A Life Forged in Detroit's Underworld

Layton Simon, the real-life inspiration for the formidable character Lamar Silas in the popular Starz series “Black Mafia Family” (BMF), was born in Detroit, Michigan, around 1958. His upbringing was shaped by the city's pervasive economic hardship and street violence. Simon's introduction to the criminal world was both abrupt and early; at just eight years old, he reportedly used a shotgun to defend his mother from two intruders, an event that steeled him for the life that would follow. By the age of nine, during the 1967 Detroit riots, he had his first encounter with law enforcement after being arrested for looting hats, though he avoided incarceration due to his youth.

By 14, Simon had entered Detroit's burgeoning drug trade, mentored by notorious figure Harold Stinson. His ambition and acumen were evident early on, purchasing a 1972 Lincoln Town Car with cash at just 15 years old. He quickly established himself as a significant player, controlling drug operations in Southwest Detroit and earning the street moniker 'Ladon Beast'.

Rivalry with the Flenory Brothers

Simon's rise inevitably led to conflicts with other emerging powers in the city's drug scene, most notably the Flenory brothers, Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, who founded the 50 Boyz crew which would later evolve into the Black Mafia Family. This rivalry was not just a battle for territory but a deeply personal and violent conflict that shaped Detroit's criminal landscape. The feud escalated tragically with the death of Simon's brother, Elvis. In subsequent interviews, Simon has stated that Big Meech allegedly bragged about the incident, intensifying the animosity. Simon himself recounted a violent confrontation where he shot Big Meech multiple times in retaliation for perceived disrespect and ongoing provocations.

Despite the violent history, Simon has publicly expressed a degree of respect for Demetrius Flenory, acknowledging that he adhered to certain street codes by not involving law enforcement in their disputes—a courtesy he claims was not extended by other rivals. According to some accounts, the intensity of this rivalry was a key factor in the Flenory brothers relocating their primary operations from Detroit to Atlanta, where BMF grew into a nationwide empire before its eventual takedown by federal authorities in 2005.

Fact Versus Fiction: The 'BMF' Portrayal

The character of Lamar Silas in 'BMF', portrayed by actor Eric Kofi-Abrefa, is a loose, dramatized version of Layton Simon. While the series captures the essence of his rivalry with the Flenory brothers, Simon has voiced significant dissatisfaction with his on-screen depiction. He has taken particular issue with scenes showing his character committing violence against women and children. Specifically, he has refuted a storyline in which Lamar kills a young boy, stating in a 2022 interview that he spent much of his time mentoring youth, even running boxing and baseball teams. The series also depicts Lamar being killed by Big Meech, a fictional conclusion, as Layton Simon is still alive.

Redemption and Advocacy

After a life steeped in crime, including a prison sentence from 1979 to 1982, Layton Simon chose a different path. Upon his release, he stepped away from the drug trade and transitioned into a role as a youth advocate and mentor in his Detroit community. He now uses his life experiences to speak at schools and community events, aiming to steer young people away from the criminal life that he once embodied. Simon has also launched a clothing brand, 'Made in Plain,' to reflect his journey of transformation.

Today, at approximately 67 years old, Simon's story is one of profound change—from a feared street figure to a respected community elder. His life serves as a complex narrative that challenges the one-dimensional portrayals often seen in true-crime dramas, highlighting the potential for redemption and the critical distinction between a person's life and their televised legacy.