If you’ve ever visited San Bernardino, California, then you know it’s not a pretty site. I should know, I was raised there. However, once in a while a glimmer of light passes through the city that brings hope. I met hope at The National Orange Show a few weeks ago, and he was a bad-ass Chicano named Frost.

The Man:

If you’re not familiar with Kid Frost, he was the first rapper to bust open the doors for Mexican Rap Artists in the United States. He is the undeniable Godfather of the modern “Chicano Rap” genre, and he doesn’t take shit from anyone.

Frost made his first big impression on the rap game with his song “La Raza” in the early nineties, spawning a string of hits that includes “La Familia,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and my personal favorite “East Side Rendezvous.” Listening to these songs, I am reminded of how great Chicano rap once was, and where it could go if today’s Chicano rap artists could spit like Frost.

The Encounter:

As me and my family were looking for the best fried, greasy Orange Show Festival food to eat, a booth caught the eyes of my father. Dad noticed a black sports team shirt that read “Los Angeles,” the Clippers name below being replaced with “Chicano.”

At first I felt a little uncomfortable at the booth. A white dude with blonde hair tapped me on my shoulder, and as I turned around he asked “Can I help you?” I thought he was some random guy that was tripping out on speed. He was skinny and seemed out of place in a predominately Latino crowd. He turned out to be one of Frost’s employees.

My dad wanted to know if the LA Chicano shirt came in a Lakers style. An older gentleman chillin’ in the back of the tent started to answer my dad’s questions. He was a humble, calm man, but the chains around his neck spoke of a different character.

I couldn’t quite place where I had remembered him from. Was he a family member? Maybe one of my father’s forgotten friends? I started to piece this riddle together: older, gold chains, looks Mexican, hardcore look in his face, tattoos…he’s got to be a rapper. It all clicked when I remembered seeing some photos of music producer Scoop Deville and his father Kid Frost. I was standing in front of a Legend!

I stepped back and noticed the giant “Meet Kid Frost” sign at the booth. Kid Frost CDs were sprawled on the table. What I found interesting about Frost was his non-pushy personality. Not once did he pressure us to buy his music or clothing. I guess he figured if you were really there for him and respected his talent, you would buy it regardless.

I didn’t say anything to him or act like a groupie. I hate groupies. I walked away with my father. A few minutes later I told my dad who he was, and he insisted that we go back to Frost’s booth to introduce ourselves.

After my dad said his hellos, all I told Frost was “I like your son too, he’s a good producer,” to which he responded “He was here earlier, he just left.” I thought “Damn I came so close to meeting one of the rap games hottest producers, but I’m happy I met the man who made him.”

Frost’s Ropa Clothing Line can be found here: http://www.ogkidfrost.com/Frost/ROPA.html. Sadly Frost does not have the Los Angeles Chicano shirts on his website. I knew I should have bought one at the fair!

I’ll leave you with a cool video and quote from Frost:

“All of the risks and moves that I’ve made have come from wanting to take care of my family.” – O.G. Kid Frost

Peace Ya’ll