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Part 6: Skipp Townsend on Daily Shootings in 1988: It Was Normal, But No One Said It Wasn't Healthy
Part 1: Skipp Townsend on Crips Co-Founder Tookie: Soon As We Saw Him Coming, We Were Gone
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Skipp Townsend reflects on the tumultuous times during the late 80s and early 90s in Los Angeles, highlighting both the dangers and dynamics of the streets. Townsend narrates harrowing incidents involving friends, including kidnappings and murders, demonstrating how financial influences significantly escalated violence during that era. Amid this backdrop of chaos, Townsend found himself entangled with law enforcement but decided to pivot his life path by transitioning to a tow truck business, finding it surprisingly lucrative.
Townsend also sheds light on hip-hop's intertwining with street life, particularly through the rise of Death Row Records. He reminisces about the growth of Death Row under Suge Knight and its cultural impact, feeling a sense of vicarious pride as it brought attention to L.A.'s street culture. A poignant part of the conversation revolves around Townsend's acquaintance with Orlando Anderson, widely speculated as involved in Tupac Shakur's murder. Despite Anderson's notoriety, Townsend recalls attempts to steer him away from his tumultuous path.
