Mr. Untouchable

Mr. Untouchable is the autobiography of Leroy "Nicky" Barnes, one of the most prominent drug kingpins in 1970s Harlem. Barnes tells the story of his rise from street hustler to the leader of "The Council," a criminal organization that controlled a significant portion of New York City's heroin trade. The narrative follows Barnes through his early criminal career, prison time, and eventual emergence as a cultural icon dubbed "Mr. Untouchable" by the media. He details the inner workings of his drug empire, his relationships with fellow criminals and law enforcement, and the events that led to his 1977 arrest and conviction. Barnes provides a firsthand account of the heroin epidemic that gripped Harlem during his reign, along with insights into the criminal justice system and law enforcement tactics of the era. His perspective includes observations about corruption, loyalty, and the complex social dynamics of 1970s New York City. The memoir serves as both a crime chronicle and a social document that captures the intersection of organized crime, race relations, and urban life in late 20th century America. It raises questions about power, morality, and the impact of the drug trade on American communities.

Readers describe this as a raw, unapologetic look into Barnes' life as a Harlem drug kingpin. Many note his straightforward writing style and willingness to detail both his criminal enterprise and personal relationships. Readers appreciated: - First-hand insights into 1970s Harlem drug trade - Details about law enforcement corruption - Barnes' honest discussion of his mistakes - Information on his cooperation with authorities Common criticisms: - Repetitive storytelling - Self-serving tone and lack of remorse - Limited depth on certain key events - Some historical inaccuracies according to readers familiar with the era Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (404 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (157 reviews) One reader noted: "Barnes tells his story without trying to make himself look good or justify his actions." Another commented: "The book sometimes feels like sitting with an old timer telling war stories - both good and bad."

American Gangster and Other Tales from New York by Kevin Chiles A street-level chronicle of Harlem's drug trade in the 1970s through the eyes of a kingpin who built an empire parallel to Barnes.

BMF: The Rise and Fall of Big Meech and the Black Mafia Family by Mara Shalhoup The story follows two brothers who built a cocaine empire across multiple states while maintaining connections to the music industry and celebrity world.

The Supreme Team: The Birth of Crack and Hip-Hop, Prince's Reign of Terror and the Supreme/50 Cent Beef Exposed by Seth Ferranti A documentation of Queens' most notorious drug organization and its influence on hip-hop culture during the 1980s crack era.

In the Matter of Color by Paul Hoffman Frank Lucas, the original gangster who competed with Leroy Barnes, tells his story of rising from poverty to becoming Harlem's heroin kingpin.

Queens Reigns Supreme by Ethan Brown The interconnected tales of drug lords, murder, and hip-hop in Queens during the 1980s crack epidemic reveal the birth of modern drug culture.

📖 Before writing his memoir, Leroy "Nicky" Barnes ran one of the largest heroin distribution networks in Harlem during the 1970s, earning him the nickname "Mr. Untouchable" from The New York Times. 🏛️ Barnes created a criminal organization called "The Council," modeled after the Italian Mafia's structure, which operated with strict rules and a formal governing system. ⚖️ After his 1977 conviction, Barnes became a federal informant and his testimony led to the conviction of over 50 people, including many of his former associates. 💰 At the height of his criminal empire, Barnes owned multiple legitimate businesses, drove luxury cars, and had an estimated net worth equivalent to $50 million in today's money. 🎬 The book inspired the 2007 documentary "Mr. Untouchable," featuring interviews with Barnes himself, and influenced the 2007 film "American Gangster," though the latter focused on his rival Frank Lucas.