Radiotron (Youth Break Center, Inc.)
Social Relation: Radiotron is one of Los Angeles' most well-known Hiphop landmarks. The location was known around the world for its pivotal role in fostering the West Coast Hiphop movement. First opened in 1980, it started as a nightclub in Downtown Los Angeles. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the downtown location closed its doors a few years later. Under the name Radiotron, the new building reopened as a youth community center. With its location across the street from MacArthur Park the neighborhood building flourished from 1983 to 1985. Also, known as Youth Break Center, Inc., Radiotron was officially the first West Coast Hiphop youth center. Radiotron became a haven for Hiphop and a safe location to practice the emerging elements of Hiphop Kulture in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, due to commercial development and the 1980s brand of freestanding shopping malls, Radiotron was demolished.
Hiphop Outcome:
During the mid-1980s, Radiotron became the focal point for Hiphop Kulture and its founding elements. The Los Angles youth were often ticketed and suffered constant harassment by the Los Angeles Police Department for publicly practicing Hiphop's founding elements. Radiotron served as a safe location for the West Coast to practice Hiphop's founding elements and create its own style on the dance floor.
The youth center became the setting for a new style known as Poppin' & Lockin'. Radiotron also became a haven for future MCs, B-Boys/B-Girls, actors, and music stars such as: Ice-T (MC, actor), L.A. City Breakers (LA's 1st world-renowned breaking crew), Cuba Gooding Jr. (actor), Tony Basil (#1 Pop Song-Mickey), Don Campbell (creator of Lockin' dance style), Boogaloo Shrimp (star of Breakin' 1 and 2), Dilated Peoples (Los Angeles rap crew), and many others. Lastly, Hollywood filmed the movies Breakin' and Breakin' 2": Electric Boogaloo at the youth center. In fact, the 1984 film Breakin' was inspired by the venue.
At Radiotron/Check it/Watchin' Ice-T get down....Rakaa of Dilated Peoples on Mean Streak (Crown of Thorns LP)