Crips vs. Bloods — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
The Crips and Bloods are rival street gangs originating in Los Angeles. The Crips, known for blue attire, formed in 1969, while the Bloods, identified by red, emerged shortly after as a counter to the Crips' growing power.
Difference Between Crips and Bloods
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Crips and Bloods are rival street gangs originating in Los Angeles. The Crips, known for blue attire, formed in 1969, while the Bloods, identified by red, emerged shortly after as a counter to the Crips' growing power.
Difference between Crips and Bloods in 4-5 paragraphs:
The Crips and Bloods are two of the most recognized street gangs in the United States, both originating in Los Angeles, California. The Crips were founded first, established in 1969 by Raymond Washington and Stanley Williams. With a reputation for wearing blue, the Crips rapidly grew in number, becoming a dominant force in the LA gang scene.
In response to the rising power of the Crips, the Bloods were formed. Different sets or factions that had conflicts with the Crips came together, adopting the color red as their symbol. The Bloods emerged in the early 1970s, solidifying their rivalry with the Crips and setting a backdrop for many of the violent conflicts that would ensue between them.
While both the Crips and Bloods started in Los Angeles, their influence and presence spread to other parts of the U.S., fueled in part by media portrayals and the rise of gangsta rap in the 1980s and 1990s. Notable rap artists have openly identified with or mentioned these gangs in their lyrics, further ingraining them into popular culture.
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Over the years, the reasons for conflicts between Crips and Bloods have evolved from territorial disputes to drug trafficking, personal feuds, and more. It's essential to note that not every member of these gangs is involved in criminal activity, and many join for a sense of belonging or protection.
Today, efforts are being made in various communities to curb gang violence and provide alternatives for youth. Both Crips and Bloods have members who have moved away from criminal activity, with some even working to broker peace between the factions and uplift their communities.
Comparison Chart
Founding Date
1969
Early 1970s
Primary Color
Blue
Red
Origination
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Notable Founders
Raymond Washington, Stanley Williams
Various leaders from different sets
Main Rival
Bloods
Crips
Compare with Definitions
Crips
Founded in 1969 by Raymond Washington and Stanley Williams.
The Crips started as a local gang before expanding their influence.
Bloods
A prominent street gang identifiable by red colors.
The Bloods were formed as a counterbalance to the growing influence of the Crips.
Crips
Have numerous subgroups or "sets" within the gang.
While they fall under the Crips umbrella, each set can have its unique identifiers.
Bloods
Frequently mentioned in popular culture, especially rap music.
Certain hip-hop artists have associated themselves with the Bloods, bringing more attention to the gang.
Crips
A major street gang known for its blue attire.
The Crips have a significant presence in various parts of Los Angeles.
Bloods
Have the Crips as their primary adversaries.
The rivalry between the Bloods and Crips is a central theme in many urban stories.
Crips
Known rivals of the Bloods gang.
Many violent confrontations in LA during the '80s were between the Crips and Bloods.
Bloods
Also consist of various sets or factions.
Each Bloods set might operate independently but share a common identity.
Crips
Often referenced in hip-hop and media culture.
Some rap songs in the '90s highlighted life within the Crips.
Bloods
Emerged in the early 1970s in Los Angeles.
Many of the early Bloods sets were initially rival factions before uniting against the Crips.
Crips
The Crips are a gang based in the coastal regions of southern California. It was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1969, mainly by Raymond Washington and Stanley Williams.
Bloods
The Bloods are a primarily African-American street gang founded in Los Angeles, California. The gang is widely known for its rivalry with the Crips.
Crips
Offensive Slang Used as a disparaging term for a person or animal that is partially disabled or unable to use a limb or limbs.
Bloods
The fluid consisting of plasma, blood cells, and platelets that is circulated by the heart through the vertebrate vascular system, carrying oxygen and nutrients to and waste materials away from all body tissues.
Crips
(Slang) Something that is easily accomplished, especially an undemanding academic course.
Bloods
A similar fluid in animals other than vertebrates.
Crips
Plural of crip
Bloods
The juice or sap of certain plants.
Bloods
A vital or animating force; lifeblood.
Bloods
One of the four humors of ancient and medieval physiology, identified with the blood found in blood vessels, and thought to cause cheerfulness.
Bloods
Bloodshed; murder.
Bloods
Temperament or disposition
A person of hot blood and fiery temper.
Bloods
Descent from a common ancestor; parental lineage.
Bloods
Family relationship; kinship.
Bloods
Descent from noble or royal lineage
A princess of the blood.
Bloods
Recorded descent from purebred stock.
Bloods
National or racial ancestry.
Bloods
A dandy.
Bloods
A member of a tribe of the Blackfoot confederacy inhabiting southern Alberta.
Bloods
To give (a hunting dog) its first taste of blood.
Bloods
To subject (troops) to experience under fire
"The measure of an army is not known until it has been blooded" (Tom Clancy).
Bloods
To initiate by subjecting to an unpleasant or difficult experience.
Bloods
Plural of blood
Common Curiosities
Which gang came first, the Crips or the Bloods?
The Crips were formed first in 1969, followed by the Bloods in the early 1970s.
How have the Crips and Bloods influenced popular culture?
Both gangs have been frequently referenced in hip-hop music, movies, and media reports.
Are all Crips and Bloods enemies?
While there is a historical rivalry, not all members or sets are in active conflict with each other.
How is gang membership passed down or initiated?
Initiation processes vary, but some may involve acts of violence or loyalty tests.
Have there been efforts to bring peace between the Crips and Bloods?
Yes, various community leaders and even some gang members have tried to broker peace over the years.
What colors represent the Crips and Bloods?
The Crips are associated with blue, and the Bloods are linked to red.
Are Crips and Bloods only based in Los Angeles?
While both originated in LA, their presence has spread to other parts of the U.S.
What role did the '80s and '90s rap scene play for the Crips and Bloods?
The rap scene brought more visibility to both gangs, with some artists openly identifying or referencing them.
Are the Crips and Bloods organized hierarchically?
Both gangs have a structure, but it can be loose, with individual sets often operating autonomously.
Have there been famous people associated with the Crips or Bloods?
Yes, some celebrities and rappers have been linked or associated with one of the gangs.
Why were the Bloods created?
The Bloods were formed as a counter to the growing influence and power of the Crips.
Are the Crips and Bloods involved in other illicit activities besides violence?
Some members have been involved in drug trafficking, robbery, and other crimes, though not all are criminally active.
Do Crips and Bloods have a presence outside the U.S.?
While primarily a U.S. phenomenon, some reports suggest their influence or presence in other countries.
Are there efforts to help young people avoid joining gangs?
Numerous community programs aim to provide alternatives and support to youth at risk of joining gangs.
Are there female members in the Crips and Bloods?
Yes, both gangs have female members, though they may not always have the same roles as male members.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
