Name: The Rego Park Kings
Nicknames: The RP's, The RPK's, The Regos, etc.
Turf: Rego Park, Queens, N.Y.
Origination Date: June 1, 1978
History: Formed in the summer of '78, The Rego Park Kings were a very small gang. Today, fewer than 15 members are still active in the gang. In the Rego Park section of Queens, they have nearly achieved landmark status amongst the residents. The Kings were basically a happy go lucky graffiti based gang, and their only real crime was bombing the trains at the train yard some blocks away. They were also known to be highly creative with their tags, creating burners and pieces on many transit lines throughout the city, and even doing commissioned and contracted work for several neighborhood stores. The Kings really do not call themselves a 'street gang', rather they prefered to use the terms, 'posse' or 'clique'. The Kings were created in the summer of '78 by Carlo Rodriguez, who was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and came to the United States back in the early '60's. Carlo had always been gifted with his artistic skills all the way up to high school. Sadly, Carlo dropped out of Newtown High School, and went on to form a graffiti crew with friends he had known since he was a child. The reason for Carlo dropping out was not clear, but it had to do with him not being accepted to the prestigious Manhattan based, Art & Design High School. Carlo wanted to transfer there to pursue a career in graphic design, but due to the fact that he had a criminal record for urban vandalism, it was not meant to be. The Kings are second to none when it comes to graffiti, most of their beefs and fights have been graffiti based. The Kings operate on 60th ave., and their turf is properly marked, it stretches to the border of 57th ave. The problem was and still is that on 57th ave., there are quite a few rival factions. Some of these factions were and are still known as 57th St. Boys, Cut Up Kids, and from across the street in Lefrak City, The Zulu's and N.B.C (Never Being Crashed). There have been quite a few fist fights and rumbles between these crews over the years, namely at neighborhood parks (Indian Park, Hoffman Park, & Wooden Park), however, there is an understanding that nothing will erupt, if these crews stay in their zone, and do not invade other people's territories, or cross them out on the walls. Today, the Kings are still active, but have truly become a remnant of the past, the second and third generation Kings cannot compete with the gang resurgency in New York City today. The Kings are simply dismissed as a relic of the past, ancient graffiti writers, and are even called Dinosaurs by some of the newbie gangs operating close to their area. The Kings now number around 11-14, and are led by Syko, a cousin of Carlo. Sadly, Carlo passed away due to injuries suffered in a fight, where he was knifed to death outside a Corona, Queens, nightclub. His murder still has not been solved, but many speculate it was over drugs and money. Carlo was laid to rest in early '98, he was in his late '30's, early '40's, and he ran the Kings for over 3 decades, that in itself is a true accolade.
Weapon(s) of Choice: Although the Kings are somewhat a peace loving gang (atleast by name), they did carry knives and switchblades for protection (some Kings also carry them today). It was assumed and rumored that with the growing violence in and around their turf of Rego Park Gardens, they did begin to carry pistols as well. Most Kings prefer to fight, if they have to, with their fists. Some have also used spray cans as weapons, nearly blinding their opponents during rumbles.
Initiation Procedure: To become a King, you have to simply 'get up', or show a member of the Kings where you tag, what you write, and how popular you are in the graffiti community. The King will then take you to meet the leader. The leader then discusses your possible entry into the Kings, and if a magority of the Kings second or vote you in, you are in. Once you become a King, you are one for life-no matter where you go. If you do decide to leave, betray, or dishonor your crew, there could be serious reprisals.
Allied By: D.E.S.T.I.N.Y (Destroy Every Subway Train In New York)-All City, KGB (Kids Going Bombing)-Northern Boulevard, Queens, N.Y., TMR (The Master Race)-Long Island, Nation of Creation (Corona, Queens), A.O.C (Artists of Crime)-Flushing, N.Y., & WFL (Writers For Life)-Manhattan.
Full Strength: 1978 (43), 1988 (52), 1998 (20), 2007 (14)
Racial Background/Make-Up: Predominantly Puerto Rican (native & American born), also within their ranks are Mexicans (native & American born), Dominicans (native & American born), Colombians, Cubans, African Americans, Jamaicans (West Indians), and a few members who were Italian, Irish, East Indian, Guyanese, & a Korean who used to tag the name 'Jung'.
Stong Points: travel in packs, always armed. Tagging, bombing, burning, and creating graffiti masterpieces.
Weak Points: Very small in numbers, transitional membership-although they say if you become a king, you remain one for life, many members came and went, due to moving in and out of the neighborhood, over the years. The crew tries to be intact, but it is loosely based at best. Most of the rules are adhered to, but nothing to get a member worried over. Yet, they have been in existence since the late '70's, so naturally, they are doing something right.
Rival(s): The 57th Ave. Boys, Cut Up Kids, Zulu's, N.B.C, Corona Cool Boys, Down To Crash, HBO-Home Boys Only, etc.
Colors: Red, White, & Blue (they wear beads as well)
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with patch on one leg
Skinny Jeans
Blue Belt
Doc Martins
Blue Bandana
<< In black with a black tie
