The gang gained notability for its connection to rappers YG 400 and DJ Quik.

[1] The gang started in Compton, California in the 1970s, but has since spread to other parts of the United States.

Eventually, the Tree Top Piru would spread to other parts of the United States, including Tennessee,[4] Texas[5] and Maryland.

In 2007, a high-ranking female member of the Tree Top Piru in Baltimore named Michelle Hebron killed David Leonard Moore, who Hebron believed to be a rival gang member.

After killing Moore, Hebron wrote a poem, which was used as evidence in her trial:[7]"I guess just shot a nigga in the head cause he wear blue but claim red.