LA's Original Gangster

Tootie Reese

Back before the crack era put names like Freeway Ricky Ross, Monster Cody Scott and Waterhead Bo Bennett in the annals of gangster lore and long before the Crips and Bloods held sway on LA streets, there was one man who was considered the godfather in the black underworld- Tootie Reese. "When you mentioned drugs, whether it was heroin or coke, you heard Tooties name," an LA narcotics detective said. "He was the kingpin, especially in the fifties and sixties. Everybody was working for Tootie Reese. Tootie Reese was probably one of the first blacks who really did big dope."