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Start for freeThe Early Years of Zier Mitchell
Zier Mitchell, better known as Brick Baby, was born into a notorious Los Angeles family on Bedford Avenue in the Overhill section of the Rolling 60s. His parents, known for their hustling lifestyle, made the decision to have Zier stay with his grandmother to keep him away from potential danger. Growing up, Zier split his time between his mother's house on Bedford and his grandmother's house on Da View Place.
Despite their involvement in street life, Zier's parents prioritized his education. They enrolled him in Price Christian Academy, a private school where he excelled academically and as a basketball player. Zier was known as a straight-A student with a bright future ahead of him.
The BMF Connection and a Turning Point
Zier's life took a dramatic turn when his parents met Big Meech and Southwest T, the founders of the infamous Black Mafia Family (BMF). This connection elevated his family's hustle to a new level. Zier's parents were invited to live with BMF in Detroit, an opportunity they couldn't refuse. They left Zier and his siblings in the care of their grandmother.
With his parents gone, Zier began to gravitate towards his cousins, who were notorious Rolling 60s members. At just 11 or 12 years old, Zier was drawn to street life, but his cousins refused to initiate him into the gang due to his young age.
Joining the Streets
Undeterred by his cousins' refusal, Zier attempted to create his own gangs. He started a group called "Englewood California" before joining a click known as CIP (Completely Irresistible Players). Law enforcement later documented this group as "Crips in Progress" due to their activities in the area.
Zier's involvement in street life escalated when his friend's uncle, Uncle Mike, discovered their affiliation with CIP. Instead of steering them away from gang life, Uncle Mike pressured Zier and his friends to join the West Boulevard Crips. Rebellious by nature, Zier refused and instead began hanging out with the Harlem 30s.
Eventually, Zier's cousins gave him an ultimatum: join the Harlem 30s or the Rolling 60s. At 14, during his eighth-grade summer, Zier was officially initiated into the Rolling 60s.
Balancing Two Worlds
As Zier entered high school, he lived a double life. At school, he was known as Zier Mitchell, maintaining above a 3.0 GPA and playing as the backup point guard on the basketball team. On the streets, he was Wild Bill from the Overhills, a full-time gang member.
Zier's main "expertise" in the gang was robbing and extorting rappers who came to Los Angeles. This dangerous lifestyle led to several close calls, including an attempted robbery of rapper Jeezy during the 2004 BET Awards weekend.
Rising in the Ranks
Zier's willingness to do anything for the Rolling 60s increased his status within the gang. He earned the name "Shitty" or "Shitro" and gained the ability to initiate new members. In late summer 2004, he brought in his first young member, 14-year-old Eric Holder, who would later become infamous for a different reason.
A Close Call and a Second Chance
In October 2004, Zier narrowly escaped death when he was shot multiple times outside a corner store. The incident left him temporarily paralyzed, but he miraculously recovered after six months. This brush with death, however, did not deter him from street life.
After recovering, Zier received an opportunity to play basketball at Clark Atlanta University. Despite this chance to turn his life around, he immediately connected with his Rolling 60s cousins in Atlanta who were involved with BMF.
Legal Troubles and Missed Opportunities
Zier's involvement with BMF led to his arrest for drug trafficking. He faced up to 8 years in prison but received a surprisingly lenient sentence of 4 months in jail and 10 years probation. This leniency would become a pattern in Zier's legal troubles.
Over the next few years, Zier continued to have run-ins with the law, including high-speed chases and weapons charges. Despite facing serious time, he consistently received light sentences.
The Music Industry and MPA
During his time in Atlanta, Zier, now known as Brick Baby, became involved in the music industry. He co-founded a label called Money Piles and Ammo (MPA) with fellow Rolling 60 member PeeWee Longway. Brick Baby discovered and began managing Young Thug, showcasing his ear for talent.
However, Brick Baby's legal troubles continued to interfere with his potential success in the music industry. Multiple arrests and prison stints kept him from fully capitalizing on the connections he had made.
The Nipsey Hussle Tragedy
While serving a prison sentence in 2019, Brick Baby learned of the murder of Nipsey Hussle, a fellow Rolling 60s member and respected figure in the community. The shooter was identified as Eric Holder, the same person Brick Baby had initiated into the gang years earlier. This event deeply affected Brick Baby, who believed he could have prevented the tragedy if he had been present.
The King Von Incident and Its Aftermath
In November 2020, Chicago rapper King Von was killed in an altercation involving Quando Rondo and his associate Lul Tim. This incident created a divide in the rap industry, with many taking sides between Lil Durk (King Von's close friend) and Quando Rondo.
Despite Quando Rondo being affiliated with the Rolling 60s, Brick Baby publicly sided with Lil Durk, going against his own gang. This decision raised eyebrows and questions about Brick Baby's loyalty to the Rolling 60s.
The Quando Rondo Incident and Federal Investigation
In August 2022, Quando Rondo was targeted in a shooting in Los Angeles that resulted in the death of his friend, Lul Pab. Shortly after the incident, Brick Baby hinted on a podcast that the shooting was retaliation for King Von's death, implicating Lil Durk and his OTF crew.
This statement, along with Brick Baby's subsequent actions and lifestyle changes, led to speculation about his involvement in the incident. The FBI began tracking Brick Baby's movements, eventually raiding his Calabasas mansion and finding an AK-47.
Questions of Loyalty and Potential Cooperation
Brick Baby's case mysteriously disappeared, leading to speculation that he may have cooperated with authorities. His public statements and reactions to news about the indictment of OTF members further fueled suspicions about his potential involvement and cooperation with law enforcement.
Conclusion
The story of Brick Baby, from his roots in the Rolling 60s to his alleged involvement in high-profile crimes and subsequent federal investigation, highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of street loyalty and the music industry. His journey raises questions about the true nature of gang affiliations, the impact of fame and money on street codes, and the potential consequences of straddling both worlds.
As the federal investigation continues and more details emerge, the true extent of Brick Baby's involvement in these events remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that his story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of gang life, the allure of the music industry, and the potential consequences of one's actions and associations.
Whether Brick Baby is ultimately found to be a victim of circumstances, a willing participant in criminal activities, or something in between, his story underscores the need for young people to seek positive influences and opportunities that can lead them away from the dangers of street life and towards a more promising future.
Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2vKMZw-7Zc