Stockton isn’t just any city in California. It’s one of the deadliest. But beyond the danger, there’s a rap group that has everyone talking.
The crew, EBK, seems to straddle the line between rap dreams and street nightmares. They’re at the heart of Stockton’s hip-hop rise, but with a reputation the police pay close attention to.
A Group or a Gang?
EBK, short for ‘Everybody Killer,’ hails from Stockton and operates around 2100 Nightingale Avenue. They claim to just rap, but law enforcement labeled them a street gang in 2018. By bending between rap and violence, they carve a path that’s hard to distinguish.
In 2019, EBK was rumored to have killed Ronald Celestine, a murder that remains mysterious in its intent. Their boldness escalated when they allegedly disrupted Ronald’s memorial, leaving the scene bloodied and causing more loss to his family.
The Street Warfare
The group’s spree didn’t stop there. EBK reportedly continued their assault north, hitting more adversaries. Based south, they clash mainly with 44G and NGSC located up north, turning the city into their battlefield.
EBK’s tactics brought heavy police scrutiny, and by 2019, an investigation led to nine of their members being arrested. These included Brian Norman and Raymon Gains, linked to various serious charges.
Rap Meets Violence
Young Slo-Be was EBK’s rising star, making waves from the Stockton streets to the music industry. His career gained traction as he started working with Bris, a Sacramento native also wanting to escape street life.
Tragically, alliances weren’t enough to protect Bris from existing feuds. While pursuing music, his past led to his untimely death in 2020, an event that deeply impacted Slo-Be and others.
Despite the chaos, Slo-Be continues to chase his music dreams, hitting viral status with his track ‘I Love You.’ But in 2022, EBK faced a massive blow when Slo-Be was found dead, leaving a significant void in Stockton’s rap scene.
Family Ties and Street Crimes
Jabo, another EBK talent, was shaped by his father’s legacy. Known locally as Rari, his father’s violent end left a mark that fueled Jabo’s entrance into the world of crime. Jabo’s decision to retaliate for past family grievances only fueled his notoriety.
Rari’s history was marked by violent ends and family tragedies. Such a legacy pushed Jabo further into street life, where he joined EBK and took aim at rivals like Trap Mob.
As Jabo’s music gained traction, legal troubles didn’t disappear. His run-ins with the law amount to a series of events leading to him squaring off with more established foes and even running afoul of fellow EBK associates.
Rising Talent and Hidden Pressure
EBK’s lineup also featured Young Joc, whose family ties divided the group. Allegations of betrayal within their ranks led to splits, intensifying existing tensions.
Joc’s brother, Harry B, embroiled the crew in further chaos, facing accusations over incriminating alleged snitching. These claims fractured EBK’s unity, leading to the birth of Every Brother Counts—Joc’s new venture.
Jabo didn’t hold back in criticizing Harry B, rapping about betrayal and how those conflicts shaped their music. With legal challenges mounting, Joc and Jabo continued to navigate a turbulent scene.
The Cycle of Revenge
Jay Black, a Fly Boys rapper, was allegedly killed by EBK following disrespectful comments about Slo-Be’s death. Revenge remains a cyclical theme in these rivalries—an unending saga fueled by blood and betrayal.
Lil Play, an EBK associate, was implicated in Jay Black’s death. His legal issues spiraled further when his girlfriend was allegedly murdered by a former NBA player trying to silence her.
A Former Athlete’s Connection
Chance Comanche, with ties to the NBA G-League, was accused of killing Lil Play’s girlfriend, Morena Rogers, reportedly to stop her from informing. This dark twist shows the extremes surrounding EBK’s universe.
Comanche’s story, intersecting with sex work and violence, underlines the risky worlds that EBK circles. It echoes the dire consequences awaiting those entangled in gang life.
The tale surrounding Morena’s death remains foggy, yet it’s a jarring extension of the lifestyle surrounding EBK, blurring lines between entertainment and real crime.
Collapse and Consequence
The collective energy and output of EBK once seemed boundless. But they’ve faced setbacks as incarcerations and losses mount, casting a shadow over their rise.
Young Slo-Be’s death highlights the stark reality for those trying to balance two worlds—art and violence. His loss is emblematic of how dangerous these pursuits can become.
A Moment of Reflection
EBK’s narrative is cautionary, illustrating the peril when life imitates art too closely. Fame and credibility in this rap scene come at tremendous costs.
As members face legal battles or worse, it’s a reminder that such paths often end in tragedy or imprisonment. The lessons from Stockton’s streets are harsh, often deadly, and certainly lingering.
What the Streets Remember
In the midst of chaos, Stockton’s rap scene echoes the tumultuous stories that encapsulate ambition and destruction. EBK’s tale is chronicled by their choices and consequences—the mark they leave.
While some continue the hustle, a message emerges: The streets’ allure is real but infinitely dangerous, with rap’s promise of escape proving elusive for many.
Stockton’s rap saga is both compelling and concerning, with EBK at its center. This narrative warns of the price of street fame, often paid in full.
