Darryl Hommo Baum emerged as a prominent figure in the American underworld, garnering attention for his purported role in the shooting incident involving rapper 50 Cent and his close ties to boxing icon Mike Tyson. Tragically, his life was cut short in 2000 as a result of the violent drug war. This article delves into the realities and controversies surrounding the life and demise of Darryl Hommo Baum.
Early Life and Criminal Activities
Darryl Baum, commonly known as Hommo, entered the world in August 1965 in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up alongside a brother named Tyrone and a sister named Zakia, he initially harbored dreams of becoming a businessman. However, his life took a different turn as he became entangled with the wrong crowd at an early age. Joining multiple gangs and engaging in the narcotics trade, he also forged a connection with Mike Tyson, serving as both a personal bodyguard and a childhood friend.
The Shooting of 50 Cent
On May 20, 2000, Darryl Baum, reportedly armed with a 9mm pistol, is said to have shot 50 Cent (Curtis James Jackson) nine times outside his grandmother’s residence in Queens. The rapper sustained injuries to his hands, face, hips, arms, and chest, requiring a 13-day hospital stay. After a five-month recovery period, 50 Cent managed to overcome the ordeal.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, leading to several theories. One suggests that 50 Cent had conflicts with certain gang members who sought to end his life. Another theory revolves around an unreleased song recorded by 50 Cent, exposing the activities of a drug lord and leader, Kenneth ‘Supreme’ McGriff, with Baum allegedly receiving orders from McGriff to carry out the shooting. A third theory suggests that 50 Cent’s criticisms directed at Murder Inc. label star, Ja Rule, angered the members of the label.
The Death of Darryl Baum
Three weeks following the near-fatal shooting of 50 Cent, Darryl Baum met his demise in a drug-related conflict on June 10, 2000. The fatal incident occurred near the intersection of Quincy Street and Marcy Avenue in Brooklyn, where Baum was shot in the back of the head.
The perpetrators identified as Damion Hardy (former boyfriend of rapper Lil Kim), Eric Moore, and Zareh Sarkissian were affiliated with a notorious drug ring led by Hardy, known for multiple alleged killings and racketeering. Baum’s conflicts with Hardy culminated in a tragic and fatal outcome.
The Legacy of Darryl Baum
Darryl Baum’s departure left his family in mourning, with his brother Tyrone tragically murdered in 2009, while his sister Zakia became a reality TV star, featuring on the show Starter Wives Confidential.
Baum’s impact extended to those associated with him; Mike Tyson dedicated his 38-second knockout of Lou Savarese in June 2000 to him, even tattooing Baum’s face on his arm as a tribute. 50 Cent, who identified him as his assailant in various interviews, including Lil Wayne’s Young Money Radio program, also mentioned him in his songs “Many Men” and “Ghetto Qu’ran.”
Darryl Baum led a life marked by violence and crime, contributing to some of the most notorious incidents in the American music and sports industry. Ultimately, he became a victim of the same violence he was involved in, serving as a stark reminder of the repercussions of one’s actions and the tragic outcomes that may follow.
