Early Years: A Childhood Forged in Fire
Layton Simon Detroit in the late 1960s wasn’t exactly the safest place to grow up. The city was a tough battleground of economic struggles, crime, and civil unrest. Layton Simon, born around 1958, grew up right in the middle of it all. At just eight years old, his life took a turn that would reveal his inner courage. When two addicts broke into his home demanding money, young Layton Simon grabbed a shotgun to protect his mother. That single act wasn’t just about bravery—it was a glimpse into the resilience and fearlessness that would follow him throughout his life.
His childhood was marked by turbulence. During the infamous 1967 Detroit riots, nine-year-old Layton Simon was arrested for stealing hats. Because of his young age, he avoided jail, but that early brush with law enforcement set the stage for a future where the streets and the law would often collide in his life.
By the time he entered his teenage years, Layton already understood that Detroit’s streets demanded toughness, quick thinking, and the ability to stand up for oneself. These qualities would soon propel him into a life that was both dangerous and influential.
Into the Game: Rise Amidst Illicit Shadows
By the age of 14, Layton Simon found himself deeply involved in Detroit’s street culture. He fell under the mentorship of Harold Stinson, a well-known figure in the local underworld. This wasn’t just about learning how to deal drugs—it was about understanding power, influence, and survival in a ruthless environment. Layton Simon studied the game carefully, learning how to command respect and control territory.
At just 15, his success was already visible. He bought a 1972 Lincoln Town Car with cash—a bold statement of status in a world where appearances mattered as much as power. Over time, Layton became a dominant figure in the Southwest Detroit drug trade, a man both feared and respected. But with dominance came inevitable challenges: turf wars, betrayal, and the constant threat of violence.
Even as he climbed the ranks, Layton knew that every step up came with enemies ready to take him down. And soon, he would face his most infamous rivalry.
Rivalries and Legends: Clash with the Flenory Brothers
One of the defining chapters in Layton Simon’s story is his conflict with the Flenory brothers—Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, the founders of the Black Mafia Family (BMF). The tension between them wasn’t just about money or territory; it was deeply personal. After the murder of Layton’s brother, the feud intensified, and stories began circulating about heated confrontations.
According to accounts, Layton once allegedly opened fire on Big Meech, firing eighteen rounds and grazing his cheek. In the underworld, such acts become the stuff of legend. Interestingly, despite their violent history, Layton respected Meech for not involving law enforcement—something Layton believed was part of an unspoken street code. That same code, however, was something he felt others, like Edrick E.D. Boyd, had broken.
The rivalry between Layton and the Flenory brothers shaped Detroit’s criminal landscape during that time. It wasn’t just about business—it was about survival, pride, and a reputation that could never be bought.
BMF vs. Reality: Separating Fiction from Truth
The release of the BMF television series brought Layton Simon’s life back into the spotlight, though under the fictionalized name Lamar Silas, portrayed by Eric Kofi-Abrefa. While the show drew heavily from real events, Layton himself has been clear about the differences between fact and fiction.
In the series, Lamar is depicted as someone who attacked women and children—something Layton strongly denies. He insists he never harmed women or children, no matter the situation. The show also portrays him as having been committed to a mental institution and escaping from it, which Layton says never happened. In his own words, he kept his sanity intact even in the darkest moments of his life.
While the dramatized version makes for great television, Layton’s real story is equally compelling—and perhaps even more powerful—because it doesn’t need embellishment.
Turning the Tide: Prison, Redemption, and Purpose
Eventually, the law caught up with Layton Simon. A coordinated raid dismantled his operations, and he found himself serving time in prison. But instead of plotting a comeback into the same world, Layton made a life-changing decision—he would walk away from the streets entirely.
After his release, he returned to Detroit, not as a dealer, but as a mentor. He began working with young people, speaking at schools and community centers, sharing his life story to steer them away from the mistakes he made. For Layton, this wasn’t about preaching—it was about giving the next generation the tools and knowledge to make better choices.
He became a living example that change is possible, even for those who once seemed trapped in the cycle of crime.
Made In Plain: Fashion with a Conscience
Layton didn’t stop at mentoring. He channeled his experiences into a creative venture—a clothing line called Made In Plain (often interpreted as “Made In Pain”). The brand wasn’t just about selling clothes; it carried a message of resilience and transformation. Proceeds from sales went toward funding youth programs and community projects, creating a direct link between his business and his mission.
Each design symbolized a chapter of his life—a reminder that even the most painful experiences can lead to something meaningful. For Layton, fashion became another way to tell his story, inspire others, and create opportunities for change.
Legacy and Lessons: Light Beyond the Shadows
Layton Simon’s life could easily have ended in tragedy. But instead, his journey has become a testament to the human capacity for change. From a boy protecting his mother with a shotgun to a feared figure in Detroit’s criminal underworld, and finally to a mentor and community leader, Layton’s story is one of transformation.
He often says, “It’s not about where you’ve been; it’s about where you’re going.” That philosophy now defines his life. He uses his past not as a weight to carry, but as a platform to help others rise above their circumstances.
Layton Simon is more than just the “real-life Lamar” from BMF. He’s living proof that redemption is possible and that even the darkest paths can lead to a brighter future.
