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The Summer Block Party: Import Jam 1999
Date: June 13, 1999
Location: San Francisco, California
Producer: AsianScene (in partnership with local media)
On June 13, 1999, AsianScene hosted Import Jam, an event that distinguished itself from the stiffer competition shows by leaning heavily into the “lifestyle” aspect of the culture. While other organizers focused on technical judging, Import Jam operated as a cultural hub for the Bay Area’s youth, merging the automotive world with the region’s dominant hip-hop and radio scenes.
The Media Partnership
A defining feature of Import Jam ’99 was its integration with mainstream radio. The event featured official guest appearances by personalities from 106 KMEL, the Bay Area’s premier hip-hop and R&B station. On-air talent, including Chuy Gomez, Trace-Dog, and Franzin, were present to host segments, cementing the link between the “Hyphy” movement and import car culture.
The Talent and “Show” Elements
Unlike the trade-show atmosphere of the Cow Palace Autorama, Import Jam prioritized entertainment.
- Model Headliners: The event featured the “Big 3” of the Northern California model circuit. Francine Dee headlined the roster, joined by local favorites Maribel Wong and Esther Wang.
- Talent Competitions: The stage schedule included the Pinnacle Talent Show, showcasing breakdancing and hip-hop dance crews, further pushing the event toward a variety show format rather than a strict car exhibition.
- Vendor Presence: Modeling groups and crews such as ZoomX, Synergy, and Zero Gravity managed high-traffic booths, distributing flyers and selling branded merchandise.
Automotive and Lifestyle Trends
- RC Racing: A unique trend specific to the 1999 AsianScene events was the inclusion of organized Street R/C Racing. Attendees brought modified 1/10th scale touring cars (often matching their full-scale vehicles) to compete on temporary indoor carpet tracks.
- Fashion: Survivor footage and reports from the event note a distinct fashion trend among attendees: the prevalence of “slogan” t-shirts. Specifically, shirts referencing the Trick Daddy song “I’m A Thug” (with the phrase “I Know Nann”) were reportedly a common sight on the show floor.
- Vehicle Highlights: The show floor featured the standard-bearers of the NorCal scene, including the candy-painted Integras and Civics that had appeared in magazines like Super Street earlier that spring.
Import Jam on June 13, 1999, represented the “Community” side of the scene. It was less about winning a plastic trophy and more about the convergence of local radio, dance culture, and automotive passion, serving as a mid-year celebration for the San Francisco enthusiast base.
