The Story of How Kilo Ump & The Miami Boyz Took Over Atlanta in the Early 1990's

In the annals of Atlanta’s underground history, few names resonate as strongly as The Miami Boyz, also known as The Untouchables. Their rise during the 1980s and 1990s carved out a notorious legacy that reshaped the city’s streets and left a mark still felt decades later. At the heart of this story is Kilo Ump, a pivotal figure whose presence became emblematic of the group’s dominance.

A seminal photo from 1990 captures Kilo Ump alongside his crew—a snapshot of power, ambition, and fearlessness. For many, it symbolizes a period when Atlanta’s underworld shifted dramatically, setting the stage for a new wave of organized street activity.

Atlanta in the mid-1980s was fertile ground for outside groups seeking to establish control over its growing market. Under the mentorship of Miami underworld figures Isaac “Big Ike” Hicks and James “Boss” Sawyer, The Miami Boyz seized the opportunity with precision. Their strategy was simple yet ruthless: move into housing projects, sell at higher prices, and control territory with an iron grip.

When Big Ike and Boss were sentenced to nearly 200 years combined in prison, many expected the crew’s influence to fade. Instead, The Miami Boyz doubled down. Their operations expanded, their presence intensified, and their conflict with local Atlanta dealers erupted into a violent feud that stretched more than a decade.

The reach of The Miami Boyz was not confined to Atlanta. According to a 1988 Orlando Sentinel report, their network extended across the South, with operations documented in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Pensacola, Alabama, and Savannah. Their empire exemplified both audacity and entrepreneurial drive, pushing them into direct competition with anyone who stood in their way.

But with power came bloodshed. Atlanta’s streets became the battleground for control, a climate of violence that would later pave the way for figures like Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and the infamous rise of BMF.

By the late 1990s, mounting law enforcement pressure and shifting dynamics in Atlanta forced The Miami Boyz out. Their reign ended, but their legend remained. For many, their story was a turning point in the city’s history, setting precedents for the structure and ambition of crews that followed.

Though their dominance was ultimately short-lived, the impact of The Miami Boyz cannot be overstated. Their story has been revisited in documentaries and dramatized in the BMF series, cementing their role in the tapestry of Atlanta’s underground legacy.

That iconic 1990 photo of Kilo Ump and his comrades remains more than just an image—it’s a reminder of a time when The Miami Boyz ruled with fearless ambition, changing Atlanta forever.