It was the 1970s and 1980s In New York City. If there was a major club or bar, chances the mafia had their hands involved. They offered “protection” from the police closing your business [in the form of cash payoffs]. The corruption was so extensive it was considered necessary to stay open. Eventually the mafia strong hold on clubs, gambling and liquor was stopped by the FBI, prosecutors and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Clubs, Bars, Sex Parties, Back Rooms, “In House” Drug Dealers, were all the norm in New York nightlife.

S3 E9 - Hip Hop Be Bop / How It Was Made