The Most Famous Black Gangster, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the black gangster you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 4, 2024 07:02
Throughout history, various figures have risen from the underworld to fame, capturing public attention and invoking curiosity. Ranking influential black gangsters shines a light on their complex narratives, highlighting both the cultural impact and the historical significance these figures have had.
By voting on this list, users engage with these histories, contributing to a collective understanding of influence and notoriety. This active participation not only helps to document an integral part of criminal history but also encourages a diversified perspective on figures often relegated to the fringes of historical discourse.
Who Is the Most Famous Black Gangster?
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152votesAlthough not specifically a "black" gangster, Capone was known for his alliances with African-American gangsters and his involvement in the illegal liquor trade during Prohibition.Al Capone in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Mafia boss
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous money launderer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous convict
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous moonshiner
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person from Chicago
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous criminal of all time
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248votes
United States Government · Public domainA Harlem drug lord in the 1960s and 70s, Lucas made millions selling heroin and was famously portrayed by Denzel Washington in the film American Gangster.Frank Lucas in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous snitch
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous cartel leader
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316votes
Uzma Gamal (talk) 15:17, 27 March 2011 (UTC) · Public domainA notorious gangster in Harlem during the 1930s and 40s, Johnson was known for his leadership of the "Policy" numbers racket and his rivalry with Dutch Schultz. -
412votesA drug kingpin in the 1970s, Barnes was known as "Mr. Untouchable" for his ability to evade law enforcement. He later turned informant and helped bring down many of his former associates.
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515votesThe founder of the Chicago street gang the Gangster Disciples, Hoover was known for his leadership and organizational skills. He is currently serving a life sentence in federal prison.
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67votes
Patrick Bastien Photography · Copyrighted free useA drug dealer in Los Angeles in the 1980s, Ross was one of the largest distributors of crack cocaine in the country. He was eventually arrested and spent many years in prison. -
79votesA former member of the Supreme Team drug crew in Queens, McGriff went on to become a major player in the hip-hop industry, managing the careers of artists like 50 Cent and Ja Rule. He is currently serving a life sentence in federal prison.
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84votes
California Dept. of Corrections · Public domainThe co-founder of the Crips street gang, Williams spent many years in prison before becoming an anti-gang activist and author. He was executed in 2005. -
911votesA drug lord in Oakland, California in the 1980s, Mitchell was known for his ruthless tactics and his involvement in the crack cocaine trade. He was killed in prison in 1986.
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105votes
State of California · Public domainThe co-founder of the Crips street gang, Washington was killed in 1979. His legacy lives on, however, in the many gangs that have been influenced by the Crips over the years.
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Ranking factors for famous black gangster
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NotorietyThe level of infamy and publicity that each gangster has garnered through their criminal endeavors.
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Impact on societyThe impact that each gangster has had on their community, as well as the wider society, through their criminal activities and other contributions.
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Criminal recordThe number and severity of crimes committed by each gangster.
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Pop culture influenceThe extent to which each gangster has been depicted in popular culture, including movies, television shows, and music.
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LegacyThe lasting impact that each gangster has had on the criminal underworld and the broader society, including any positive or negative contributions.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous black gangster. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or gangster is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2120 views
- 177 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each gangster once every 24 hours. The rank of each gangster is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous black gangster
The world of organized crime has long been a fascination for many, and the realm of black gangsters holds a particular intrigue. From notorious figures like Al Capone to modern-day gangsters, the black underworld has produced its own share of infamous characters. But who is the most famous black gangster? The answer is not a simple one, as the world of organized crime is shrouded in secrecy and myth. However, there are a few names that stand out in the annals of black gangster history. From the Harlem Renaissance to the crack epidemic of the 1980s, these figures have left an indelible mark on American culture and history. Join us as we explore the lives and legends of some of the most famous black gangsters of all time.
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