Black Label on Being Only White Crack Dealer During Florida Crack Era

Former drug trafficker Black sits down with VladTV to tell the unbelievable story of growing up as a white crack dealer during Florida’s violent cocaine boom. Raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Black reflects on surviving an abusive childhood, entering the drug trade at just 11 years old, and eventually becoming part of one of the area’s most feared street organizations during the height of the crack epidemic.Black begins by describing his upbringing in a violent household and explains how crime became a way of life at an early age. He recounts selling drugs as a child before learning to cook crack cocaine by the age of 15, quickly rising through the ranks of Florida’s underground drug economy.The conversation explores the rise of his crew, Eight Hype, as they expanded into a multi-kilogram cocaine operation. Black shares stories about kidnappings, robberies, and violent rivalries while navigating one of the most dangerous periods in Florida’s drug history. He also discusses conflicts with notorious Jamaican drug organizations, including the Shower Posse, and explains how the streets became increasingly deadly as the crack era intensified.Black reflects on his arrest at just 19 years old, when he faced the possibility of spending decades behind bars. Despite facing a potential sentence of 40 to 60 years, he explains why he refused to cooperate with authorities and ultimately accepted responsibility for his actions, receiving a 15-year prison sentence that cost him nearly all of his twenties.The interview also provides a firsthand look inside the federal prison system. Black recounts surviving brutal violence behind bars, including being stabbed 12 times during an attack by four inmates over a dispute involving a shoe deal. He also discusses prison politics, racial divisions, the dangers inmates face every day, and explains the infamous “zipper” assault carried out against prisoners who fail to stay alert.Following his release, Black discusses the challenges of rebuilding his life after incarceration. He explains how he founded Black Label Services, transitioned into the security industry, and eventually provided protection for artists including Kodak Black and Julio Foolio. He reflects on overcoming the stigma of a lengthy prison sentence while building a legitimate business from the ground up.Throughout the interview, Black emphasizes the importance of education, self-improvement, and learning from past mistakes. Looking back on the choices that led him to prison, he encourages young people to avoid the streets and believes his extraordinary life story could one day make its way to Hollywood.