In a pre-dawn operation, the New York Police Department (NYPD) targeted and apprehended nearly two dozen individuals in the Bronx, identified as members of some of the city’s most violent gangs. Among those arrested was Nadine Asamoah, known in the drill rap scene as Nay Benz, who authorities allege is a leader within the notorious Slattery Gang. This exclusive report delves into the details of the NYPD takedown and the profile of Nay Benz, a figure who has gained notoriety both for her alleged gang affiliations and her burgeoning music career.
Nay Benz, an 18-year-old whose real name is Nadine Asamoah, is accused of being the head of the Slattery Gang, also known as “Slaughtery” or “S-block.” This Bronx-based group, operating primarily from the Fordham section, has allegedly terrorized their community through a series of violent acts. Her arrest in July, following a 176-count conspiracy indictment, marks a significant moment in the NYPD’s efforts to curb gang violence in the city. This recent apprehension comes shortly after her release from the Brookwood Juvenile facility in Upstate New York, indicating a swift return to alleged criminal activities.
The Slattery Gang is reportedly responsible for a staggering number of violent incidents, including over a dozen shootings and attempted murders, according to the NYPD. This alarming statistic underscores the severity of the gang’s impact on the Bronx community and the urgency of the police intervention. The gang’s activities have not only resulted in physical harm but have also instilled fear and insecurity within the neighborhoods they operate in.
The Rise of Nay Benz in Drill Rap and Gang Allegations
Nay Benz’s profile is uniquely defined by her intersection of alleged gang leadership and her presence in the drill rap music scene. Her age, gender, and a distinctive missing finger have contributed to her visibility within this genre, setting her apart from many of her peers. However, these same attributes have also drawn unwanted attention from law enforcement, leading to her current legal troubles.
Authorities accuse Nay Benz of leveraging her music to promote violence, with lyrics that allegedly recount and glorify criminal acts. This form of expression, common in drill rap, has come under increasing scrutiny for its potential to incite real-world violence. Despite the controversy, Nay Benz has garnered millions of views online, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the drill rap movement. Critics and fans alike recognize her as a leading voice in the genre, acknowledging her raw delivery and assertive style.
Among her most popular tracks are “Jail Freestyle” and “Don’t Run,” both reportedly written and recorded while she was incarcerated. These songs have collectively amassed over a million views on YouTube, demonstrating her significant online influence and the broad reach of her music. In an April interview with “What NYC Sounds Like,” a platform dedicated to drill music commentary, Nay Benz discussed her release from jail and her future plans, expressing a desire to be surrounded by “love and support.”
When questioned about the image she aims to project, Nay Benz simply stated, “I’m just me,” suggesting an authenticity and unapologetic self-representation. Regarding her neighborhood and the Slattery Gang, she emphasized “loyalty,” stating, “we’re the real definition of loyalty over here.” Notably, she avoided directly addressing the issue of violence in her community during the interview, though she did briefly mention an altercation with a teenage boy while in jail, offering a glimpse into her confrontational persona.
Authorities have clarified that their focus is on curbing crime, not censoring drill rap as a genre. The concern lies in the alleged connection between drill rap and real-world violence, particularly when lyrics are perceived as promoting or inciting criminal behavior. This distinction is crucial in understanding the NYPD’s approach, which targets criminal activities while acknowledging artistic expression.
Inside the Slattery Gang: Violence and Recklessness
Assistant Chief Jason Savino of the NYPD Detective Bureau described the arrested individuals as “trigger pullers,” emphasizing their direct involvement in violent acts. He further stated that “Nineteen of them are trigger pullers, predominantly, across the board. They’ve pulled the trigger more than once,” indicating a pattern of repeated violent offenses. Savino even suggested a disturbing level of competition among gang members to commit shootings, highlighting the reckless and dangerous nature of their activities.
The average age of the suspects is around 20, with Nay Benz being a notable example of younger individuals, including teenage girls, involved in gang violence. This demographic trend raises concerns about youth involvement in criminal activities and the need for targeted intervention strategies. The Slattery Gang is accused not only of perpetrating violence but also of creating music that mocks their victims, detailing the attacks, further exacerbating the trauma and fear within the community.
Disturbingly, some incidents allegedly involved gang members firing shots in public spaces such as playgrounds and in front of school buses, with children nearby. In one particularly harrowing event, a 9-year-old boy was caught in the crossfire and had to call 911 for help, underscoring the gang’s disregard for public safety and the vulnerability of innocent bystanders.
The NYPD’s operation, conducted over nearly 12 months, culminated in the arrest of 20 alleged gang members, including Nay Benz. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark announced the 176-count conspiracy indictment against the gang, detailing a range of charges from attempted murder to robbery and weapons possession. Deputy Inspector Craig Edelman, Commanding Officer of the GVSD, described the brazen nature of the gang’s violence, citing an instance of a 15-year-old girl firing 15 rounds on a street, even with a school bus present, illustrating the extreme recklessness and danger posed by the Slattery Gang.
The arrest of Nay Benz and other alleged members of the Slattery Gang represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat gang violence in New York City. While the legal proceedings are just beginning, this takedown sends a clear message about law enforcement’s commitment to addressing gang-related crime and ensuring community safety.
