“For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster. I wanted to be a boss,” Kobe Taylor, 35, says, as he reflects on his earlier days living on the wrong side of the law.
Taylor goes by the name “Keto” amongst his friends and associates. He has served three year out of his four-year prison sentence, for two counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of a firearm.
All charges are from an attempted murder case that took place in Toronto, late 2012.
“I carried a gold plated .50 calibre Desert Eagle because Toronto was a dangerous place for someone like myself,” Taylor says as he reminisces on his involvement in gang activity.
Taylor was first introduced to a crime-filled life at the young age of 15, and it escalated from there.
“I had friends and family members that were involved in dealing drugs and guns, and I took it to the next level. Living in the area that I did, and being involved with the friends that I had, it was hard not to get caught up with that lifestyle.”
Taylor was raised by both of his parents, in Scarborough, Toronto.
“Even though I no longer live this way – and never will again – I clearly remember what it was like for a young guy in a big city.” Taylor explains what it was like to have “unlimited money, to feel untouchable, and to get pretty much everything he desired.
“I felt like a man at just 15 years old. I was mesmerized by the bad – by the rush that came with it, and by the camaraderie that I had witnessed with my older friends.”
Taylor owned a penthouse in downtown Toronto and another one in downtown Vancouver. He had a long-term girlfriend, a few luxury cars, many friends and associates, and “lots of cash and guns.” At the time, he thought nothing and no one could stop him.
“My crew and I would go to clubs or parties many times a week. Even though it would be dangerous for us to be seen and go out, I felt safe with my big gun, until I had to use it.”
The crime rate in Toronto has been rapidly growing for the past 30 years according to Global News, and CTV.
“Mainly drug, and gang-related crimes have been increasing in Toronto, making it less safe than it was in previous decades.”
Taylor was convicted, and sentenced in 2016, and has been serving time just like other prisoners in Central North Correctional Centre, Ontario. He eats in a cafeteria with all the other prisoners, sleeps when the guards tell him to, and has a limited amount of clothes and personal belongings. His visits, along with everything else he does, is monitored by wardens and security guards.
Taylor’s seven-year romantic relationship ended soon after he was imprisoned, “that was a real low point for me. When my girl left me and I had no one. Around that time, something in mind changed and I decided to live a clean life.”
Police seized the majority of his money from his accounts and assets that were under his name.
“I have nothing now, compared to what I had before, but at least I know I’m living an honest life.
“I will never get involved in the gang or drug dealing life again. The problem with these young kids that get involved in that lifestyle, is they want to seem like a boss. Or they might need the money. Everyone has their reasons, but no reason in the world is worth the consequences.
“I have cut all ties with my ex-associates, and I plan to run my business when I am rehabilitated.” Taylor bought a trucking and moving company before he was incarcerated, and has plans to run and operate it upon his release.
“My life will never be the same. I won’t ever be able to get a normal job, I can’t travel everywhere that I would have wanted to, the fun was just not worth it.”
Although, Taylor’s time in the lifestyle was not time spent in vain, as he is able to use the business skills he acquired in his own business and endeavors and has gained experience that can help the youth of the future to stray away from the gang lifestyle.
Taylor also organized and is the executive director of a non-profit, youth crime prevention organization in Toronto, called Alternative Life: Youth Crime Prevention Organization, it aims to help “troubled youth that is going down the wrong path.” He directs the organization while he is behind bars by helping youth deal with PTSD and other symptoms related to the gang lifestyle.
One of the youths in Taylor’s organization looks up to him and praises what he does to help the youth.
“I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn’t for Kobe. He really took me out of going down the wrong path.”
Taylor adds some final thoughts: “In this world where luxury cars, diamond jewelry and handguns are worshipped like God and are seen as symbols of success, we need to teach the youth how to make money in a legitimate way.”