I grew up in Los Angeles, California during the 80s & 90s when Southern California's Gang Violence was at an all time high.
Most people that know anything about hip hop or rap music know of the notorious Compton, Ca popularized in the 80s by N.W.A. The godfathers of west coast gangster rap & Long Beach, Ca that was later made famous by Dr. Dre's protegé Snoop Dogg but, few have heard of the city that lies between the two called Carson, Ca.
It doesn't matter that Carson has produced more Professional Athletes, Actors & Entertainers than both Compton or Long Beach it also doesn't matter that Carson has produced more business professionals, educators, innovators and community leaders than Compton or Long Beach as well. The only thing that seems to matter when it comes to the popularity of the 3 cities in comparison is which one has produced the most popular rapper.
Carson has one of the richest industrial histories in Southern California as well producing most everything from refined oil to skin and hair care products. It is also the home of the Good Year Blimp and host of the 1st airshow ever. With such a rich history and culture to its credit, it would seem that the city would be more known across the country but, thanks to the media's negative depiction of hip hop, rap and west coast gang violence this once affluent city is relatively unknown outside of Los Angeles county and virtually non existent to people across the country.
It seems to me that there are two worlds that co exist in Los Angeles. There's the popular idea of Los Angeles being a place where the beautiful people of the world enjoy fun and sun, Beverly Hills, the beach and Hollywood. Then there's also the fame of the L.A. Underworld known for drugs, gang violence and the massive homeless population.
Carson is no exception to this dichotomy. On the surface It is known as being one of the cleaner cities in Los Angelean sub urbia but also suffers the same downfall as its neighboring cities. In the early 60's, the more well to do members of the black community migrated to cities like Carson in search of a clean and wholesome environment to settle down and raise children but as the effects of Regonomics took hold of the nations economy in the early 80s we began to see a drastic change in lower and middle class communities across the nation and with the black panther party being destroyed by political persecution and the flood of heroin on the streets, there was no longer a buffer to protect the black community from the spread of crack cocaine, aids, gang violence and it's ultimate demise.
Soon the cities that make up Los Angeles County took a turn for the worse. Once taking pride in the advancements that were made during the 60s & 70s with more and more black people being home owners and business professionals, these communities soon started to pride themselves on who had the most street credit and which gang "put in the most work".
Now, the reputation of being "Real" seems to be all that matters and without a publicly known figure with a vocal role in commercial media to popularize the city once considered to be a beacon of African American achievement... We are left with only the stereotypical images Los Angeles County being full of Khaki Sagging Gangsters getting drunk In front of liquor stores, Esés & Low Riders "bending corners" & "hittin' switches", Baby Mommas, Bitches and Hood Rats. Although, California is diverse enough to house all of these stereotypes and more. I am here to represent the "more".
I am a product of my environment. I am a product of Carson, Ca. Support my movement and help shake the mental slavery placed on our brains by the Media and Corporate America that continuously bombard our minds with the negative imagery used to promote poisonous products to our youth, our families and our communities. Stand & fight for the betterment of our future!!!
The Effn.
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