5.3.4 Craig Monson from San Quentin to Bodybuilding

In Part Three (Season 5 Series 3 Part 3) Big Monson talked about his relations with Crips Founder Raymond Washington and the incident that caused Raymond to start his own gang and distance himself from the Avenues. He ultimately landed in San Quentin Prison in 1970.
In Part 4 Bodybuilding Legend Craig Monson picks up where he left off, recalling when he first heard the word Crip and serving time in Tracy and San Quentin with the BGF when Crips began to fall in California Department of Corrections Prison System in the early 1970s.
This is the first and only time Big Mons has publicly told the story of this most talked about incident in the history of the Crips and Bloods.
---------------------------
0:22: 🚗 The speaker talks about his first experience driving on the freeway to meet a pen pal.
4:51: 🔒 The video features a conversation about experiences in the prison system and the support received from fellow inmates.
8:53: 🔫 The video discusses the conflict between different gangs and the age of individuals involved in criminal activities.
13:27: 💪 The speaker reminisces about their experiences at Muscle Beach and discusses their lack of recognition on the 'Walk of Fame.'
17:29: 🏋️ Bodybuilder discusses his experience with lifting heavy weights and the importance of pushing oneself to the limit.
21:34: 😡 A performer expresses frustration and anger at a competition in London.
25:57: 🥊 A determined athlete faces prejudice and doubt as he trains for a competition.
--------------------------
Monson has a newly released book- link below.
Monson's New Book - amzn.to/3g1udMX
Jimmy Lavender's Book - amzn.to/3CLWr87
#avenues #bodybuilding #craigmonson #kevmacinterviews #babysmacinterviews #hooperavenue #legends #crips #raymondwashington #bgf #sanquentinprison
Part 1: • 5.3.1 Craig Monson Fou...
Part 2: • 5.3.2 Craig Monson rec...
Part 3: • 5.3.3 Origin of Crips ...
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CREDITS
Interview by
Baby S Mac
Kev Mac
Research by Baby S Mac
Filmed by: Kev Mac
Edited by Kev Mac
Directed by Kev Mac
Narration: Kev Mac
*************************************
Kev Mac Videos (INTRO) by Fitzgerald Godwin Jr.
Music: Going Back to Cali by Digital West
*************************************
Special Thanks to:
Baby S Mac
Fitzgerald Jr
Graphics by Jo Ferrow @ supplyteam
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We do NOT consent to anyone using any of this material without first contacting me and linking to Kev Mac Videos.

[@doobzthechamp3134]

I LIKE THE FACT THAT HE EVEN TALKIN ABOUT THIS. I WATCHED HIS BODYBUILDING INTERVIEW SOME TIME AGO, AND HE DIDNT WANNA ELABORATE ON THIS KINDA SHIT ‘PERIOD’.

[@troubleman3837]

He didn't curse on those interviews either. It seems like he really opened up for this interview

[@rayhanes1347]

This kind of a gang channel tho so he had to

[@THEBAREBACCPODCAST]

Tell mr monson to start a weight lifting KZbin

[@THEBAREBACCPODCAST]

Tell mr monson to start a weight lifting KZbin

[@rodthegodhotboy1568]

He set the foundation all that body building Tookie was into was him idolizing Mr Munson

[@linwoodavenue4300]

Craig Monson is one of those brothers that Dolomite used to rap about. “I slapped Raymond Washington and drank Panther piss -I out lifted Tookie and knocked down street signs with my fist!!

[@THEBAREBACCPODCAST]

Lmao classic

[@coreyeatmon5101]

😂😂😂😂

[@HollyCain44]

🤷‍♂️😂😂😂😂😂

[@ikeknight3535]

It's always somebody bigger and badder.

[@chillywilliedfw9093]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@bigcartoonyIIV]

Monson was a big dude. He could be making millions just from personal training. He def need a movie and interviews like this. His story alone would motivate some youngsters to be body builders.

[@stylezp829]

I totally agree!!

[@Stanly-Stud]

He's no brains

[@lhpkiko1]

I’m more impressed by Mr. Monson’s memory. He is also a great storyteller.

[@J.R_TRU]

Great Story teller. This is Amazing History

[@J.R_TRU]

Thank you Kev Mac

[@traylocc6410]

Facts 💯

[@larose6551]

Raise your hand if you were mad when video ended.✋🏾 Keep on blessing us KevMac🔥

[@rajiocity3937]

✋🏿

[@dagoodfella4917]

💯®

[@ChesterPerry187]

You can tell this guy is the real deal. No b.s. and like the hardest folk, speaks softly as he knows he doesn’t have to bark loud. Arguably the best series to date KM.

[@succafreenetwork]

Agreed, real G it is what it is!!! # BabyLocNJG

[@Stevieknixxx]

This man is so well spoken and his memory is sharp. I love watching his interviews

[@Miss_702A]

Facts 🙌🏾

[@westwest2462]

Most California people we are and the gangsters

[@westwest2462]

Most California Crips Bloods and gangsters are well smoking

[@TBgunsandbutter]

he is still Middle Aged, not even 75 years old yet

[@torreyt948]

Good show, nothing like hearing the elders share their lives, its a special time, and it allows you to connect with their life and growth...Pure Gold!

[@ladyp5050]

Mr. Craig Monson, is dropping some real spill.... that's awsome to hear him tell his stories and leave behind his legacies. Kev and S Mac did so good at getting the timeline and dropping clips in to help tie everthing together. Congrats guys on getting such a great story!

[@MADNEWYORKER914]

What do that "P" stand for, Ms. Lady???

[@ladyp5050]

@@MADNEWYORKER914 My name is Paula, however it stands for Pink, Lady Pink was a nickname I used kinda like Reservoir Dogs instead of Mr.. it was lady, it just stuck since I was a kid...

[@devoncutmore]

This has been a one of the best interviews! Thank you.

[@smileylundy33]

I agree

[@tonton6781]

4 sho cuz im from surside13 vato

[@Steve0verton]

11:15 my uncle Big John Seals got the mention RIP. . That would have made my dad smile.

[@dukkiboi]

Another legendary fact...In prison he was well respected and protected by the Mexicans, ran a car with BGF and USO members at the same time. Legendary and definitely one of one. Blessings and salutations

[@youngdrey1]

Why the Mexicans protect him When he ran Witt the bgf

[@abdulabdullahi3849]

Because he was a good dude and his program was Solid. He declined BGF.... aint you watch anything of what he said?

[@dukkiboi]

A true legend in two different games

[@wisedyer2133]

Legend in 2 games like I’m pee wee Kirkland-Pusha T

[@ParkSideGunner8700]

Good thing they documenting this because alot of OGs are dying RIP OG T Rodgers

[@rockfresh5359]

He died without telling his story he thought they was gonna give him big money for it him and the piru leader never spoke on it

[@BmoreQueeze]

@@rockfresh5359 hell yeah 😎 he definitely thought 💭 they would but he just didn’t understand time waits for no man and your story can be told with or without you being here period

[@vaughnreedjr6592]

@@rockfresh5359 T-rogers not a piru. T- Rogers didn't talk gang stuff in his intviews.

[@rockfresh5359]

@@vaughnreedjr6592 I didn't say t was u dummy ... I ment he nor did Sylvester Scott tell they story

[@troubleman3837]

@@rockfresh5359 he probably thought they was going to give him legal troubles or completely demonize him for his for his story, you can't blame these old guys who don't want to talk about their past

[@championchuck777]

Great interview. This man was literally "Thanos" back in the day.

[@doobzthechamp3134]

U KNOW HOW STRONG U GOTTA BE TO LIFT WITH YA HANDS ON THE STOPPER??? DAMN. 💪🏿

[@Chessxx1]

This guy navigated the LA underworld like a walk in the mall. He literally started the crips by slapping raymond lmao and casually rejects leadership roles in the bgf and the eme protected him. Real one

[@UrbanOutlaw713]

U a certified journalist kev. I been watching a long time and u never cease to amaze me with the advancement of your production. This was a super dope section of a super dope series. the references to older interviews and news articles really sets your shit part and s mac did his thang as always. I’m still tuned in.

[@shottashabazz6721]

Venice Beach/Venice Boardwalk has changed over the years because of the homeless situation but back in the 80’s and 90’s when I was visiting family in L.A. my Aunt Boogie would take me there all the time and it was literally like 42nd Street in N.Y. Beautiful scenery, beautiful women, stylish dressing from the men and women, shopping spots and good food up and down the boardwalk. I tried some fish tacos back the for the first time. I can’t remember the name up the spot but they some good fish tacos and cheap. Great video as always Kev. Peace Mac. Peace Brotha Munson

[@shottashabazz6721]

Yeah like how it was in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s @red diamond71

[@TenTenFarms]

By far the best series to date. Thank you for sharing.

[@bigdog3495]

I stopped competing in bodybuilding for the same reasons as Big Craig… too much politics in that shit. OG Craig you were a beast back in the day !!

[@marlonious7650]

Isn't there politics in pretty much anything that concerns money & groups ???

[@showmestatefinest5412]

@@marlonious7650 he probably don't participate in any of that stuff either

[@MADNEWYORKER914]

Was there a lot of racism too???

[@bigdog3495]

I wouldn’t say there was racism at least I didn’t experience that but the judging is biased. If your part of the club your in. Obviously Big Craig wasn’t a ASS kisser in the club

[@primeninja9]

@@showmestatefinest5412 🎯

[@SS-ki6ie]

Even with the best PEDs available today, and for many years to come, no one will ever beat Craig Munson. He personifies everything that is great about body building. And, he is humble about it. I met him when he worked out at City Gym in downtown LA. Super cool, super strong. A bodybuilders’ bodybuilder. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@abdulabdullahi3849]

Kitchen Crip easily one of the oldest crips sets still in existence.

[@ricorashid1700]

You forgot about 68 Crip

[@abdulabdullahi3849]

They small but held their own. They basically boxed in going at it with big hoods like the Swans and ECC.

[@worldizmine3186]

80 % of Crip Sets is that

[@vinny214]

I just came across this man's story through your channel. Thank you for bringing this story, this is history, this man is a living legend. Salute.

[@rajiocity3937]

Living Legend.

[@marka8556]

Fun fact: Craig Monson was in the Party Train video by the Gap Band (1983). And, so was the uncle of Cutes.

[@bigbaba4542]

the farmer big al?

[@mr.andersin8901]

Thank you Mr. MUNSON! I appreciate you taking your time to do this interview! This is a blessing 🙌

[@theraceanalystphdprovingha4119]

That Venice Beach weight pit story cannot be taken lightly. Mr. Munson it appears opened, "opened the gate" for us in 73'/74' to go lift at the pit "for free"...no questions asked. This is a very big point. Thank you Mr. Munson.

[@KevMacVideos]

Monson didn’t parole until 1975 and “I think” I recall him saying Donnie Boy introduced him to the pit in 1976.

[@theraceanalystphdprovingha4119]

@@KevMacVideos Thanks for the reply Kev Mac, but check this segment out: 11:54. Tidbit: Around 74' and 75' Venice Beach went nude for about 2 weeks. It started at "Blacks Beach" (no reference to Africans of America) in San Diego. - No surprise about racism in 1966. We just got the law to vote the year before. MLK was killed 2 years later...America is still very racist...Just travel. Signed: From SCLA to 46 US States

[@punmidas1890]

That hit like my grandpa though. Man said " I CANT GIVE YOU ALL LAT, ITS IN THE BOOK. I SIGNED YOUR BOOK.WHERE YOUR BOOK AT"?

[@Mike_Santana]

He made Arnold look like a like little boy. Craig Munson is definitely a legend.

[@bigbaba4542]

Arnold was retired for years and was making movies at that time. He's 10 years older than Munson. Monson got into Pro Bodybuilding in the 80s, Arnold in the 60s. That's whole different Steroids and everything

[@slender4]

@@bigbaba4542 Arnold is 3 years older than Munson.

[@wejuggernautentertainmentl3156]

Back when black men looked like gladiators. We need to all get back in the gym because the war is coming soon

[@jonathanyoung2243]

Unfortunately the war thats coming won't have nothing to do with fitness. You got to stay strapped. Even in prison!

[@frontandcenter7941]

Fortunetellers right here!

[@ANT1989]

The war has already started, it began a long time ago. A war on our people's minds! Ecclesiastes 9:18 "WISDOM is BETTER than WEAPONS of WAR: but one sinner destroyeth much good." The one who wins the war is the one who outsmarts the other side. We got to get our knowledge back! They dumbing down our melanated youth ON PURPOSE.

[@SG-hp8yq]

Lmfao

[@wejuggernautentertainmentl3156]

@@jonathanyoung2243The war is coming. On a physical mental and spiritual plane brotha. Stay strong on all levels 💪🏾

[@joelgoff6408]

I'm so glad this finally happened. Craig Monson is that dude that excels while the system is just ready to beat him down. God, what a great storyteller. Literally, a national treasure that will be seen as such in time. I hope this gets out more to the masses..

[@rayhanes1347]

This brotha is from a whole different era of gangstering when gangstera had morals and a code.

[@TheKevg5534]

Ordered my book this past week. Looking forward to reading his book.

[@apopoola1779]

Appreciate the constant content OOG best information about the culture

[@edwardgreen1466]

Classic material Kev Mac! Respect all the way from Jersey!

[@morganmoore26]

For those who don't know. Song in the beginning is : Jerry Butler Never Gonna Give You Up 1968

[@LucifersDeathSquad]

Everyone knows

[@LucifersDeathSquad]

@Keith Jo - Absolutely everyone knows

[@morganmoore26]

@@LucifersDeathSquad ok smartass what movie soundtrack is it on ? Answer that

[@LucifersDeathSquad]

@@morganmoore26 - Dead Presidents. And many more !!

[@morganmoore26]

@@LucifersDeathSquad nice

[@complexblackness]

Maybe a Monson and Bird Interview in the close future? Bird does recall the first time he Met Monson. Also the time Bird encountered Raymond, after Raymond came onto his street. The encounter with Tookie and Jimel at Centinela. That sit down would probably blow the doors off in terms of views.

[@KevMacVideos]

Man I’m scared to interview Bird again your sister completely damaged me.

[@complexblackness]

@@KevMacVideos lol

[@williamdrayton7352]

@@KevMacVideos what you mean his sister scared you? To interview Bird again.

[@krlm2280]

@@KevMacVideos kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zouoo4Bofcp-rNk

[@krlm2280]

@@KevMacVideos check this clown og he's using ur name on this vid

[@bobbyg570]

Thank You Kev Mac! Mr Monson is a true legend 💪🏾

[@slim4465]

The thing I like about Craig is he leads the conversation, he’s gonna finish his story before he let’s you interrupt him

[@rl2415]

Shout out to S Mac, but he sometimes cuts guests off middle of their story. Luckily Craig brings the convo back

[@slim4465]

@@rl2415 He gets ahead of himself a lot

[@rodthegodhotboy1568]

Kev this one is Legendary big homie m. Must see content!!! Netflix is tripping fasho

[@J.C.3423]

Solid Interview series with Graig Monson Kev Mac!! 💯💯

[@edwardgreen1466]

Damn 4 plates for a warm up? O.G. was strong as hell lol!!!!!

[@Righteousone18]

Country strong

[@robertoelprezidente3590]

Shout out to Kev and S Mac I had to throw this one up on the big screen in 7.2 surround sound… its was just like I was there live during the interview!!

[@2TalldaG]

They hide how strong we can really be. I love this man. Thanks you'll always be the biggest man we know. Hercules isn't a legend when we see you.

[@beyondthefamecelebritystories]

Kev Mac always has A1 content 💯

[@justsaved3876]

Watching these videos with Big Craig Monson and this great interview & his storytelling...I am going to go on Amazon and hopefully if available buy Munson's book.

[@nazs.4268]

Respect how he kept it real with his friends regardless of Race!!!...💪💪💪

[@uncclelocc]

See the thing is, it's not that "The Avenues " rejected Raymond, it's that Craig Rejected Raymond. Raymond had a relationship with mostly all of Craig brothers and many of the founding Membership, and from what I gathered many individuals who would be considered Baby Avenues followed and or joined Raymond.

[@KevMacVideos]

I concur.

[@pahheadstv6630]

Now this I agree with.

[@youngbug2336]

This the best interview so far Craig drop too much history and knowledge

[@marlonflores5077]

👑🙏🏽 MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT 💪🏽 LEGEND CRAIG MONSON!!

[@drr8338]

Great interview!

[@jamesellis7933]

Whenever they ask him about the streets... Or gangs... He convert the subject to body building

[@marquisbrown9264]

Every time I watch Kev Mac show I get a history lesson. I never knew Muscle Beach was segregated at a period of time. I appreciate Kev Mac show to the fullest.

[@joemosely9383]

Right, especially knowing blacks built Venice and Oakwood was a solid Black Neighborhood in Venice. Venice always gave off an inclusive vibe being a multicultural community before most parts of L.A.

[@worldizmine3186]

You slow. EVERYWHERE where Whites Dwelled and Functioned Under the Year 1969 was Fully Segregated if not Partially.

[@joemosely9383]

@@worldizmine3186 Not In L.A Blacks were living all over. I dont know where you got that 1969 date from. Venice, Santa Monica, West LA, Baldwin Hills, Windsor Hills, Crenshaw District, West Adams, Mid-City, Inglewood, Gardena, etc etc..Blacks were living in these White areas b4 1970. Check the Yearbooks of all the local Westside High Schools, yall see Black Faces.

[@worldizmine3186]

@@joemosely9383 you got a Point.

[@krlm2280]

@@joemosely9383 even Manhattan Beach once was owned by black people until they got it taken but the family of the original owners now own their property again

[@vngbslim5234]

My last week of gym days have been motivated by Craig Monson! I want to get this book signed by the OG

[@dragonlo6514]

The way Craig speaks reminds me a bit of Bird. It must be the era those cats came up in.

[@worldizmine3186]

Duh.

[@dragonlo6514]

@@worldizmine3186 Go back to vlad weirdo

[@worldizmine3186]

@@dragonlo6514 yes mam

[@bigbaba4542]

craig monson reminds me of alonzo williams from the world class wrecking crew. His facial expressions and the way he talks.

[@terrellgaines6004]

DISCIPLINED G! I LOVE IT! ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE! ✊🏽 Tee Gee From CHICAGO-AKA-CHI-TOWN

[@afroawarenesschannel7485]

Good interview, I love the content. Ever video I watch that mentions facts concerning the BGF, make me realize how respected is BGF. The crips was doing there thing too.

[@sirjuju4766]

Can you imagine being Slapped then going on to start one of the most dangerous gang in LA (CRIPS) also making its way to Compton in 1972 and to the furthest parts of the globe in 2021.

[@SKILLSPORTSPREP]

Solid work! Raising the bar for all others. #kevmacvideos

[@johntaylor996]

Craig speaks facts I saw him at Venice beach, back in 1985 and 1986, and he is well spoken and humble!

[@unclejj9600]

These stories are what we need to move forward as a people

[@krlm2280]

Man needs a movie he's a living legend

[@larose6551]

Truly he is worthy👌🏾

[@cragolla1]

Kev Mac Videos, Excellent interview

[@user-im4wy3rg8f]

Liked listening to him great interview

[@207umwestmorelandcrip3]

Craig Monson was a big dude in that picture his way bigger than Arnold

[@tonton6781]

Arnold killed og tookie

[@md3dasnipa386]

He Smothered Arnold #BlackGenetics

[@bigpesa6166]

@@tonton6781 💯

[@Maxthafirst]

Great interview. Felt sorry for the OG.

[@seanthomad1020]

Kev ppl don’t even know you giving history from horses mouth much respect ✊ cuz

[@Flexonomics]

wanted to hear more about his time in prison, and the politics. He shares so much more than what is asked.

[@pablo2xs972]

Aye Kev Mac is really that Historian 💯💯💯 televising the truth ? 🐐 Black excellence at its finest ‼️‼️‼️

[@ldubb9621]

Another amazing video!

[@mceithdavis3462]

ONE OF THE BEST TOO DO IT AND STILL ALIVE TO PASS IN THA INFORMATION TO BEING AREAL MAN MATURED ALL WELL ROUNDEDONE. TOO MR MONSON $ s one of 40 CRIP

[@illatraxzz103]

I love these vids bro og Craig was no joke!

[@georgemontana2694]

So much history in that.

[@terrellgaines6004]

RACISM @ It’s FINEST MR. MONSON! YOU ARE CLEARLY THE WINNER!

[@youmadd9557]

C1uzz,Stories .got me wanting. Too get bacc ,on the weights again...

[@kingkai9561]

AWESOME AS ALWAYS

[@rastadiddy1938]

Here go another history classic

[@kendrickjones9608]

Man!!! I can’t wait for part 25 🤣🤣🤣

[@KevMacVideos]

Lol

[@caleebpinkett6450]

Sorry for that Zoom call interruption KM!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@theglewshow]

Excellent interview KMV ✊🏾

[@mr.andersin8901]

If you haven't lifted weight...those hand positions mean alot. Do some research and give the respect. It really is a difference

[@streetsoftheu.s.]

Crazy how he had a better physique than a man that won Mr. Olympia. He should've been a pro bodybuilder champion.

[@SixStringFiasco]

Arnold's an innovator but let's not forget he had the brilliant backing of Joe Weider to guide him along. Craig would have been a legendary Mr.Olympia contender

[@MADNEWYORKER914]

And Arnold was on steroids.

[@increasepeace4996]

@@MADNEWYORKER914 so was Monson. I even heard Tookie was taking some stuff.

[@MADNEWYORKER914]

@@increasepeace4996 Monson said he tried steroids once, but didn't like them. And Rookie, from my understanding, didn't use steroids. People said he would smoke "wet" because that drug made you feel strong.

[@roneducator]

All bodybuilders use steroids.

[@user-pu6jv7wi5x]

i wish i could meet Craig Monson and chat about the old school days

[@gregorydudley9564]

GOOD INTERVIEW

[@flintmi6188]

Kev.mac is active ✔ 💯

[@baby.e401]

Craig opened up muscle beach Craig and Donnie 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💯💯history foreal

[@dagoodfella4917]

Classic Kev Mac shit….. Salute OG 💯®😎

[@abdulabdullahi3849]

KevMac, you got do series on the Black Karate Federation and Van Ness Park.

[@pedrogomez3168]

When you been to the joint you never forget your journey behind the walls . A whole different ballgame their.

[@sidewinder4718]

🗣This series of interviews projects the side of LA I remember the most.

[@pissypiancilamblamumba7573]

Dam that wc rich rolling is like a grand outro to yo video so I now watch yo vids for 3 reasons to sang the Kev mac theme song at the beginning the content and catch that wc at the end

[@devonjefferson5817]

Damn Mane KMV BABY SMACC y'all did this one, he seem to be Interviewing and before you can ask a question he already know the answer. Way to keep going on and keep you're composer and stay with it. Aye mane he really is Legendary on his history, and still to this day and time back then,,, they did not want know Black Man to Win Body Builder them Judge knew his present was a Win in it's self. I use to say the earlier interviews was top 5 cause I was just a year in or more, but you Brother's or Coming with some heat. I'm going to say it now, I Can See You Brothas On The Airwaves On Some Syndicated Channel, just want to say First or if not say it Second,. But from the Eastside of WATTS to the Westside #RESPECT #SALUTE

[@mattithyahuwyisrael5050]

Loved it!

[@remainfocused8570]

Got educated on Mr. Munson today. Salute Sir

[@mike2614]

It's deep when a legend gives you accolades 👏 🙌

[@rastadiddy1938]

Kev Mac we waiting Where You At 🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵

[@keithdudley9199]

I think people ASSOCIATED CRIPS BY HIS FAMILY. From my understanding you can Be SHORELINE BY YOUR BROTHER UNCLE BEING SHORELINE AND YOU DON'T CLAIM BUT THEY KNOW YOUR FAMILY DO

[@tsunami700]

I love this brother💙

[@LaTaurusHarrison]

This is super interesting

[@balthazarbratt8194]

I think if Craig Monsoon had a good team around him, (agent/manager, publicist) he woulda been a celebrity.

[@fmic3213]

He coulda honestly won the role of mr t on the a team✊🏾 Frfr