The Most Popular Gang, Ranked

Choose the gang you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:38
In the intricate world of street culture, understanding which group garners the most respect and attention can offer valuable insights into broader societal trends and influences. The popularity of these groups often reflects the shifts in style, language, and even political trends among the youth. By ranking the most admired groups, we gain a clearer view of the current cultural landscape. This interactive hub allows you to cast your vote on who you believe stands out in the complex mesh of street organizations. Your participation helps create a dynamic snapshot of who is leading in terms of influence and popularity. Each vote contributes to a constantly updating scoreboard, providing a fresh perspective on which groups are currently leading in the public’s eye.

What Is the Most Popular Gang?

  1. 1
    54
    votes
    MS-13 - one of the most violent and widespread transnational gangs with roots in El Salvador, but now active in many countries.
    MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is a notorious transnational criminal organization. It originated in Los Angeles, California, in the 1980s and has since grown to become one of the most widely recognized and feared gangs in the world.
    • Origins: Los Angeles, California, in the 1980s
    • Other Names: Mara Salvatrucha
    • Transnational Reach: Operates in multiple countries, particularly El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States
    • Membership Size: Estimates vary, but it is believed to have thousands of members
    • Criminal Activities: Drug trafficking, human trafficking, robbery, extortion, murder, and various other violent crimes
  2. 2
    49
    votes
    Bloods is a street gang formed in Los Angeles in the 1970s, known for wearing red clothing and using various symbols and hand signs.
    The Bloods is a well-known street gang that originated in Los Angeles, California, during the 1970s. They are known for their distinctive red-colored clothing and their rivalry with the Crips gang.
    • Origins: Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Founding Year: 1972
    • Color: Red (worn to represent the Bloods)
    • Rival Gang: Crips
    • Membership: Estimated 20,000-25,000 members
  3. 3
    39
    votes
    Crips is a rival gang to the Bloods also formed in Los Angeles, known for wearing blue clothing and using distinctive hand signs.
    The Crips is a notorious African-American street gang, known for its criminal activities and involvement in the drug trade. The gang originated in Los Angeles, California, during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
    • 1: Extensive presence in Los Angeles and other major U.S. cities
    • 2: Distinctive blue color as their primary identifier
    • 3: Rivalry with the Bloods gang, resulting in a long-standing and deadly feud
    • 4: Highly structured hierarchical organization
    • 5: Involvement in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes
  4. 4
    23
    votes

    Aryan Brotherhood

    Barry Mills
    Aryan Brotherhood is a white supremacist prison gang with a history of violence and criminal activity.
    The Aryan Brotherhood is a white supremacist prison gang that originated in the United States. It is considered one of the most powerful and dangerous gangs in the prison system.
    • Year of establishment: 1964
    • Location of establishment: San Quentin State Prison, California
    • Ideology: White supremacy, white separatism
    • Membership: Estimates range from 15,000 to 20,000 members
    • Criminal activities: Drug trafficking, extortion, assault, murder, and organized crime
  5. 5
    16
    votes

    Latin Kings

    Luis Felipe (King Blood)
    Latin Kings is a Chicago-based gang that has expanded to other cities, with a focus on drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
    The Latin Kings is one of the most well-known and largest Hispanic street gangs in the United States. It originated in Chicago, Illinois in the 1940s and was initially formed to provide protection and support for the Hispanic community in the neighborhood of Chicago's Humboldt Park. Over time, the Latin Kings expanded their presence nationally and even internationally, with factions in various cities across the United States and in other countries.
    • Motto: Unity, Respect, and Love
    • Colors: Black and Gold
    • Symbols: Crown, 5-pointed star, and initials 'L' and 'K'
    • Hierarchy: Organized with a strict hierarchy and ranks including Alkalde (supreme leader), Inca (second in command), and warrior ranks
    • Activities: Drug trafficking, racketeering, assault, robbery, and various other criminal activities
  6. 6
    16
    votes
    Hells Angels is one of the most well-known outlaw motorcycle gangs, with chapters worldwide and a reputation for violence and organized crime.
    Hells Angels is a notorious motorcycle club known for its involvement in organized crime and outlaw biker activities. It is one of the most well-known and largest biker gangs in the world, with a global presence.
    • Year Founded: 1948
    • Headquarters: San Bernardino, California, United States
    • Membership: Estimated to be thousands of members worldwide
    • Colors: Red and white
    • Official Website: https://hells-angels.com/
    Hells Angels in other rankings
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Black Disciples is a Chicago-based street gang that has spread to other cities, with a focus on drug trafficking and violence.
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    18th Street Gang is a multi-ethnic gang founded in Los Angeles, with a presence in many other cities and countries.
    The 18th Street Gang is one of the largest and most notorious gangs in the United States, known for its presence in both urban and suburban areas. It originated in the 1960s in the Rampart area of Los Angeles, California, and has since expanded its reach to other states and even internationally.
    • Size: It is estimated to have over 30,000 members across several states in the U.S. and has a significant presence in Central America as well.
    • Ethnicity: It is primarily comprised of individuals of Central American and Mexican descent.
    • Territory: The gang operates in multiple states, with a strong presence in California, particularly Los Angeles, as well as in states like Texas, Maryland, and New York.
    • Alliances: The 18th Street Gang has been known to form alliances with other gangs, such as the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), for mutual protection and criminal activities.
    • Criminal Activities: Their criminal operations include drug trafficking, human smuggling, robbery, extortion, and other forms of organized crime.
  9. 9
    10
    votes

    Sinaloa Cartel

    Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán
    Sinaloa Cartel is not a traditional gang, but a powerful drug trafficking organization based in Mexico, with operations in many other countries.
    The Sinaloa Cartel is a powerful and notorious drug trafficking organization based in Sinaloa, Mexico. It is considered one of the most influential and wide-reaching criminal groups in the world, known for its involvement in illicit drug trade, money laundering, and acts of violence. The cartel was founded in the late 1980s by Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, who played a pivotal role in its rise to prominence.
    • Geographical Influence: Operating primarily in Mexico, but with a significant international presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.
    • Drug Trafficking: The Sinaloa Cartel is heavily involved in the production, transportation, and distribution of various illegal drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin.
    • Financial Power: The cartel is estimated to generate billions of dollars in revenue annually through its drug operations and money laundering activities.
    • Violence: Known for its ruthless tactics, the Sinaloa Cartel has been responsible for numerous acts of violence, including assassinations, kidnappings, and territorial disputes with rival cartels.
    • Corruption: The organization has been associated with high levels of corruption, infiltrating law enforcement agencies, politicians, and judicial systems to protect its interests.
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Mara Salvatrucha is a gang that originated in Los Angeles, but has since spread to many other countries, with a reputation for violence and involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, and other crimes.
    Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) is a notorious international criminal gang known for its violent activities. Originating in Los Angeles, California, it was created by Salvadoran immigrants in the 1980s. MS-13 has since spread to many countries, including the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and even parts of Europe. It is involved in various illegal activities such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, robbery, and murder.
    • Formation: 1980s
    • Headquarters: No centralized headquarters
    • Membership: Estimated 30,000 to 50,000 members worldwide
    • Territory: Operating in multiple countries, primarily in the Americas
    • Ethnicity: Predominantly Salvadoran, but also includes individuals from other Central American countries

Missing your favorite gang?

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Ranking factors for popular gang

  1. Membership
    The total number of members, including both active and non-active, can be an indicator of a gang's popularity.
  2. Criminal Activities
    The type and scale of illegal activities that the gang participates in, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, robbery, and extortion, can be considered.
  3. Territorial Control
    The geographical areas in which the gang operates, as well as the extent of their control, can play a role in the ranking.
  4. Influence and Reputation
    The gang's influence in their communities, as well as their reputation among other criminal organizations and law enforcement, could be factored into the ranking.
  5. Longevity
    How long the gang has been active can also be an important factor, as it may signify their resilience and adaptability to changing environments.
  6. Notoriety
    Popular media portrayal, infamous criminal cases, and high-profile arrests can contribute to a gang's popularity.
  7. Presence in Multiple Regions
    If a gang has an international presence or operates in multiple countries, it could be considered more popular.
  8. Level of Violence
    The level of violence used by the gang in their criminal activities and the severity of the consequences for their victims may also be taken into account.
  9. Annual Profits
    The estimated profits and financial resources generated by the gang could be used as a measure of their standing in the criminal world.
  10. Alliances and Conflicts
    The relationships a gang has with other criminal organizations, both positive (alliances) and negative (rivalries), can impact their popularity and influence.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular gang. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or gang is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2602 views
  • 216 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each gang once every 24 hours. The rank of each gang is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular gang

Gangs have been a part of society for centuries, and their influence can be seen in everything from pop culture to criminal activity. While there are countless gangs around the world, some have gained more notoriety than others. One of the most popular gangs in recent history is the Bloods, a street gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1970s. The Bloods are known for their distinctive red clothing and their rivalry with the Crips, another well-known gang. Other popular gangs include the Latin Kings, MS-13, and the Aryan Brotherhood. However, it's important to note that gang activity is illegal and can have serious consequences for those involved.

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