A former member of 50 Cent’s iconic G-Unit, known as Bang Em Smurf, is currently living in a UK hotel for asylum seekers at the expense of taxpayers.
Bang Em Smurf, whose real name is Daniel Calliste, was once a part of the famous hip-hop crew, even making an appearance in the music video for their hit 2003 track “In Da Club.”
However, after a turbulent career and run-ins with the law, Calliste’s life has taken a surprising turn.
Calliste’s Life as an Asylum Seeker in the UK
Calliste, now living in a Novotel hotel near Stevenage, Hertfordshire, reportedly fled Trinidad in late 2024, claiming he was facing threats from local gang members.
The hotel, typically a four-star establishment, is currently closed to the public and being used to house asylum seekers, according to The Sun.
With 102 rooms, this hotel is a temporary haven for those seeking refuge in the UK, with Calliste among them.
Calliste, originally from Trinidad, emigrated to the U.S. at a young age and began his rap career at 15.
His rise to prominence saw him become part of the original G-Unit lineup, even earning the unofficial title of 50 Cent’s head of security.
However, his relationship with the rapper soured after a notorious incident in 2004, when Calliste was involved in a shootout in New York and was arrested.
From G-Unit Member to Legal Trouble
The falling out between 50 Cent and Calliste was primarily triggered by the arrest, with the rapper reportedly refusing to bail out his former security chief, who faced a $75,000 bond.
Calliste later explained the situation in a 2005 interview, describing the loyalty he felt to his crew and the intense conflicts he had gotten caught up in, even admitting to a violent confrontation in the streets of New York.
Despite their past history, Calliste’s journey took another unexpected turn when he was deported back to Trinidad after serving a three-and-a-half-year sentence for gun possession.
His criminal record and violent past raise questions about his eligibility for asylum in the UK, leading some to criticize the UK’s decision to allow him to enter the country.
The Mystery Behind Calliste’s Asylum Claim
Calliste claims his move to the UK is tied to plans for a film adaptation of his 2018 memoir, Wisdom of a Wolf: The G Behind the Unit.
He has also been seen celebrating his 44th birthday in South London earlier this year, further fueling speculation about his status.
While Calliste insists his asylum claim is legitimate, sources suggest that his application has already been rejected, and deportation back to Trinidad may be imminent.
When asked about his situation, Calliste denied much of the media attention surrounding his case, calling it “fake news.”
His comments, however, do little to quiet the growing scrutiny over his presence in the UK, especially given his controversial past.
What’s Next for Calliste?
As Calliste awaits his fate in the UK, it remains to be seen whether his asylum claim will be granted or if he will be forced to return to Trinidad.
His case highlights ongoing debates about asylum policies and the challenges of dealing with individuals with criminal histories who seek refuge in other countries.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his future, Calliste’s story serves as a reminder of the complex and sometimes controversial lives of those once associated with the world of hip-hop fame.