I think that gang leaders and the hierarchy tend to vary in ages between mid 20s to late 40s but most of the gang is operated by young people. Also i think that its such a violent market their involved in they need to keep their ranks filled with young blood so that they can maintain drug turf and power. Some gang leaders dont even live in the neighbourhoods that they do business in. I think to become an OG in a gang you have to last well into your thirties without getting killed.
Heres a chicago gang leader that lasted till he was 60.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/9897741-418/black-disciples-leader-ran-drug-gun-trade.html Then on the other end of that spectrum you have hybrid gangs that are entirely made up of teens.
http://www.dnainfo.com/20111104/harlem/g...s-other-weapons I think you are right. La Cosa Nostra, in comparison, resembles more of a middle-aged/upper middle-aged men's club. Their power and influence notwithstanding, the members of La Cosa Nostra as a whole don't inspire the same sort of fear or project the same sort of menace as do your typical Bloods or Crips member. There's something more intimidating about a tatted up, buffed out, in-your-face bloods/crips gang member than there is about a suit wearing or jogging suit attired middle-aged guy with a receding hairline and paunch. I know I'd feel much more threatened physically by a Tookie Williams (Crips co-founder) than I would be by a John Gotti or a Vinny Basciano or someone like that.
