The music executive and activist known as Big U didn't intend to go quietly as he was about to surrender to federal authorities. In a bravado-fueled Instagram video that he posted from a family van on Wednesday, March 19, Big U, whose real name is Eugene Henley Jr., blasted the federal charges he is facing, saying they were "bull crap" and "straight trash." And in the face of serious RICO allegations he has vigorously denied, he declared he would clear his name.
The indictment of Big U offers a damning portrait. Prosecutors say that he had run a criminal organization known as "Big U Enterprise," which they said was involved in murder, extortion, fraud, and even human trafficking. Federal officials also allege that he misused funds intended to support his nonprofit organization, Developing Options, and committed financial fraud by submitting fraudulent loan applications for COVID-19 relief.
As of March 20, 2025, law enforcement listed him as a fugitive, with 18 alleged associates from the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips also indicted Big U was in the center of a high-stakes legal battle. But before he turned himself into the authorities, he had some things to say.
Wack 100 and 600, everyone! 'BIG U SAY ON THE VIDEO, THEY WORKING WITH THE FEDS;' He stated that 600, who was, in fact, with the police when raiding his house, even filmed him. "600 was actually with the police when they raided my house," he said. "He got actual video and footage of it, so y'all know what y'all dealing with."
Big U said authorities grilled him on Wack 100 and Luce Cannon, suggesting that the feds were casting a broader net that might involve other figures in the music industry. "Y'all who be promoting what these n##### saying," he continued. "Giving these likes, all y'all supporting this. All y'all that are guilty of this f### s###."
Accusing Wack of being a snitch wasn't the only thing that Big U did; by the way, he also accused Wack of cooperating with federal agents in a bid to take his contracts. If true, then it would be more than legal trouble but business rivalries crossing into dangerous territory.
During his video, Big U talked about his work in the community and fought against the idea he was involved in criminal activity. He cast his indictment as the price of being a successful Black man trying to lift others.
"I ain't done nothing but help our community," he said. This is the price to pay for being Black and trying to help somebody, trying to help your community, and doing what you can." You just guilty 'cause the motherfucker don't like you."
But federal prosecutors paint a different picture. They say that Big U used his music industry connections to further criminal enterprises and that his nonprofit was a front for fraud. They also say he used plain intimidation to silence witnesses, making it more difficult for investigators to expose his alleged crimes.
With Big U now up against perhaps the most significant legal battle of his life, the hip-hop world watches. Will his claims of innocence stand up in court, or will the feds have the goods to take him down? This case is only beginning.
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