Who is Eugene Henley aka Big U? Uneek Music executive accused of murder

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, federal authorities leveled severe allegations against Eugene “Big U” Henley.

The DOJ accused the 58-year-old entertainment entrepreneur of crimes such as extortion, human trafficking, fraud, and a 2021 murder. The Justice Department also addressed Eugene as a “self-proclaimed community activist” and a “longtime leader” of a South LA gang, Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, who moved up the ranks during the ‘80s.

Eugene Henley, better known as Big U, is an entertainment executive who runs the LA-based record label Uneek Music. He also executive produced and appeared in FX’s Hip Hop Uncovered. According to the network, Henley proclaims to be a street legend, community activist, and philanthropist, other than owning Uneek Music.

According to his IMDB page, Eugene also appeared in a Steven Seagal movie, Force of Execution, as Lathel. The entertainment entrepreneur has now been declared a “fugitive” by the DOJ. The authorities have also accused him of running a criminal enterprise and have apprehended at least 10 of his alleged associates.

Commenting on the federal complaint by the DOJ, Joseph McNally, the acting US Attorney, was quoted saying:

“The allegations in the complaint unsealed today reveal a criminal enterprise that engaged in murder, extortion, human trafficking, and fraud – all led by a supposed anti-gang activist and purported music entrepreneur who was nothing more than a violent street criminal.”

He continued:

“Eliminating gangs and organized crime is the Department of Justice’s top priority. Today’s charges and arrests target the leadership of this criminal outfit and will make the neighborhoods of Los Angeles safer. I am grateful for the work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners.”

Four defendants named in the complaint were reported to have been in custody previously, while the authorities are “seeking the whereabouts” of five others.

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Eugene “Big U” Henley has been charged with the 2021 murder of an aspiring rapper

Among the various accusations against the alleged Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips members, the DOJ also mentioned a murder charge. It was in relation to the killing of a rapper identified as R.W., who was also signed to Uneek Music. The Justice Department, in its complaint, accused Big U of murdering the musician in 2021 after a fallout.

According to the complaint, Henley and Uneek Music paid the expenses of R.W.’s travel to Las Vegas, where he recorded at a recording studio. The studio is allegedly owned by an unnamed “Grammy Award-winning music producer.” The rapper apparently argued with Henley regarding the agreed-upon rate and did not record.

The federal complaint claimed that R.W. recorded a “defamatory song” about Big U. The situation escalated as Henley, with his alleged associate, Sylvester “Vey” Robinson, traveled to Vegas, where the former fatally shot the rapper in the head. The authorities further alleged:

“[Big U] dragged the victim’s body off Interstate 15 into the desert and left it in a ditch. Henley returned to Los Angeles with Robinson and ordered studio workers to leave while his associate removed security surveillance footage from the studio.”

The DOJ further claimed that Eugene Henley allegedly ordered the witnesses not to provide any statement to the authorities regarding R.W.’s murder. The press release from the Justice Department also delves into other accusations of extortion, fraud, and more. Big U and his alleged associates have been charged under the RICO Act.

Tyler Hatcher, Special Agent in Charge for IRS Criminal Investigation (LA Field Office), shared his remarks on the allegations:

“he RICO charges against Mr. Henley and his associates reflect a pattern of crimes that runs the gambit from extortion to tax evasion, all under the umbrella of a well-organized criminal organization led by Mr. Henley.”

He added:

“Mr. Henley allegedly duped the County of Los Angeles by running a charitable organization that promoted anti-gang solutions while continuing criminal activity that was directly contrary to his charity.”

At the time of the writing, Big U and another alleged associate were considered fugitives. Sylvester “Vey” Robinson and Mark “Bear Claw” Martin are among the federal authorities arrested.