Audio Achievements
Social Relation:
The recording studio Audio Achievements located in Torrance, California, just minutes away from Compton, contains a history equal to the lyrical content on N.W.A's debut album Straight Outta Compton. The 2,237-square foot building located in Old Torrance was built in 1929. The buildings first tenant, Torrance Chamber of Commerce, occupied the location for 12 years. For the next six years (1938-1944) the building serviced local South Bay community residents with various storefront offerings such as, upholster, fireplace maintenance, and appliances.
In 1944, the space was occupied by Maxie's Rendezvous Cafe for the next few decades. Over the years, the establishment became a haven for criminal activity. It was known as a place of murder, vice squad raids, bookmaking, and drug dealing. The Rendezvous Cafe would end up closing its doors in the late 1960s.
Hiphop Outcome:
In late 1970, the Old Torrance location became a notable recording studio which brought international fame to the South Bay town. The recording studio, owned by Donovan "the Dirt Bike" Smith, was attached to a Mexican restaurant. By 1977, "Dirt Bike" Smith was using Audio Achievements to record all genres of music, including rap. The studio was ground zero for the Golden Age of Hiphop music. From 1987 to 1992 Audio Achievements studio produced a slew of classic albums and hit singles such as, Candyman's Knockin' Boots, J.J. Fad's Supersonic LP, The D.O.C.'s No One Can Do It Better LP, and N.W.A.'s 100 Miles and Runnin' & Niggaz4Life LPs.
In 1987, the debut album Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A. brought worldwide fame to the small recording studio. It would be the group's first national release. The record contained no hit singles. In most of the country, not one track from the album made it onto the radio. It was too crude, too misogynistic, too violent. Even MTV, which at the time was a staple of popular culture, refused to play N.W.A. videos. No radio, no television and no publicity. Straight Outta Compton would sell over 3 million records. Not to mention, the persona of Eazy-E and lyrics to his solo debut album Eazy Duz It were also crafted at Audio Achievements recording studio.