The hit TV series “BMF” has taken the world by storm, and one of the most intriguing characters on the show is Lamar Silas, played by Eric Kofi-Abrefa. Lamar is based on a real-life person, Layton Simon, who was a notorious drug dealer and gangster in Detroit during the 1980s and 1990s. In this article, we will take a closer look at Layton Simon‘s life and his impact on the BMF story.
The Early Life of Layton Simon
Layton Simon was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where he grew up in a tough neighborhood. In an interview with the Original Gangsters podcast [1], Simon discussed his childhood and what his passions were. He enjoyed playing baseball in Detroit and explained that he was a talented player. However, he also got involved in street life at a young age and began selling drugs to make money.
Simon quickly rose through the ranks of the Detroit drug trade and became one of the most powerful dealers in the city. He was known for his violent tendencies and was feared by many in the community. According to the BMF documentary [2], Simon was referred to as the “No. 1 villain” in the first couple of chapters of the Black Mafia Family’s story.
The Rise of Layton Simon
Simon’s rise to power was fueled by his connections to other drug dealers and gangsters in Detroit. He formed alliances with other dealers and began to expand his operation. He also became known for his ruthless tactics and willingness to use violence to maintain his position.
According to an interview with Simon on the Original Gangsters podcast [1], he was eventually arrested and sentenced to 25 years in prison for drug trafficking. However, he was released after serving only a few years and returned to the streets of Detroit.
The Legacy of Layton Simon
Simon’s legacy is still felt in Detroit today, and his story has been immortalized in the BMF TV series. The character of Lamar Silas is based on Simon, and Eric Kofi-Abrefa has done an excellent job of bringing the character to life on screen.
In an interview with Express [4], Kofi-Abrefa revealed that he had spoken to Big Meech, one of Simon’s rivals and the leader of the Black Mafia Family, to get into character. He also explained that he had studied Simon’s life and tried to understand his motivations and mindset.
Conclusion
Layton Simon was a complex and fascinating figure in the Detroit drug trade during the 1980s and 1990s. His story has been immortalized in the BMF TV series, where he is portrayed as the inspiration for the character of Lamar Silas. Despite his violent tendencies and criminal activities, Simon’s impact on the city of Detroit cannot be denied.