By Gerrath McDaniel

–

Los Angeles is one of those special places where borders between music scenes and artists seem to not exist; where collectives, labels, and talent are ready for a collab. One might see their favorite artist attending an event as a guest that is a genre very different from their own. I’ve had these moments countless times in LA at the shows here included.

These photos were taken in only a few short months during the summer of 2012 covering the humble beginnings of Boiler Room: Los Angeles, a local favorite the Check Yo Ponytail series of shows that was held at the Echoplex, and one of LAs ultimate locations where 90’s and early 2000’s hip hop fashion meets music Freak City.

In the early days of Boiler Room: Los Angeles there was no set location often being held in the back of printing press shops, warehouses, and in one case a last minute change to a house’s living room. Back then the video stream was supported by a single webcam no more powerful than the one on an old MacBook; now of course production spans across multiple HD cameras with a full crew.

Though this was the case it’s amazing to see where the artists who played these shows 3 years ago are now today. Featured in one of the photos is DJ Pierre, an Acid House legend in his own right; and in another, Shlohmo who has put out a successful album as recently in 2015 Dark Red as well has produced for the likes of Tory Lanez, Banks, and Jeremih. Jerome LOL is another artist featured in these photos and one half of the duo “DJDS” (DJ Dodger Stadium) with Samo Sound Boy who were both recently credited on producing multiple tracks on Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo including the track Ultralight Beam.

 

Check Yo Ponytail had some of the strongest bookings with best buzz bands and rising musicians of the time. These photos show the rising Raider Klan rap group with its leader SpaceGhostPurrp and former member Xavier Wulf (aka Ethelwulf). The other headliner of that  very same show was the hardcore punk group Trash Talk.

Trash Talk is no stranger to being on the bill with rappers having toured with friends Odd Future. This booking went to show that Check Yo Ponytail was willing to take risks and mix it up, but this isn’t uncommon of all shows in LA either. The crowd was a mix of Raider Klan fans who appreciated the Memphis rap style jumping up and down bobbing heads to the SGP set to Trash Talk fans who created a full out mosh pit crowd surfing included. Both fan bases intermingled and respected each other, many fans even were there to see both artists play. Another Check Yo Ponytail show pictured here that was thrown included How to Dress Well, Groundislava, and Beacon all on the same bill. Groundislava’s moody synth based instrumentals were a nice contrast to the headlining How to Dress Well’s soulful voice who included a violinist in the live band.

Freak City is one of the premier LA boutiques if you’re trying to get unique 90s and early 2000s hip hop fashion. The stores decor reflects this style. Ran by Justin Time who also does music, it has seen some of the LAs best after hours parties. Included here are photos of Justin performing as well as rapper Mykki Blanco who has worked with DJ and producer Brenmar in the past.