Chicago, the most populous city in Illinois, is renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history. Yet, beneath its surface lies a darker side, marked by systemic issues and gang violence. The streets, especially in poorer, underserved neighborhoods, are often unforgiving, forcing many children into gang culture as they search for a sense of belonging and protection. Unfortunately, this lifestyle frequently leads to tragic outcomes.
Chicago’s gang violence problem surpasses that of most U.S. cities, with unresolved murders perpetuating a cycle of crime and retaliation. Among these tragic stories is that of Shondale Gregory, better known as “Tooka.” His life and death have become a symbol of the devastating impact of gang violence, both locally and globally.
Tooka’s History: Who Was He?
Tooka, born Shondale Gregory on August 10, 1995, in Chicago Heights, Cook County, Illinois, was a bright and beloved 10th-grade student. Raised in the challenging environment of South Side Chicago, he became involved with the Gangster Disciples (GD), a gang deeply rooted in the city’s history. The GD, originally formed in the late 1960s by Larry Hoover, had a complex and fraught relationship with the Black Disciples (BD), founded by David Barksdale. Over time, this relationship soured, resulting in a fierce rivalry.
Despite his gang affiliation, Tooka was a well-known figure in his community. After his death, his neighborhood gang set renamed itself “Tookaville” in his honor.
The Day Tooka died
On January 12, 2011, 15-year-old Tooka was waiting for a bus with friends on South Side Chicago’s 63rd Street. A dark-colored car pulled up, and a half-masked man stepped out. After a brief conversation to lower Tooka’s guard, the man fired multiple shots, including one to the head, killing him instantly.
Tooka’s death was not a random act of violence. It was believed to be retaliation for the killing of 17-year-old Eddrick “Ty” Walker, a member of the BD. Ty was murdered in 2009, allegedly by members of GD, including Tooka’s brother. Reports suggested that Tooka mocked Ty’s death on social media, further escalating tensions between the gangs.
The Never-Ending Cycle of Revenge
The violence did not stop with Tooka’s murder. Shortly after, Odee Perry, a 20-year-old BD member suspected of killing Tooka, was gunned down, allegedly by Gakirah Barnes, a teenage GD member and one of Tooka’s close friends. Gakirah herself was later killed in what was suspected to be retribution for Odee’s death.
This cycle of revenge exemplifies the inescapable violence in Chicago’s gang culture, where each act of violence fuels another.
Tooka’s Legacy and the Rise of Drill Music
Though Tooka was not a rapper, his name became infamous within Chicago’s drill music scene. Chief Keef, a BD-affiliated rapper, released tracks like “Off the Tooka,” mocking the late teenager. Lines such as “F**k a Tooka Gang b*tch” and “smoking Tooka dope” turned his name into a controversial cultural reference.
The phrase “Tooka Pack,” implying smoking Tooka as a substance, gained traction, both within and beyond Chicago. Even rappers outside the city, like Young M.A., used the term without understanding its origins. She later apologized after learning about Tooka’s story.
King Von’s Feud with Tooka
King Von, a BD-affiliated rapper and relative of David Barksdale, continued the feud against Tooka in his music. Lyrics like “When I die, I’ll find Tooka and beat him up” fueled speculation about deep personal animosity. However, many believe King Von’s disses were more about gang loyalty than a direct relationship with Tooka.
King Von’s death in 2020, at the age of 26, added another tragic chapter to Chicago’s ongoing gang violence. His passing underscored the dangerous entanglement between drill music and real-life gang rivalries.
The Degradation of Legacy: From Mourning to Meme
In the years following his death, Tooka’s name transitioned from a symbol of loss to a meme. Online platforms like YouTube and Facebook amplified the term “Smoking Tooka,” spreading it to a global audience. This meme culture trivialized Tooka’s death, often misleading younger generations about its true significance.
Despite this, Tooka’s name has begun to receive more positive recognition in recent years, as artists and fans outside Chicago work to acknowledge the tragic consequences of gang violence.
Family’s Perspective: A Mother’s Plea
Tooka’s mother, Dominique Boyd, has been outspoken against the misuse of her son’s name in rap and meme culture. In a 2022 interview with The DREA O Show, she pleaded with society:
“My son had nothing to do with the rap industry. He didn’t even know how to beatbox, let alone bust a lyric for a rap. How could you kill somebody and mock that? What is funny about that?”
Her words highlight the human cost of gang violence and the lasting pain inflicted on families.
A Glimmer of Hope: Positive Changes in Legacy
Nearly a decade after his death, Tooka’s story is receiving a more positive response outside of Chicago. Artists and activists have started using his name to bring attention to the devastating impact of gang violence, turning his legacy into a symbol of hope and a call for change.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
Tooka’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating effects of gang violence. His death, at just 15 years old, reflects the harsh realities faced by many in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods. While his name was once used to fuel feuds, it now stands as a powerful warning about the senselessness of gang wars.
Let his legacy remind us of the importance of addressing systemic issues and creating safer communities, ensuring no more young lives are lost to this cycle of violence.
Conclusion
The shooting and killing of Tooka is a tragedy and a cautionary tale of senseless Gang violence. What happened to such a young boy should not have happened to anyone. Tooka had his whole life ahead of him but he was killed in the same cycle of violence that got him affiliated with such a lifestyle in the first place.
Despite him being dissed by popular rappers, mainly King Von he still beloved in the O block, he is neighborhood. I hope his tragic tale can serve as a reminder and prevent further tragedies and can help you understand who is tooka.
