The Crip Roll

The Compton Majestics took it to an all new low.

by Larry Hester

When the Compton Majestics started, they were a bunch of hardcore street dudes who took to building cars as a way to stop building rap sheets. Spearheaded by Santana Blocc Crips, Gangster and Twin, the club made wheels their hustle and now have a rich history as one of the oldest black car clubs in the world. “The Majestics had some of the best cars on the street,” says former member Big Kebo, who is now part of Ice Cube’s
chiseled security entourage. “We did the show thing, the street thing; had our meetings up at Compton College and did everything we needed to do for the Majestics.”

Twin and Gangster don’t bang anymore but they still respect the set they came up in. So much so that one of their most cherished rides is a 1964 Chevy Super Sport named “Gangsta’s Paradise.” “It’s a mural that says that Crips Don’t Die,” Twin says. Murals aren’t just created to show gang loyalty according to Twin, they’re a representation of the artist.
Sometimes the meaning doesn’t come across as clear as intended.

In September of 2001, Gangster was arrested and convicted of drug and weapons trafficking. As a result, a great deal of the cars were taken into custody by the police and auctioned off overseas. “Gangsta’s Paradise” turned up on the cover of a Japanese version of Lowrider magazine with two teenagers posted up in thug stances in front of it. Behind them, one could still see the mural on the hood paying homage to the Crips. With Gangster serving a 20-year bid in prison, Twin is now in charge of making sure that the Majestics retain their integrity and respect. “It was a real trip,” Twin explains, thinking about the duo’s ride sitting across the Pacific Ocean. “To be honest, it’s better that it ended up there. They gonna keep the car nice, they can’t change nothing.”

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