A.C. Moses, a significant figure in the history of Los Angeles gangs and a talented singer, passed away last month at the age of 68. Moses, known as “King Bobalouie,” was a co-founder of the Pirus, one of the earliest known Bloods gangs, which formed in response to the violence and harassment from rival gangs in West Compton during the early 1970s. His life was marked by a duality of hardened street life and soulful musical talent, leaving behind a legacy that is both celebrated and scrutinized.
Born Arthur Charles Moses in Houston in February 1956, he moved to Los Angeles with his family in search of better opportunities. Growing up in a turbulent environment, he and his childhood friends banded together for protection, adopting the name Pirus after their street. Initially, they functioned more as a neighborhood patrol than a criminal organization, aiming to defend themselves from local gangs. Moses quickly established a reputation as a fearless fighter, often engaging in brawls to protect his peers and avenge wrongs against his family.
In a 2017 interview, Moses recounted a pivotal moment in his youth when he confronted the Compton Crips after they assaulted his cousin. This act of retaliation marked a significant turning point in his life and the evolution of the Pirus. Over the years, however, the group’s activities escalated from street fights to serious crimes, including robbery and drug trafficking, as the socio-economic landscape of South Los Angeles changed.
While he was involved in gang life, Moses also pursued a career in music. His powerful baritone voice earned him a spot as a backup singer for the Delfonics, a prominent Philadelphia soul group known for hits like “La La Means I Love You.” Friends and family reflect on how he balanced these two worlds, often performing for fellow inmates during his stints in jail, where he would entertain with songs that showcased his vocal talent.
Moses’s life was not without challenges. His sister, Sandra, remembered him as the family’s baby, often protected and coddled, but also someone who stirred up trouble. She recounted incidents from their childhood, including a time when he and his friends hijacked a city bus. Despite his rebellious spirit, she also recognized his struggles with substance abuse later in life, which complicated his relationship with family and friends.
The Pirus, which initially sought to defend their community, morphed into a more organized gang as the dynamics of gang culture shifted in Los Angeles, especially with the rise of crack cocaine in the 1980s. As violence increased, the Pirus became part of the larger narrative of gang warfare in the city, particularly in their rivalry with the Crips, a conflict that would become infamous across the nation.
Moses’s influence in the gang community is still felt today. His contributions to the formation of the Pirus and the Bloods have been acknowledged by historians and former gang members alike. As the gang evolved and splintered into various factions, Moses’s role has sometimes been overshadowed by more prominent figures, but his legacy as a foundational member persists.
In addition to his gang affiliations, Moses authored a book titled “The Starting Lineup,” where he explored the origins of both the Crips and the Pirus, offering insight into the complexities of gang life and the socio-political factors that shaped it. His perspective as someone who had experienced both sides of the gang divide is unique, making him a notable figure in the history of Los Angeles gangs.
Moses left behind eight children and ten grandchildren, and his passing has prompted reflections on the duality of his life as both a gang leader and a musician. Friends and family remember him not just for his involvement in gangs but also for his artistic talent and the sense of community he fostered among those who knew him. As the city continues to grapple with its gang history, Moses’s life serves as a reminder of the struggles and complexities faced by many in similar environments.