Layton Simon, also known as Ladon Beast, is a former American drug dealer who became famous after “Black Mafia Family,” a hit Starz series, premiered in 2021. The name may not mean much to anyone unfamiliar with the BMF series. However, the show chronicles the life and activities of the Flenory brothers, Demetrius Flenory, a.k.a. Big Meech, and Terry Flenory.
Simon’s life inspired the character Lamar Silas from the BMF series and has been a subject of curiosity for fans. There are similarities between Lamar Silas and Simon, who was also in the drug business when Big Meech and his brother were in their prime. However, the former drug dealer has disclosed some of the information portrayed is wrong.
Consequently, we have filtered fiction from facts. Here are some facts about the former drug dealer.
Where Did Layton Simon Grow Up?
Layton Simon grew up in Detroit with his mother and brother. However, his birth date, brother’s, and mother’s identity are unknown. In an interview with the “Original Gangster Podcast,” the former drug lord talked about his childhood and passions. Layton Simon said he enjoyed playing basketball in Detroit, where he met Dirty Diamond, who introduced him to the drug business on his way to one of his games in the 1970s.
In addition, Simon added that when he was eight, he traveled South using his mom’s car. During his trip, the former drug lord got his hands on a shotgun he took back home to Detroit. According to him, he had to defend his mom from two drug addicts with the gun he brought back from his trip to the South.
Simon claimed that the two assailants broke into his home and attacked his mom. They demanded she give them the $80,000 and drugs they knew she hid in the house. However, he approached them with his shotgun and threatened to shoot if they refused to let his mom go. Layton Simon said the druggies left his mom, and one of them called him a punk.
In retrospect, the former drug dealer claims he would have shot them if his mom had not stopped him from doing so. However, he added that the moment gave him the confidence to survive on the streets.
When Did Layton Simon Get Into the Drug Business in Real Life?
Layton Simon got into the drug business when he was 14 years old. As a street-smart teenager living in Detroit, a city teeming with drug gangs, Simon found an outlet for it. After he met Dirty Diamond, who introduced him to Harold Stinson on his way to one of his games, he started his drug business.
Everything Simon knew about the drug business, he learned from Stinson. After just a year in the industry, Simon had enough money to buy a car at 15. The former drug dealer purchased his first car, a 1972 Lincoln, and claimed he paid in cash.
Afterward, Layton Simon rose to the top of the food chain and was soon in charge of the Southwest Detroit drug operation. However, his rise to power meant he quickly faced territory battles with other drug gangs in the city.
