Darryl Hommo Baum was a notorious figure in the American underworld, who gained fame for his alleged involvement in the shooting of rapper 50 Cent and his close association with boxing legend Mike Tyson. He was also a victim of a violent drug war that claimed his life in 2000. This article will explore the facts and controversies surrounding Darryl Hommo Baum’s life and death.
Early Life and Criminal Activities
Darryl Baum, also known as Hommo, was born in August 1965 in Brooklyn, New York[^1^][1]. He had a brother, Tyrone, and a sister, Zakia[^1^][1]. He aspired to be a businessman as a child, but he got involved with the wrong crowd at an early age[^1^][1]. He became a member of several gangs and was involved in the narcotics trade[^2^][2]. He also worked as a personal bodyguard and friend of Mike Tyson, whom he met in his childhood[^3^][3].
The Shooting of 50 Cent
On May 20, 2000, Darryl Baum allegedly shot 50 Cent (Curtis James Jackson) nine times outside his grandmother’s house in Queens, using a 9mm pistol[^4^][4]. The rapper was hit in the hands, face, hips, arms, and chest, and spent 13 days in the hospital[^4^][4]. He recovered after five months of treatment[^4^][4].
The motive behind the shooting is unclear, but there are several theories. One is that 50 Cent had an issue with some gang members and they wanted him dead[^4^][4]. Another is that 50 Cent recorded an unreleased song that exposed the dealings of a drug lord and leader, Kenneth ‘Supreme’ McGriff[^4^][4]. Baum allegedly received orders from McGriff to kill 50 Cent[^4^][4]. A third theory is that 50 Cent threw shades at Murder Inc. label star, Ja Rule, and that infuriated the members of the label[^1^][1].
The Death of Darryl Baum
Three weeks after the shooting that almost killed 50 Cent, Darryl Baum was shot dead in a drug-related war on June 10, 2000[^2^][2]. He was hit in the back of the head near the intersection of Quincy Street and Marcy Avenue in Brooklyn[^2^][2]. The killers were Damion Hardy (ex-boyfriend of rapper Lil Kim), Eric Moore, and Zareh Sarkissian[^2^][2]. They were part of a notorious drug ring led by Hardy, who had been accused of multiple killings and racketeering[^2^][2]. Darryl Baum had conflicts with Hardy, and their rivalry escalated to a tragic end[^2^][2].
The Legacy of Darryl Baum
Darryl Baum left behind a family that mourned his loss. His brother Tyrone vowed to avenge his killing, but he was also murdered in 2009[^1^][1]. His sister Zakia became a reality TV star and appeared on the show Starter Wives Confidential[^1^][1].
Darryl Baum also left an impact on the people he was associated with. Mike Tyson dedicated his 38-second knockout of Lou Savarese in June 2000 to him[^2^][2]. He also tattooed his face on his arm as a tribute[^3^][3]. 50 Cent identified him as his attacker in multiple interviews, including on Lil Wayne’s Young Money Radio program on Apple’s Beats 1 station[^4^][4]. He also rapped about him in his songs Many Men and Ghetto Qu’ran[^4^][4].
Darryl Baum was a complex and controversial figure who lived a life full of violence and crime. He was involved in some of the most shocking incidents in the American music and sports industry. He was also a victim of the same violence that he perpetrated. His story serves as a reminder of the consequences of one’s actions and the tragic outcomes that can follow.