Origins of the Mickey Cobras The Mickey Cobras, often abbreviated as MCs, is a gang that started on the West Side of Chicago in the 1950s. It was founded by James Cogswell, and at first, they were called the Egyptian Cobras. They were mainly active in the Lawndale area. In the late 1950s, the Egyptian Cobras entered into a violent conflict with a rival gang known as the Vice Lords. This was a tough time marked by a lot of fighting and crime. Eventually, the Egyptian Cobras came out on top, but many of their members ended up in jail by 1957. During this time, many Vice Lords were also imprisoned, leaving the Egyptian Cobras with little competition. However, things changed when the Vice Lords, while serving time at the St. Charles Reformatory for Boys, reorganized their gang and came up with a new name. After being released in 1958, the Vice Lords quickly regained power in Lawndale and began to attack the Mickey Cobras again. By the 1960s, they had successfully driven the Mickey Cobras out of the area. The Egyptian Cobras then moved to the Woodlawn neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. After this relocation, they changed their name to the Egyptian King Cobras. Unfortunately, their leader James Cogswell was killed during this time, and his brother, Henry “Mickey” Cogwell, took over as the new leader.
Formation of the Black Disciple
In 1958, a new group called the Black Disciples was formed. This group was made up of young teenagers from neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Englewood, and Kenwood. They united to stand against rival gangs and initially called themselves the “Devil’s Disciples.” The founding members included Richard Strong, David Barksdale, Mingo Shred, and others. By early 1961, David Barksdale, also known as "King David," took charge of the group and began to assign different members to manage various neighborhoods. His plan was to recruit smaller gangs in the area and bring them under the banner of the Devil’s Disciples. In 1966, to boost their numbers and protect against other gangs, Barksdale established the “Black Disciples Nation.” This move helped them significantly increase their membership, bringing in thousands of new recruits.
The Snakes: Reputation and Formation of 800
The Snakes: Reputation and Formation of 800 The Snakes, a nickname for the Mickey Cobras, are often described as cunning and deceitful, which is reflected in their name. In recent years, the 800 set has emerged as one of the most notorious Cobra factions, known for a range of criminal activities including backdooring fellow gang members for their firearms, robbery, and involvement in shootouts. From 2012 to 2022, former allies of 800 have turned into enemies, including the once-affiliated 051 set. The name "800" originated in June 2011, when younger members of the Mickey Cobras began using it to represent their main block, located at 800 E. 61st Street (at the intersection of 61st and Cottage Grove). Some of the notable members during this period included 17-year-old Jeremiah "Boss Smooth" McCoy, 18-year-old Kevin "Pyro" Larry, along with others like "Big Mike" and "Sko." In December 2011, 800 gained attention in the music scene with the release of a collaborative track titled "800 YOUNG MONEY." This song featured rappers "Boss Smooth" and "Pyro," alongside "Kiddo" and "Lil Mick" from the Young Money 051 set, which is also part of the Mickey Cobras and operates on 51st and Cottage Grove. At that time, 800's only allies were Chief Town, Crank Town, and Young Money 051. Their main rivals included groups from "Dro City," such as "Mac Creek," "TYMB," and some adversaries of Young Money 051. Through these alliances and rivalries, the 800 set has carved out a significant presence in the gang landscape of Chicago, continuing to build their reputation and influence within the larger network of the Mickey Cobras.
Information Disclosed
In the heart
800 Subsets
800 HotBoy$ The HotBoy$ is a group that emerged within the 800 gang. This clique is made up of young hustlers, typically aged 14 to 20, who are known for engaging in various criminal activities such as stealing, robbery, and even violence throughout Chicago, Illinois. The HotBoy$ mainly hang out at 62nd and Cottage Grove, where they lead fast and reckless lives. Their lifestyle is marked by high risks and dangerous choices.
800 YNR YNR stands for Young and Reckless. This group consists of teenage girls who are affiliated with the Mickey Cobras. These young women, aged 14 to 18, are known for their involvement in serious crimes, including backdooring, robbery, and shootings. They show little regard for their rivals and the consequences of their actions. You can usually find YNR on 61st and Cottage Grove, where they embrace a wild and unpredictable lifestyle, fully immersing themselves in the hustle. Both of these cliques reflect the challenging and often dangerous environment in which they operate, highlighting the issues faced by young people in these communities.
Last edited by a moderator: