What happens when the lines between loyalty and violence blur, when the glitz and glamour of celebrity collide with the brutal realities of street life? The story of Darryl "Hommo" Baum offers a chilling answer, a narrative etched in the unforgiving landscape of New York's underbelly.
Darryl Baum's life, as it unfolded, was a tapestry woven with threads of both admiration and notoriety. Born in Brooklyn, Baum navigated a world where opportunity was often eclipsed by adversity. He wasn't just a name whispered in hushed tones; he was a fixture in the lives of some of the most prominent figures in the entertainment industry, and a player in the shadowy realm of organized crime. Baum's tale is a stark reminder of the complexities of human existence, and the devastating repercussions of choices made in a world where survival often comes at a steep price. He was, by all accounts, a man of contradictions: a friend, a bodyguard, and, ultimately, a figure ensnared in a web of violence that would claim his own life far too soon. This is the story of Darryl "Hommo" Baum.
| Full Name | Darryl Baum |
| Nickname | "Hommo" |
| Date of Birth | Unknown |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York |
| Known For | Bodyguard to Mike Tyson, Alleged shooter of 50 Cent |
| Associations | Mike Tyson, 50 Cent, Supreme Team (allegedly) |
| Cause of Death | Murdered |
| Date of Death | June 10, 2000 |
| Location of Death | New York City |
| Criminal Activities | Alleged involvement in shootings, association with organized crime |
| Career | Bodyguard |
Reference: Wikipedia
The name "Hommo" itself was a chilling shorthand for his life. It was a nickname derived from "homicide," a stark declaration of the path he walked. Darryl Baum's life was marked by violence, and his story is inseparable from the events of May 24, 2000. On that day, in broad daylight, rapper Curtis Jackson III, known as 50 Cent, was ambushed in front of his grandmother's house in South Jamaica, Queens. He was struck by nine bullets. The shooter? The alleged gunman was Darryl Baum.
The events that followed cemented Baum's place in infamy. Just three weeks after the shooting of 50 Cent, on June 10, 2000, Baum himself was murdered in what many believed was a targeted hit. The swiftness of his demise fueled speculation, rumors, and the belief that his death was a direct consequence of the shooting, a grim example of the law of the streets. Baum's alleged involvement with 50 Cent wasnt just a singular event; it was a pivotal moment in a life already steeped in criminal activities and associations.
Baum's connection to the world of Mike Tyson added another layer of complexity to his story. He served as Tysons bodyguard, a role that placed him in the orbit of a global icon. Tyson, in the aftermath of Baum's death, spoke of him as a brother, a testament to the loyalty that existed between them. The friendship between the boxer and the man accused of shooting the rapper highlighted the complex interplay of fame, loyalty, and violence that often characterized Baum's world. The loyalty that he showed Tyson, was an example of what it meant to be "Hommo," in the most dangerous way.
The story of Baum's demise is a testament to the dangers of the world he inhabited. Baum's life, marked by its association with figures like Tyson and 50 Cent, also intertwined with the criminal underworld. Reports suggest that his death was linked to his association with Ivory Davis, a rival drug gang member, whose nephew was suspected of murdering Myron Hardy, the brother of Damion Hardy. It was a chain reaction of violence and retribution.
The shooting of 50 Cent became a defining moment, both for the rapper and for Baum. 50 Cent, known for his gritty street anthems, referenced the shooting and Baum's subsequent death in his music, solidifying the event in hip-hop lore. In one of his songs, 50 Cent rapped, Hommo shot me, three weeks later he got shot down. The phrase captured the essence of the volatile world they both inhabited. Baums connection to the Tyson and the shooting of 50 Cent created many narratives for the public to follow and dissect. However, one thing was certain, violence followed him.
The legal aftermath of Baums actions saw the charges of Damion Hardy, Dwayne Meyers, and Abubakr Abdur Raheem in the July 25, 2003, murder of Tyrone Baum, Darryl Baums brother. While Baum was dead, his actions would continue to ripple through the lives of those around him. The cycle of violence that had defined his life continued long after his own death.
Baums story also highlights the alleged role of Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, a prominent figure in the "Supreme Team," a notorious drug organization. Rumors suggested that McGriff had ordered the hit on 50 Cent, allegedly due to a conflict related to a music video. McGriff, who was later convicted of murder conspiracy, was alleged to have paid Baum to carry out the shooting. This association adds a dimension of organized crime to the narrative, painting a picture of a world where violence was a business and Baum was one of its tools.
The details of the events surrounding the shooting, the motives, and the identities of those involved, were the subject of intense scrutiny and debate. Some accounts suggest that Baum was chosen to carry out the shooting due to his connection with Ivory Davis. Regardless of the specific details, one thing is clear: Baums actions had far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the lives of those involved directly but also the trajectory of 50 Cent's career.
The circumstances surrounding Baums murder remain shrouded in mystery. Was it a direct consequence of the 50 Cent shooting, a reprisal carried out by rivals? Or was it the culmination of a broader range of conflicts and rivalries? In a world where loyalty was often bought and sold, and where trust was a luxury few could afford, the truth remains elusive. Baum was killed before he could be arrested, which only added to the mystery. Damion Hardy, Eric Moore, and Zareh Sarkissian were later charged with his murder, but details of his death are still debated.
Baum's journey was steeped in street challenges, limited education, and a life of criminal activities. Born in Brooklyn, Baum's story is a tale of survival and betrayal. The fact that he was allegedly ordered by a drug kingpin to kill a rapper, speaks to the complexity of his life. His was a life that started in the streets, a place where the rules are different and consequences immediate.
Darryl Baum's story is one of the many cautionary tales that come from the streets. His life, marked by celebrity connections and violent actions, ended in tragedy. His name is one that evokes a mix of curiosity, intrigue, and controversy. While his story is often overshadowed by his criminal associations, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a world where loyalty, violence, and celebrity intertwined in a deadly dance.
The narrative of Darryl Baum will continue to be a reminder of the consequences of violence and the often-tragic destinies of those who choose to embrace it. His legacy is a complex one a blend of loyalty and violence, friendship and betrayal, fame and infamy. Baum's story is a testament to the lasting impact of decisions made in the face of adversity and the price paid by those who tread on the edges of society.
