Shondale “Tooka” Gregory was a 15-year-old member of the Gangster Disciples from Chicago's South Side. On January 12, 2011, he was tragically shot and killed by masked assailants while waiting for a bus on East 63rd Street. The murder left a profound impact on his community, and in his memory, the St. Lawrence Boys (STL), the set he belonged to, adopted the nickname “Tooka Gang.” Tooka was Shondale’s nickname, and his untimely death became a focal point in the ongoing gang conflicts in Chicago.
Tooka’s story gained further notoriety with the rise of Chicago's drill music, a genre known for its raw portrayal of street life and gang rivalries. Rappers, many of whom are active gang members, often reference real-life events and feuds in their lyrics. A prominent figure in the drill music scene, Chief Keef, a member of the Black Disciples, famously dissed Tooka Gang in his track “3Hunna,” intensifying the animosity between the gangs. In response, members of Tooka Gang, including rapper Lil Jay, released tracks targeting Chief Keef and his associates.
The violent rivalry between the Black Disciples and the Gangster Disciples continues to claim lives, with several promising artists falling victim to the ongoing warfare. Among them are Lil JoJo from the 069Bricksquad set of the GDs and L’A Capone from the 600 set of the Black Disciples.
Who Killed Tooka
The assailants responsible for Tooka’s death remain at large, but those familiar with Chicago's gang landscape suggest he was killed by members of TYMB, a rival Black Disciples set.
Young MA Vs Tooka
In a controversial freestyle, rapper Young MA referenced Tooka in a manner perceived as disrespectful by his peers. She rapped, "I smoke hookah like it’s Tooka blowing jet clouds/And I only get high to bring the stress down.” This reference to smoking Tooka is a known insult used by adversaries of STL (Tooka Gang). Following the incident, FBG Duck, a rapper and STL member, demanded an apology from Young MA.