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.
Who Is Layton Simon in BMF?
As earlier stated, Layton Simon is the inspiration behind the BMF TV show character Lamar Silas, played by Eric Kofi-Abrefar. Lamar Silas depicts Layton Simon’s life and talks about mental illness and the struggles that come with it.
Although the similarities between Simon and Silas are apparent in several ways, there are also several dissimilarities. During the series’ first season, Silas attacks and kills Darius, Big Meech’s sister Nicole’s boyfriend, while trying to abduct her. However, in his interviews, the former drug lord says he never hurt women and would never hurt children.
Another change showrunners made that did not tally with actual events was Lamar’s escape from a mental institution. Layton Simon claims his faculties were intact despite the rumors that he was crazy and never in a mental institution. However, he admits that dealing with his brother’s death was traumatic enough to drive anyone crazy, but he held on to his sanity well.
Is Layton Simon Still Alive?
Yes, Layton Simon is alive and well. After serving his prison term, he returned to Detroit, but no longer as a drug dealer and gang banger. He has turned his life around. The former drug lord is now an upstanding citizen who devotes his time and efforts to advocating social change. His efforts have seen him mentor many young people in his community by sharing his experiences with them.
Layton Simon speaks at schools and social events about the importance of education and the dangers of a life of crime. In addition, he also runs a clothing line known as Made in Plain. However, he gives back to society from his business profits.
Like Robert Downey Jr, who became “Iron Man” after his drug addiction, Layton Simon has become a changed person after his brush with the law.
