one, and that's my favorite kind of experience with a book. as a kid i was a quasi-skilled yet reluctant reader. Inside the Crips reminded me that it is possible to love a book from the first page.
August 25, 2012
This is a true story of a young man who is a member of the Crips down in Los Angeles. There is a lot of violence and prison time.
The problem with this book is that it's one violent event after event, with no real distinction between them. After a while, it gets a little tedious.
The problem with this book is that it's one violent event after event, with no real distinction between them. After a while, it gets a little tedious.
May 16, 2011
Hard to understand living this type of life, but the writer attempts to let us know how one lives it. One reason why I read is to attempt to understand how other people live that are vastly different than my own. The book provides a hard look which is fascinating and horrifying.
February 21, 2013
The setting of this story is very real because it talks about what happens in their lives and life.The setting of this story is very exciting and makes the reader want to read more about other peoples life and how they do it.peace out.
May 8, 2014
I found this book interesting. I liked how he described what his life was life when he was a child all the way to when he grew up into an adult. He had a hard life as a kid and I believe that's why he got ino then gang-life.
December 27, 2007
This book was really good. I enjoy books about sociology and people and why they do what they do, and this book was really insightful into the life of someone in the Crips in South Central LA.
February 23, 2008
This book was amazing! It talks of finding a family in Gang life-growing up in prison, and illustrates the problems with our justice system.
March 22, 2008
So interesting! Really provides an insider view to maybe a world that many know nothing about.
February 4, 2012
A very interesting insight into the mind of a banger. His stories show the world he grew up in and the attitude of the people in this world.
August 30, 2009
this is probably the best book on gangs I have read - the forward by Ice T is incredible.
October 30, 2022
Heute möchte ich das Buch “Inside the CRIPS“ von Colton Simpsons vorstellen, der bereits im Alter von 9 Jahren ein Member wurde.
Anders als gedacht, handelt es sich bei dem Buch eher um eine Biographie über sein Leben, wie er selbst zu den CRIPS gekommen ist, was er alles erlebt hat, welch Mensch er geworden ist und was seine Ziele sind.
Colton alias Lil‘ Cee Loc hatte es nicht leicht im Leben, als er noch bei seiner Mutter wohnte. Als sie ihn eines nachts zusammen mit seinem Bruder in der hood der BLOODS ausgesetzt hatte, lebten beide von nun an bei der Großmutter.
Im Alter von 9 Jahren wurde Cee bei den CRIPS aufgenommen. Gleich die erste Nacht war geprägt vom Mord an einigen BLOODS, die an einer Tankstelle standen, um ihr Auto vollzutanken. Danach änderte sich in seinem Leben alles und es war geprägt von Raubüberfallen, Gewalt und Drogen. Mit 10 Jahren, wo hierzulande die Kiddies noch in die Schule gehen und sich über die neuesten Pokémon-Karten austauschen…
Die Jahre darauf waren geprägt von Aufenthalten in Jugendhaft und Gefängnissen. Wo er mehr über das eigentliche Leben der CRIPS kennenlernen sollte. Er wurde in die wahren Hintergründe der Gang unterrichtet, sowie in Sprachen wie Spanisch, Arabisch und Kiswahili.
Kurz nachdem er das erste Mal wieder auf freien Fuß ist, erfährt er das erste Mal, was sich alles geändert hat. Merkt, dass er im normalen Leben nicht zurechtkommt, geht wieder zurück zum gangbangin und landet erneut im Gefängnis.
Wo sich für ihn alles ändert.
Was ihn dazu veranlasst, alles zu überdenken und dem Gangster-Leben ein Ende zu setzen, mit den damals so verhassten BLOODS zusammenzuarbeiten und das Gang-Leben abzuschaffen.
Auch wenn das Buch an manchen Stellen etwas verwirrend erscheint und etwas trocken zu lesen ist, zeigt es dennoch, wie schwer das Leben sein kann. Was es bedarf, die Ansichten eines Menschen zu ändern und was wirklich auf den Straßen von South Central LA und im Gefängnis passiert.
Anders als gedacht, handelt es sich bei dem Buch eher um eine Biographie über sein Leben, wie er selbst zu den CRIPS gekommen ist, was er alles erlebt hat, welch Mensch er geworden ist und was seine Ziele sind.
Colton alias Lil‘ Cee Loc hatte es nicht leicht im Leben, als er noch bei seiner Mutter wohnte. Als sie ihn eines nachts zusammen mit seinem Bruder in der hood der BLOODS ausgesetzt hatte, lebten beide von nun an bei der Großmutter.
Im Alter von 9 Jahren wurde Cee bei den CRIPS aufgenommen. Gleich die erste Nacht war geprägt vom Mord an einigen BLOODS, die an einer Tankstelle standen, um ihr Auto vollzutanken. Danach änderte sich in seinem Leben alles und es war geprägt von Raubüberfallen, Gewalt und Drogen. Mit 10 Jahren, wo hierzulande die Kiddies noch in die Schule gehen und sich über die neuesten Pokémon-Karten austauschen…
Die Jahre darauf waren geprägt von Aufenthalten in Jugendhaft und Gefängnissen. Wo er mehr über das eigentliche Leben der CRIPS kennenlernen sollte. Er wurde in die wahren Hintergründe der Gang unterrichtet, sowie in Sprachen wie Spanisch, Arabisch und Kiswahili.
Kurz nachdem er das erste Mal wieder auf freien Fuß ist, erfährt er das erste Mal, was sich alles geändert hat. Merkt, dass er im normalen Leben nicht zurechtkommt, geht wieder zurück zum gangbangin und landet erneut im Gefängnis.
Wo sich für ihn alles ändert.
Was ihn dazu veranlasst, alles zu überdenken und dem Gangster-Leben ein Ende zu setzen, mit den damals so verhassten BLOODS zusammenzuarbeiten und das Gang-Leben abzuschaffen.
Auch wenn das Buch an manchen Stellen etwas verwirrend erscheint und etwas trocken zu lesen ist, zeigt es dennoch, wie schwer das Leben sein kann. Was es bedarf, die Ansichten eines Menschen zu ändern und was wirklich auf den Straßen von South Central LA und im Gefängnis passiert.
February 13, 2018
This was a great read of the life of a gang banger. Very chilling and lots of insights into prison life etc. The author had a rough upbringing and transitioned into a life of gang banging and was destined to end up in prison. What upset me throughout reading the book was the author's attitude about his life behind bars. He seemed to think he was getting a raw deal all the time he was incarcerated. What about all the lives he took, families he destroyed, merchandise he stole. Prison is payback for all the laws and rules he broke and even continued to break while in prison. There is a certain rank and order protocol to prison life, but he should realize and think about these things before he committed the horrendous acts he performed. What is great is that he was able to put the gang life behind him.
March 26, 2019
Grabbed this because I happened to see it on the shelf at the library and thought it was on my "To read" list here. After flying through it (it's not a challenging read at all), I wasn't sure why I had once made note of it. Reads pretty much like any and every other "former criminal memoir" - grew up disillusioned with society, felt a cocktail of negative emotions (neglect, hate, betrayal, rage, etc.), sought power/acceptance, became a criminal, grew up, realized how harmful that life is, was fortunate enough to live through it, don't do it. Has the mandatory "Listen I'm not saying this was right, I'm saying this was the only option I had" paragraph or so for this genre. I'll forget the details of this particular story within a week or so.
April 27, 2024
A very honest and impactful memoir of how life is growing up getting involved in gangs at a young age. Colton’s story exposes the corrupted system and systematic discrimination within criminal justice. Today he is in prison because of his book. Justice for Colton Simpson!
May 21, 2019
Very good book. I found this to be a better book then the one Monsta Kody wrote.
March 31, 2023
Its a good read, and the stories are interesting. The self pity is a turnoff. He had options, but chose to be a thug.
March 27, 2017
Decent read
Interesting story. A little hard to follow at times. The sentence structure and spelling many times became an annoyance to me. I think it had the potential to be a great book if things would have been more clearly explained and elaborated on. I would still recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject.
Interesting story. A little hard to follow at times. The sentence structure and spelling many times became an annoyance to me. I think it had the potential to be a great book if things would have been more clearly explained and elaborated on. I would still recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject.
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