Steve Yano

Steve Yano, a Nikkei from Whittier, California, was one of the most influential Japanese American hip hop figures in Southern California. Renowned for his table at the Roadium Swap Meet in Torrance during the early eighties, Yano and his wife Susan sold vinyl records, cassette tapes (mixtapes), and airbrushed t-shirts. Steve's swap meet table was a hub for emerging music trends and was instrumental in the early days of hip-hop. He employed Tony A., Artie T, Paulie, and Carlos Luque (Cee One) to work for him, and it was through his connections that he introduced Eazy-E to Dr. Dre, which eventually led to the formation of the iconic rap group N.W.A.

Steve Yano’s influence extended far beyond the swap meet. Born in Chicago on July 27, 1952, and the eldest of three children, Yano grew up in the Japanese American neighborhoods of East L.A. and attended Garfield High School. It was there that he met his future wife, Susan, despite his basketball skills not initially impressing her. After high school, Steve attended UC Santa Barbara before transferring to Cal State L.A. to finish his psychology degree, during which he balanced his studies with his burgeoning business interests.

Life for Steve and Susan flourished during their college years. They engaged in outdoor activities such as skiing, backpacking, tennis, and volleyball. Steve established the Intruders, a sports team that included basketball and volleyball clubs. This involvement in sports and community activities expanded their social circles and community ties exponentially.

To support their college and recreational activities, Steve started selling record albums and tapes at swap meets, a business that grew significantly over time. Recognizing the financial potential in music, he eventually quit school to pursue the business full-time. He was particularly keen on a young rapper from Compton named Dr. Dre, whom he introduced to Eazy-E, leading to the formation of N.W.A. Steve's booth at the Roadium became a landmark for hip-hop enthusiasts, selling mixtapes and rap albums at a time when the genre was still in its infancy. His own label, Skanless Records, launched several popular rap artists.

Beyond his contributions to music, Steve was deeply involved in community activities, especially in sports. He helped Lyle Honda establish the SGV Basketball Club, which continues to mentor hundreds of kids yearly. Yano also helped establish basketball and volleyball teams for the Tigers organization, all while taking on more home duties as Susan battled cancer.

Once his daughters, Sheri and Stephanie, reached high school, Steve became a volunteer coach at Troy High School in Fullerton. His coaching style emphasized success both on the court and in the classroom. Steve’s commitment to his athletes and his own children was profound. Stephanie, inspired by her father's dedication, chose to attend UC San Diego for its academic strengths and walked onto the basketball team.

Tragically, Steve Yano's life was cut short when he fell from a ladder at his Whittier home on September 17, 2014, suffering a mortal head injury at the age of 62. His passing left a significant void in the community. Susan Yano, in preparing for his memorial service, recalled fond memories and anecdotes about Steve's character and contributions.

Steve Yano’s legacy is celebrated not only for his pioneering role in the hip-hop industry but also for his unwavering dedication to community and family. His impact on music, sports, and countless lives continues to be felt, illustrating the profound ripple effects of his life's work. The auditorium at Evergreen Baptist Church, with over 1,000 seats, was expected to be filled to capacity for his memorial service, a testament to the lives he touched and the lasting impression he left behind.

• Yano's article in RAFU.