Sideshows started in Oakland, but they weren’t always reckless [Video]

Sideshows, now the target of police crackdowns and neighborhood criticism, were not always scenes of gun violence and dangerous car stunts.

Oakland beginnings

The backstory:

They began as cultural gatherings for mostly Black Oakland residents in the 1980s, specifically at Eastmont Mall, where proud car owners showcased their fancy rims. Today, these events have separated from their original roots, much to the dismay of some of their pioneers.

“When we first initiated it, it was about showing off your cars, trying to get with the females, using your car to get the attention, without all the burning rubber,” said DJ Daryl, who created some of the sounds heard at the early sideshows and later produced hits for Tupac, such as “Keep Ya Head Up.”

Flashy events

What they’re saying:

He remembered sideshows as flashy events and a time to shine, minus the riffraff that later became synonymous with the events.

“Like a fashion …