Snoop Dogg’s 54th Birthday Had the ’80s on Wheels
Snoop Dogg turned 54 with an 80s roller-skating party at his Compound in Inglewood, and if you know Snoop, you already know the night was never going to be a basic celebration.
My outfit was as 80's as a it could get- a black, gray and lavender mullet, sheer tights, tube socks and white leather skates, felt appropriate considering I was headed to Snoop’s Compound for a night built around one very specific requirement: come ready to roll.
I rolled in and the 80s theme was everywhere. The fashion ranged from colorful tracksuits and throwback silhouettes to the kind of looks that made you realize some things really do come back around. The skating floor was already becoming the center of attention, and the room had that particular kind of energy you get when a guest list is full of people who actually know each other.
This was not one of those birthday parties where everyone stands around in a circle holding the same drink for four hours.
People were skating.
Mike Epps hosted the night, Tiffany Haddish brought the comedy with a set, and DJ Whoo Kid and DJ Battlecat kept us jammin'. Around them were familiar faces including Doug E. Fresh, Omar Gooding, Flavor Flav, Kym Whitley, Cali Swag District, Chef Boy, The Alchemist, The Voice, Trinidad James, 19 Keys, Problem, Watts Homie Quan and Zoe Osama.
Then Snoop got on the floor. That was the part I was waiting to see. The birthday gangsta could have easily spent the night posted up somewhere, greeting guests and letting everybody else entertain him. Instead, he was out there skating with Boss Lady, moving around the floor while everybody else carried on around them.
One thing I know is, Dogg doesn't just host a party; I always see that he enjoys them with us.
The 80s theme gave everybody a reason to loosen up, but Snoop and Boss Lady on the skating floor gave the night its best visual.
The food was just as much a part of the experience. BBQ brisket, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, chicken and waffles, greens, cornbread, beef empanadas and an open bar meant nobody had to choose between skating and finding something to eat. You could do both, although attempting to skate immediately after loading up a plate was probably a personal decision.
What I liked most about the night was that it actually felt like a party.
With Snoop, there is always going to be a recognizable guest list, but the room never felt like it was built around people trying to prove they were somebody. Doug E. Fresh could be there. Flavor Flav could be there. Tiffany Haddish could be doing comedy. Mike Epps could be hosting. Snoop could be skating. And everybody could still just be there to celebrate.
That is a different kind of access to Los Angeles culture, and it is one of the reasons I enjoy covering these moments in the first place.
You get to see the people when they are not standing on a carpet waiting for the next camera flash.
You get to see who is actually laughing, who can skate, who probably should not be skating, who came dressed for the theme and who clearly decided the theme was optional.
And once I had the skates on, there was really only one thing left to do: get on the floor and see what happened.
Snoop turned 54, took the party back to the 80s and gave Inglewood a night on wheels.
I was there in a pink leotard, documenting it from my side of the rink.
And yes, I still have the pictures to prove it.
The culture moves quick, but my ink is quicker.
Pynnderella, The Fairytale Connoisseur
