Skateland U.S.A.
Social Relation: The Skateland U.S.A. roller rink opened to the public on January 6th, 1984. The roller skating rink and concert venue was the premier location for Los Angeles Hiphop from 1984 to 1988. During the 1980's gang activity was at its height throughout Los Angeles County. In fact, Skateland U.S.A. was located in the heart of gang territory, home to the Piru Bloods. By 1982, the number of gang homicides had doubled. The effects of Reagan's foreign policies resurfaced in the form of crack cocaine within the poor and ethnic communities of Los Angeles creating factors (drug trade, gang warfare, prostitution, robbery, etc.) that devastated neighborhoods.
With the opening of Skateland U.S.A. in 1984, it provided a safe haven for the local communities and those plaqued by the onslaught of criminal activity. The roller rink became a staple of entertainment for the African-American community of Compton and provided many jobs for the local residents. The roller rink featured concerts, album release parties, radio promotional events, and weekly dances, dance occupancy was 1,700 people but held as many as 2,000 for concerts. Before Skateland U.S.A. opened, the building was formerly a certified AMF 36-lane bowling alley.
Hiphop Outcome:
Among early sites for Hiphop in Los Angeles some of the most important were roller rinks such as Skateland U.S.A. and World on Wheels. The Compton roller rink, equivalent to mid-town World on Wheels, was known as the home turf to the Bloods gang organization. For the grand opening, the roller rink celebrated with a concert featuring local legends the World Class Wreckin' Cru. soon thereafter, the Compton location became synonymous for providing a platform for early West and East Coast Hiphop music.
Many up-and-coming R&B and Rap artist where featured at Skateland U.S.A., local legend DJ Mixmaster Spade, East coast duo Eric B. & Rakim, teen sensations New Edition, Flavor Unit member Latifah (Queen), The Real Roxanne, and the first ever performance of N.W.A. Eazy-E would also give his first live show at Skateland U.S.A. on September 4, 1987 (C.I.A. opened).
At the time, Dr. Dre maintained DJ duties at Skateland U.S.A. and begun fostering rap talent. One of the crews Dr. Dre took a liken to and began working with was a trio known as C.I.A. (Criminals In Action). The C.I.A. crew, which consisted of Darrell "K-Dee" Johnson, Tony "Sir Jinx" Wheatob, and O'Shea "Ice Cube" Jackson, established a regular gig at Skateland U.S.A. and Eve's After Dark; thanks to Dr. Dre. Also, Eric "Eazy-E" Wright would hang out with DJ Yella and Dr. Dre inside the DJ booth and talk about forming a south Central supergroup. Shortly thereafter, during Skateland U.S.A.'s after parties Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, and DJ Yella could be seen comprising music in the snack bar.
