Behind the dramatized action of the Starz series BMF lies a gritty, real-life story that few truly know. At the heart of this narrative is Layton Simon, a once-feared figure in Detroit’s criminal underworld who has become a symbol of redemption and change. Though his name may not ring bells in every household, his life undeniably inspired one of the series’ most notorious characters—Lamar Silas, portrayed by Eric Kofi-Abrefa.
The comparison between the fictional Lamar and the real-life Layton Simon runs deep, though the truth behind this enigmatic figure paints a far more layered portrait than television can capture. Let’s journey through the life of Layton—from his turbulent youth and rise in the drug game to his powerful transformation into a respected mentor and entrepreneur.
Early Life in Detroit: Seeds of Survival
Born around 1958 in Detroit, Michigan, Layton Simon grew up in a city marred by racial tensions, police brutality, and an emerging drug culture. As a young African American boy, his life took a harrowing turn early on. He was just nine years old when he was first arrested during the infamous Detroit Riot of 1967—for stealing hats.
Despite being so young, that incident marked the beginning of a series of life-altering events. One of the most shocking stories from his youth includes an encounter at age eight when Layton Simon used a shotgun to protect his mother from drug addicts who invaded their home. Armed and determined, he would have pulled the trigger if his mother hadn’t intervened. The $80,000 in cash and narcotics that lured the intruders painted a vivid picture of the dangerous world Layton was already immersed in.
These moments etched a hardened survival instinct into Layton Simon, who would go on to become a dominant figure in Detroit’s criminal scene during its most violent decades.
Emergence into the Drug Trade
By the age of 14, Layton Simon was fully immersed in Detroit’s underworld. The early 1970s saw the Motor City drowning in crime, with 751 murders recorded in 1973 alone. Street smarts, toughness, and alliances were necessary tools for survival—and Layton had them all.
One of his early mentors was Harold Stinson, a well-known drug lord in Detroit at the time. With sharp instincts and ambition, Layton Simon climbed the ranks swiftly. At just 15, he purchased his first luxury vehicle—a 1972 Lincoln Town Car—despite warnings about financial responsibility. His rise was meteoric.
By the late 1970s, he had established a stronghold in Southwest Detroit, commanding territory and navigating the complexities of rivalries, deals, and betrayals. However, his path to dominance was fraught with brutal competition.
The Explosive Rivalry: Layton Simon vs. Big Meech
As the 1980s approached, Layton Simon found himself in direct conflict with the Flenory brothers—Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry Flenory, who were quickly carving out their empire.
Layton’s feud with Big Meech was particularly heated. The rivalry culminated in a dramatic event where Layton Simon shot at Big Meech 18 times, managing only a graze to his cheek. The violence stemmed from deep personal wounds, including the murder of Layton’s brother—an act Layton alleges Big Meech mocked publicly. When Layton’s nephew was later killed, it added fuel to the fire, leading to yet another showdown at a Detroit Coney Island restaurant.
Despite this bloody past, Layton Simon has acknowledged a certain level of respect for Big Meech. He credited Meech with upholding street codes and refusing to involve law enforcement—unlike others such as Edrick “E.D.” Boyd, whom Layton accused of betrayal.
Beyond BMF: Layton’s True Rivals
Interestingly, Layton Simon claims that the Flenory brothers weren’t even his greatest adversaries. Instead, he points to a surprising pair—Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, the famed songwriting duo known as Ashford & Simpson.
Nick Ashford, reportedly from nearby Ypsilanti, Michigan, was viewed by Layton as his main competitor in the streets, not just in music. This odd twist of rivalry reveals how diverse and unexpected Layton’s confrontations were—stretching from gang turf to cultural icons.
Brushes with the Law: From Streets to Shackles
Encounters with law enforcement were frequent for Layton Simon. His criminal record began before puberty and continued as he became a kingpin. A pivotal moment came when a police officer moved into his apartment building, forcing him to abandon his established base of operations. This opened the door for the Flenory brothers to seize control.
Although much of his criminal past remains shrouded in speculation, what’s clear is that Layton Simon did serve prison time and paid his dues to the justice system. But what followed was unexpected—a complete turnaround in values and life direction.
The Real Lamar: Layton Simon’s Portrayal in BMF
The BMF series brought renewed attention to Layton Simon, albeit under the fictional guise of Lamar Silas. The character is depicted as erratic, dangerous, and mentally unstable—someone who escaped a mental institution and committed heinous crimes, including the murder of a teenager.
Layton Simon has publicly denounced these portrayals. He insists that while he was tough, he never harmed women or children and was never institutionalized. In his own words, he always had full control of his mental faculties and operated by a strict code of conduct, however warped it may have seemed.
Despite the creative liberties taken by the show, many see Lamar as a nod to Layton Simon’s feared legacy—one now tempered by wisdom and experience.
Redemption and Reinvention: Life After the Game
Following his release from prison, Layton Simon made a conscious decision to change. No longer a drug dealer, he returned to Detroit with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to give back.
His most significant initiative is the founding of his clothing line, Made In Plain—a brand rooted in authenticity, transformation, and street wisdom. More than fashion, the line symbolizes Layton’s journey and his mission to guide others away from the destructive paths he once walked.
‘Made In Plain’: Fashion with a Message
Made In Plain isn’t just about clothing—it’s about Layton Simon’s philosophy. Every garment echoes his belief that honesty, hustle, and second chances are powerful forces. The brand’s earnings are funneled into community outreach programs, school talks, and mentorship events.
For many young people in Detroit, Layton Simon is more than a former gangster—he’s a figure of transformation, someone who’s been to the depths and climbed back.
A New Role: Mentorship and Social Impact
Today, Layton Simon is a regular fixture at schools, community centers, and local events. His talks are raw, gripping, and painfully honest. He doesn’t glorify his past; instead, he uses it as a cautionary tale. His presence alone, backed by lived experience, commands respect and attention from the youth.
Whether speaking about violence, prison, or redemption, Layton Simon frames his story as a beacon of what’s possible when one chooses to change.
Legacy in a New Light
Thanks to the renewed interest sparked by BMF and his own efforts in the community, Layton Simon’s name is no longer synonymous solely with crime. Instead, it’s becoming a symbol of resilience, growth, and redemption.
Though the series took liberties with his story, it also inadvertently paved the way for the public to learn the real truth about Layton Simon—one far more compelling than fiction.
FAQs:
Q1: Is Layton Simon still alive?
A: Yes, Layton Simon is alive and active in Detroit. He now focuses on mentoring youth and running his clothing brand, Made In Plain.
Q2: Was Layton Simon really institutionalized like Lamar in BMF?
A: No. Layton Simon has denied ever being in a mental institution, stating he always had control over his mind.
Q3: Did Layton Simon actually try to kill Big Meech?
A: Yes. Layton has admitted to shooting at Big Meech 18 times during a confrontation, only grazing his cheek.
Q4: What is Made In Plain?
A: Made In Plain is a clothing line founded by Layton Simon, created to promote honesty, hard work, and positive change. Proceeds support community programs.
Q5: How does Layton Simon feel about his portrayal in BMF?
A: While he acknowledges the inspiration, Layton has criticized certain aspects of Lamar Silas’ character, especially actions that go against his own moral code.
Q6: What was Layton Simon’s early involvement in crime?
A: He entered the drug trade at age 14 and was arrested for the first time at age nine during the 1967 Detroit riots.
Q7: Did Layton Simon have any rivals besides the Flenory brothers?
A: Yes. Layton Simon claimed that Nickolas Ashford of Ashford & Simpson was his biggest rival during his time in the drug game.
Q8: What is Layton Simon doing now?
A: He’s a community advocate, speaker, and fashion entrepreneur working to steer young people away from crime.
Conclusion:
From the unforgiving streets of Detroit to classrooms filled with hopeful youth, Layton Simon embodies the potential for change. Once a name feared in the city’s darkest corners, he is now a man offering light, guidance, and inspiration.
Through his actions, business, and words, Layton Simon has not only reshaped his own narrative but also given others the courage to rewrite theirs.
Alexander