Straight Outta Long Beach – Sublime, Snoop, T.S.O.L… Why Does The LBC Produce So Much Talent?

To locals it’s the “City With No Pity.”

The Beaches haven’t had a surfer on them in decades.

Though Long Beach should feel like it’s in LA’s shadow, in some ways, it shines brighter than the county its within. Over the past twenty years, Long Beach has produced some of the most important bands in the rock and hip hop scenes. Sublime‘s late Bradley Nowell and his band mates Bud and Eric, were famously known for their love of the dirty streets of the LBC. And let’s not forget to mention the one and only Snoop Dogg… Has he ever produced a song without calling out his hood? So, what’s with Long Beach? Is it the blue-collar nature of the city? Are it’s locals born with talent? Is there something in the water? Why has it produced so many artists? And, why do so many feel compelled to rep their home town?

I need these questions answered.We’ve mentioned Sublime, how’s about we take a look at some other Long Beach talent you’ve heard of, but maybe didn’t know they were from the LBC.

No Doubt's Adrian Young / Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images. 

Born in Long Beach, Adrian grew up going to see SoCal bands perform, including No Doubt, before he joined the band in 1989.  He is also involved with the Long Beach band, Mo Bigsley, which has played at infamous LB venues, such as DiPiazza’s.

Snoop at Long Beach Poly High (photo by Estevan Oriol who kicks ass, according to Lightning)

I don’t practice Santeria, but I’m a G  Comin’ from that mad ass L.B.C. Three, two, one One, two, three We all qualified to represent the L.B.C.- Doin’ Time (Remix) Snoop D-O-Double Gizzle is famous for repping Long Beach.  The rapper, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr., began his musical aspirations at Golgotha Trinity Baptist Church, where he sang for the congregation.  He later attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where he “allegedly” sold classmate Cameron Diaz pot..allegedly.

Cold War Kids

Rock band, Cold War Kids, made Long Beach their home a few years ago, moving from a far off land known as Fullerton.  They love to support local culture, having performed free shows in the Long Beach Arts District, as well as drummer, Matt Aveiro, using the backdrop of the city in his short film, “Jen In The Painting.”