Birds Don't Sing

“The birds don’t sing, the birds don’t sing, they screech in paaaiiin,” Aww man, I know I’m not the only one who can’t stop listening to the unreleased Clipse scorcher featuring John Legend.

Premiered during Pharrell Williams’ Spring/Summer 2025 Men’s runway show for Louis Vuitton, the beautiful yet somber track finds Pusha T and his beloved brother No Malice intricately rap about their parents death. Its official title, “Birds Don’t Sing,” derives from Maya Angelou’s book, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. The orchestra-filled single is a far cry from the group’s drug-infused lyrics and I’m truly here for it. 

“We went through all the ‘cocaine rap’ complaints, the stigma of, ‘All they talk about is coke,'” said No Malice in a recent interview. “You get tired of it. Then you realize the people who only look at it that way aren’t even listening to the music correctly.”

Huge love to Push and Malice, man.  They are undeniably two of the nicest individuals I’ve ever come across during my years at NIGO’s former NYC workshop.

“Birds Don’t Sing,” is said to be off the brothers’ upcoming album. Shii, I just hope they drop the complete project sooner than later. For now, enjoy the Skateboard P-produced banger below:

BAPE Invades China

Damn, it honestly feels like I’m working at BAPE again; this is the second article I’ve written about the iconic streetwear brand in less than two weeks *Laughs*.

Admittedly, I’m a bit disappointed that NIGO officially left his brainchild back in 2013. The consensus seems to be that BAPE has lost some of its luster (Get it? Since the shoes are patent leather?...nevermind) since the former Ape General’s departure. However, BAPE’s new owner, Hong Kong fashion conglomerate I.T Group, have been making some commendable moves, proving that their acquired label still has global appeal.

Earlier this month, A BATHING APE debuted its first runway showcase in China, gracing Shanghai with a striking introduction of the 2024 Fall/Winter collection. Highlighting its respective sub-brands: AAPE, BAPE BLACK, BAPY, APEE, and MR. BATHING APE. This marks the brand’s third show. It would have been dope if they had one while I was there—just imagine your boy shutting down the fashion show with an exclusive shark hoodie on though!

Peep the full runway show below:

Gold Grillz & Cowboy Hats

As we all patiently await for Pharrell Williams’ fashion show of his forthcoming Louis Vuitton collection, renowned French documentary filmmaker and Fashion journalist Loic Prigent took it upon himself to release his exclusive backstage footage of Skateboard P’s LV Autumn/Winter 2024-2025 spectacle.

In it, Loic candidly chops it up with the Louis Vuitton team as they explain the collection’s cowboy aesthetic.  He even highlights the models who graced the blazing catwalk (shoutout to the boy, Cam Hicks).  Shiii, I was so inspired by the show I had my own Yeehaw! moment:

Check out Loic’s captivating BTS clip below (oh, and make sure you turn the captions on):

Yeah, That's My Dawg

Before his death in 1786, the late military leader Frederick The Great stated, “the only, absolute and best friend a man has, in this selfish world, the only one that will not betray or deny him, is his dog.” Those incredibly earnest words have echoed throughout history and still remain relevant til this day in an even simpler form: “a dog is a man’s best friend.”  Well, Pharrell Williams’ Spring/Summer 2025 Men’s Pre-collection with Louis Vuitton is offering doggy lovers worldwide a new and stylish method of strengthening the bond with their four-legged pals.

The DOG LVRS collection lookbook showcases “dandy dog walkers” (that’s what the luxury French fashion house call them) in swaggy LV garbs with their fresh pooches (R.I.P to Cudi’s dog, Freshie). So many incredible threads are featured including tailored shorts, fluffy kicks patterned with Dalmatian dots, Canadian tuxedos, dog crest shirting, loafers with bone-charm collar detailing, a double-dog portrait silk souvenir jacket, dog portrait bandanas, LV-branded leather jackets, relaxed tracksuits, hoodies and wool trench coats. What made this spectacle even more special are the dogs accessories—most noticeably a Louis Vuitton monogram-covered dog house with gold trims!

Check out some of my favorite looks below:

Get ready to break the piggy bank for these treats. But then again, our furry little friends are worth every dollar. The DOG LVRS collection is scheduled to drop in-store later this year.

Soy's Sauce

This platform is all about shedding light on individuals who are thriving in their respective fields. I take massive pride in having such an impeccable knack for showcasing exceptional talent who aren’t necessarily absorbed by the “masses” yet and my next interviewee is no exception. Allow me to introduce, Isiah Pointer. 

Isiah aka “Soy” and I met during my later years at NIGO’s former SoHo workshop through mutual friends. His infectious smile and positive demeanor was always on full display each time we saw each other. So it wasn’t such a shocker when I eventually discovered he was actually hired at BAPE one year after I departed in 2015. Since working at the once coveted shop, Soy has evolved into a multi-faceted entrepreneur who is steadily making his mark in the fashion and music realm. 

I recently sat down with the 33-year-old hustler to discuss his roots in Harlem, two-year stint at 91 Green Street, Hip Hop and the inspiration behind his fledgling label, Faux Friends. Enjoy our conversation below:

FRENDY: Soy, what’s good? It’s such a pleasure having this conversation with you. The vibes were always high whenever we saw each other in the city.

SOY: Frendy! What’s the word, my man? I appreciate the opportunity—it’s an honor. The vibes were super high, man. It’s like we belonged to a special tribe *Laughs*.

FRENDY: Facts! I know you’re an Uptown cat. Where exactly in Harlem are you from?

SOY: I’m from 151st & 8th Ave. 

FRENDY: Harlem is a mecca in itself.  Full of lively personalities, fashion, sprinkled with drug paraphernalia—and a dash of danger. How was your experience growing up there?

SOY: You literally described it! It was exciting, dangerous, fun, and it made me who I am today. Especially the summertime in Harlem. It's one of those mystical experiences, so to speak. The icee man, ice cups with liquor, the flyest girls, that New York energy. Neighborhood cookouts were something EVERYONE looked forward to, but sometimes they can get a bit dangerous after dark.  That's when your spidey senses had to be on point.

FRENDY:  How’d you get your nickname “Soy”? And what’s your real name by the way?

SOY: My real name is Isiah.  Soy comes from soy sauce. When I first moved to my neighborhood no one knew my name, and while playing the dozens (cutting ass for those who don’t know), my boy Keonte was like: “you black as hell, fucc hot sauce this nigga is soy sauce”.  Also, add to the fact I actually played basketball the name stucc.  Everyone started calling me and introducing me as “Soy Sauce,” and then “Sauce” got dropped because there was too many syllables to pronounce on the go *Laughs*. 

Young Soy

FRENDY:  That’s a great origin story. You know photographer extraordinaire Sincere aka “The New Nyer” himself who I also had the pleasure of interviewing.  He lives in LA now, but how’d you two become friends?

SOY:  That's my brother right there and one of my biggest supporters. I’ve known Sin for about 10+ years and I can’t remember how we met exactly, but I’m sure it was at an event when the current culture was at its infancy. This was back when Downtown was like untapped potential *Laughs*.  Like bacc when Santos was craccin, Alife was at the top of their game, Atmos was a staple Uptown! Yeah, bacc in those days *Laughs*.

FRENDY:  Nostalgia ultra right there. Have you ever mingled with fellow Harlem reps Rocky and his A$AP cohorts?

SOY:  Once upon a time, when everything didn’t involve social politics and acts for attention.  Yeah, we all ran around together. I went to middle school with Bari & Rocky, and I met the rest of the crew at different times. I kind of stepped away from the Mob when I realized the lengths people would go just to say they were affiliated, and I didn’t want to be known as just another member of A$AP.

Soy, Bari and Friend

FRENDY:  I totally understand, you have to do what’s right for you. I remember when the Mob would stop by BAPE before they blew up. Always good talks with them on the second floor—R.I.P Yams and Josh. How were you introduced to the SoHo section of NYC?

SOY:  My boy Nice, and my boy 2nice. Nice and his team used to throw these Contemporary fashions shows at the Affina ballroom across the street from Madison Square Garden. He conducted them around NYFW and the infamous FNO (Fashion Night Out) events. Hanging out with these guys I was introduced to an entirely new crowd of people and culture.

Being from the hood, in those times, the SoHo area was taboo. If it wasn't for those guys I don’t know when or if I would have ventured into those areas. I was so fascinated and fixated on my neighborhood and the streets, SoHo/Downtown was the furthest thing in my mind *Laughs*. But when I learned there’s more to life, more to the world than just my blocc, oh boy! The moon was the limit.

SoHo during Fashion Night Out

FRENDY:  What was your first impression when you actually visited the area?

SOY:  It was nothing like everyone made it seem. Being from the hood everyone associated “the village” with SoHo. The way people spoke about it was as if there were aliens walking around in patent leather body suits with whips and chains. Homophobia was raging! IT WAS NOTHING OF THE SORT…I found it to be a safe haven. I was able to explore the things I was interested in but lacked in my neighborhood. I found that I was into fashion, and not just on a surface level. I was interested in how things were made, how they were designed and how I could actually make my own garments. It sparked the creativity inside of me. On my blocc I was just Soy, but in Soho I was Soy, the creative.

FRENDY:  My father introduced me to the area when I was a youngin’ and I never looked back.  A lot has changed over the years in the SoHo scene.  What are some of your favorite spots there? Shit, are they even still around?

SOY:  Some of my favorite spots were Alife, the OG BAPE store, Stussy, The Hundreds…just to name a few. Shout to the Privilege family! They’ve always shown me an abundance of love. They were the first and only store to carry FF® (Faux Friends). They are still going strong, putting on for the community.

FRENDY:  You were hired at BAPE one year after I left.  What was the temperature of the shop when you got there in 2016?

SOY:  I want to say it was cooling down in the sense of it becoming more corporate—especially with NIGO selling the brand to the Chinese company, I.T. Like the allure of what BAPE was dying out to me. You (Frendy) were literally the last of that era. Then when I got there, Brandley and Kev were holding on and kind of passed the torch in a sense.  But by then, it was less about community and more about the corporation and sales driven-atmosphere.

Original BAPE store on 91 Green Street

FRENDY:  When did you initially find out about NIGO’s brainchild?

SOY:  I want to say when I was 15 or 16, so 2005-06. That was around the time NIGO & BAPE burst onto the Hip Hop scene. I would see the BAPE camo [print] on certain celebrities but I didn’t know what brand it was until Pharrell started pumping NIGO. That was when it all came together.

FRENDY:  Were you able to connect with many of the high-profile clientele that stopped by the shop?

SOY:  Yeah, I connected with a few.  One of my favorites was Jadakiss. Super down to earth, he became one of my clients I would personally shop for during my time at BAPE.

Jadakiss and Soy

FRENDY:  What made you leave the store after two years?

SOY: We parted ways *Laughs*. I was too hood for them, man. Me and Matt (General Manager) had some words, I didn’t necessarily like the way they handled certain things and I voiced my opinion. That resulted in my termination…but at the same time I was putting more energy into FF® so I felt my time had run its course anyway.

FRENDY:  Everything works out for the highest good, my G. “Faux Friends” is a pretty interesting name for a clothing line. Was it inspired by tragedy in your friend group?

SOY:  I mean, at the time I was dealing with issues with some friends and also figuring out my life at that point. But the name came about when I was coolin’ with my man Bobby on my balcony when I was living in the Bronx. We were talking about fashion, music and tattoos. He then mentioned he wanted to get “faux” tattooed. I asked what it meant and he said “fake in french.”  At that moment my mind started to turn; faux-leather; fake leather; faux friends; fake friends! The rest is history.

So I’ll say it was inspired but not directly tied to any relationships at the time.  It was more so the underlying connection that EVERYTHING is FAKE or rather not as it seems.

FRENDY:  I dig it. What’s the correlation between the brand’s name and its ethos?

SOY: How many people do you associate with under the label of “friends,” but they don’t know much about you? Or rather how many times do you hear people name drop just for their personal gain to, let’s say, get into an exclusive party or get next to another person? You may think that person is a friend but they may just be an associate or just another person trying to “get on.” 

Nothing is what it seems nowadays, as if nothing is meant for what it was designed for, if that makes sense. Everyone damn near talks the same, dresses the same, goes to the same places etc. FF® disrupts that.  It’s an ode to the way things were and how things could be.

FRENDY:  I love your brand’s marketing as it takes cues from legendary streetwear brands. What would you say sets your line apart from other rising labels?

SOY:  I feel what sets us apart is knowing about the past, being present in the moment but also looking toward the future. I feel a lot of brands don’t take the time to develop the story or build that brand identity. They just make a dope piece, get it on a person of stature and make a quicc bucc. I started FF® in 2013. We’re coming up on 10 years and I’m still learning the ins, outs and nuances of the game. I’m focused on longevity and legacy not Instagram likes and followers.

FRENDY: What are some of your favorite Faux Friends pieces? And why?

SOY: Wow!  That’s a tough one. I’ll say my first FF® logo tee (the first tee I ever made). The Shaq tee, it was the first t-shirt that got attention outside my immediate audience, though it caught on like a year or two after I made it. Privilege in Japan carried it and sold out EVERYTIME it hit the racks—don’t tell Shaq *Laughs*.

Another favorite were the Dice jeans I made. It was hard denim with big dice embroidered down both legs. The details of the jeans always makes me smile because I’m a kid who went to school for auto-mechanics, supporting myself in an industry I have no experience in. I taught myself everything I know, no type of handouts or help. I’m fuccin’ proud of myself, man!

FRENDY: Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Not only do you have a clothing line, you also basically provide services for other upcoming labels that factories can offer (i.e screen printing, embroidery etc.).  What inspired the business move?

SOY:  I had the idea. I had the brand. What I didn’t have was the funds to get bulks of clothing made of every design I came up with. I didn’t even have the money to get small amounts made so I found a way to print up shirts myself. That was fine and dandy until I realized I needed money to fund what I was doing. One of my friends asked if I only print for myself or did I print for others as well and I immediately took the job. Right after, I realized there was an abundance of up and coming brands and businesses that either like myself didn’t have the funds to gets bulks of clothing made or simply didn’t know how to even go about getting merchandise made. So I figured I could turn what I was doing into a business to help others, as well as a fund FF®. That is when CANAL STREET YACHT CLUB LLC aka CANAL ST PRINTING was born.

Soy in his studio

FRENDY:  “Faux Friends” was founded in 2013 and you left BAPE in 2018. Is it safe to say you’ve learned a thing or two about the fashion game from your experience working at the coveted shop?

SOY:  HELL YEAH! I learned how, if done right, you can have a huge impact on the culture you inhabit. I learned about how the business works and how important relationships are, wether they’re “real” or “ faux” *Laughs*. But yeah, I learned a lot working there I don’t regret anything, it was an awesome experience.

FRENDY:  In my opinion, BAPE is a university.  You started rapping at the tender age of 13. What propelled you to do so?

SOY:  Music is in my blood. My grandfather dabbled in Jazz, his half brother was Ray Charles. My grandmother was a singer. My mother, my older sister and brother also sing. Music was all around me growing up, and Rap yoked me up by the collar. It allowed me to express myself in a way I wasn't allowed to at home. I grew up a Jehovah’s Witness, so rapping was definitely frowned upon *Laughs*. Especially what I was rapping about even at 13. I remember my mom found one of my composition notebooks and she looked so disappointed *Laughs* .

FRENDY: That’s funny *Laughs*. But damn, that’s crazy your grandpa was Ray Charles' half-brother. Who were your musical inspirations when you initially began rapping?

SOY:  Yeah, it was weird how I found out. Growing up we always referred to him as “uncle Ray” when he was talked about. It wasn't until they were reading the obituary at my grandfather's funeral that I made the connection when they mentioned the relatives he was leaving behind. 

Early on I was inspired by the greats: JAY Z, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye, Mos Def etc. I wasn't only inspired by their music but also their lifestyles. JAY Z making the transition to mogul, Lupe being a skater, his interest in fashion and anime.  I ain’t gotta explain Kanye *Laughs*. 

FRENDY:  How would you describe your rapping style?

SOY:  Underground Hip Hop.

FRENDY:  Are you currently working on any new tunes? And where can people hear what you’ve got out right now?

SOY: I stepped away from making music to focus on the brand and getting it to a point where I don’t actively have to be involved every minute of the day. I am currently working on my third tape…I don’t even have a date in mind. People can find me on iTunes, Spotify etc.

FRENDY:  Why do you think music and fashion go hand in hand?

SOY: Fashion and music go hand and hand because they move the human spirit, they both evoke emotion. In our world I don’t think they exist without each other. I’ve never been to a fashion show without music, and I’ve never been to a concert with naked musicians. 

OMO III: Safe Haven

It is my absolute honor to present the third and final installment from my On My Own merch series. This exclusive piece takes shape in the form of an organic french terry pullover hoodie, which features my freshly dressed animated character and the infamous BAPE couch that was on my “second floor office” at Nigo’s former SoHo workshop. 

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, the hoodie’s artwork is self-explanatory to the thousands of patrons who have visited me during my time at the iconic BAPE store on Green Street. A ‘Safe Haven’ is defined as a place where someone goes to be safe from danger or attack.  It would be extreme of me to say the individuals that specifically came upstairs to see me were looking for refuge.  However, I must admit they always felt much more at ease after our intimate conversations. 

There’s truly nothing better in the world than inspiring someone to be their highest, happiest self. I feel blessed to have played a small role in the lives of individuals who have felt touched by my words or simple acts of kindness. I love y’all.

Shop HERE.

Golf Wang in NYC

Tyler, The Creator has officially announced that his precious brainchild of a clothing brand Golf Wang will be opening its second brick-and-mortar store in none other than the Big Apple.

Located at 35 Howard Street (damn, RIP to Opening Ceremony that was on the same strip), the new shop will contain the line’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection which includes the Golf Wang x Jeff Hamilton vegan leather jacket, honoring the NYC store’s November 12th grand opening. 

Golf Wang’s first storefront is located on Fairfax in Los Angeles, just a few steps away from the Supreme store. If you aren’t familiar, T’s brand focuses on tailored Americana staples, dope embroideries and eccentric prints. The most recent collection feature takes on wools, flannels, mohair and fur. 

It feels like yesterday when a bright-eyed Tyler walked into BAPE for the first time alongside Plain Pat and a few other music execs. The now Grammy winning multi-hyphenate was so astounded by a pair of Crapestas, he just started swearing profusely out of nowhere. I wonder what his younger self would think about him now having his very own store just a few blocks away. Minblowed, to say the least. 

Like most shops in the surrounding SoHo area, Golf Wang’s operating hours will be Monday - Saturday: 11am - 7pm and Sunday: 12pm - 6pm. I’ll definitely have to check it out—see you there!

Up Up and Away

“All good things must come to an end.” This old adage directly applies to Pharrell Williams and his whimsical jewelry. Yup, you heard me! The celebrated musician/philanthropist has decided to part ways with the OG trinkets that helped catapult his ascension into Style-God status by creating an intricate auction house coined, JOOPITER.

The selling platform’s moniker is inspired by the planet Jupiter, due to its astronomical connotation of luck, success and generosity.

“Spiritually it’s a very rich experience, an enlightening experience, to let… stories go,” says Pharrell when discussing the significance of detachment to FT.com.

JOOPITER’s first capsule—rightfully titled ‘Son of A Pharaoh’—includes 52 of Skateboard P’s outlandish pieces such as his 18k gold blackberry, legendary Jacob & Co N.E.R.D Brain pendant chain, Casio G-Shock x BAPE gold and diamond DW6900 watch, a Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk in “Black/Multicolor” monogram, and many more.

Pharrell’s inaugural ‘Son of a Pharaoh’ auction closed on November 1st and it has reported a whopping total of $5.25 million USD in sales. The items sold from $2.184 million USD all the way down to $150,000 USD (I mean, that’s not low but you get what I’m saying). Talk about someone’s “trash” being another person’s treasure, right?

Proceeds from JOOPITER’s initial offering will go towards advancing Black Ambition’s work to benefit Black and Latinx entrepreneurs.

OMO II: The Hero's Journey

I am extremely happy to present the second installment of my #OMOFrendy T-shirt series titled, On My Own II: The Hero’s Journey.

The meaning behind the top’s name signifies the return to the source of all things: one’s self. It is said that the longest journey a person will ever take is the one 18 inches from their head to their heart.  The T-shirt serves as a reminder that nothing worthwhile can be achieved in life if we keep looking outside of ourselves for validation.

“If all is in my heart and mind, then I can do it on my own” - Frendy Lemorin

The T-shirt is scheduled to drop on Saturday June 4th, 2022. Click here to shop!

Star Trak x Hidden NY

N.E.R.D’s “In search of…” album has had a profound impact on many of today’s thriving millennial artists. This year it turns 20, and to celebrate, the triumphant trio alongside Star Trak Entertainment has teamed up with Hidden NY.

“What could they have possibly conjured up?” you might ask.  Well, wait till you get a load of this.  The legendary funk rock band and record label collided with Hidden NY to create a nostalgic capsule consisting of co-branded hoodies, shirts, hats, totes and mesh shorts just in time for the summer.  Furthermore, the popular archival streetwear brand account reimagined N.E.R.D’s historic debut album cover art featuring none other than Shae Haley. In this iteration, Shae is wearing standout threads from the collaborative collection. Shout out to photographer Sam Hayes!

The pieces were initially available to subscribers of Hidden’s newsletter on June 15th, with general release on June 16th via its website. Hopefully you were able to cop something!

OMO Frendy

There’s really nothing to explain here. The FRNDY LMRN “OMO” T-shirt is for all of my supporters—especially those from my BAPE days.

Head over to the shop to own a piece of history!

Keenan

Out of the many people I’ve met during my eight years at Bape, Keenan Christian Lam is on the top 10 list of the most genuine and humble individuals I’ve had the pleasure of becoming friends with. 

The 27-year-old businessman and I were introduced to each other by our mutual friend Zachary Littman who frequently visited me at Nigo’s former NYC workshop. I established a great rapport with Zach so when he brought Keenan to my “second floor lair” we instantly clicked. Lam and I hardly kicked it outside of my old workplace, but kept in touch through social media. One major nugget I dug from my observation of him on Instagram was his undeniable love for food! 

A few months ago at my new gig, a familiar voice called out my name while I was monitoring the TSA line. I turned around, and to my pleasant surprise saw that it was the Colgate smiling epicure himself! Fortunately, foot traffic was minimal so we were able to talk for a few minutes and even caught a quick flick together. Prior to our impromptu reunion I haven’t seen Keenan in four years. 

Aside from acknowledging Lam’s exquisite taste in food, I didn’t know anything else about him. I was more than sure though that his backstory would be intriguing. I decided to hit him up and inquired about his participation in my #FrendyOriginals interview series. We didn’t have a chance to fully catch up when I saw him at JFK airport so this is the perfect chance to properly gain insight about his past.

Without further ado, indulge in my phenomenal sitdown with Keenan below as we discussed his upbringing, knack for cooking, maneuvers in the restaurant industry and involvement with KITH.

FRENDY:  How are you, Keenan? Man, we have come a long way since we first met nearly eight years ago.

KEENAN:  Frendy! Really good to hear from you, thanks for reaching out. Glad to hear you’re doing well. Just maintaining, you know?  The world is in a crazy place right now.

FRENDY:  The pleasure is all mine! Yeah, for sure—it’s nothing like we’ve ever seen on earth. I truly believe everything happens for the highest good though. This “downtime” allows us to really cherish life and appreciate our loved ones so much deeper. 

KEENAN:  I couldn’t agree more. We all need a good reset on life every now and then. We’re in the middle of two pandemics and I also agree everything happens for a reason. I’m speechless to a degree, but also confident that we’ll move forward as humans for the better.

FRENDY:  That’s a fact! We originally planned to start our conversation yesterday, but you were caught up with work. It’s good that you’re still shaking and moving during this time! If you don’t mind me asking, what was going down?

KEENAN:  Apologies about that—yeah, some things came up. I had to bring my pops to see a doctor in the city (all’s well, just a check up. Not Covid-19 related). Work wise, getting a jump on opening our KITH SoHo shop. The facade with the Nelson Mandela quote was beginning to be taken down in preparation for opening.

FRENDY:  I’m glad to hear your dad is all good. And man, you don’t know how proud I am of you and your movements with KITH. We’ll definitely get to all of that a little later on. I don’t think I ever asked but where are you from? I know Zach introduced us at Bape while you guys attended school in the city.

KEENAN:  Appreciate that man, regarding my pops and myself. I’m just trying to make moves with my head down. I’m originally from New York, born and raised. I grew up in Manhattan till I was three, then moved to Long Island and attended CUNY John Jay (shouts CUNY!). Moved to the city for school and that’s where I met Zach. Our dorm was split between a few schools. He went to LIM. We actually didn’t meet in the dorm but on a club line *Laughs*.  

FRENDY:  That’s hilarious *Laughs*. So wait, you guys didn’t even go to the same school? Wow, it felt like you guys knew each other for a while because the comradery was so strong. By the way, which club were y’all going to?

KEENAN:  *Laughs* Nah, we didn’t know each other. Couldn’t remember [which club] for the life of me *Laughs*, but I’m sure it was some college-promoted wack one. Man, we always talk about coincidence.  Zach and I had a bunch of mutual friends prior to meeting. We noticed each other when we got back to the same dorm. I don’t really remember having any dialogue with him until one day we were in the study room and I saw his “WHAT WOULD HOVA DO?” sticker on his laptop.  That’s when I said what's up.  

FRENDY: It’s a beautiful thing when the culture (I really don’t like saying that word) brings people together. What year did you guys initially meet?

KEENAN:  Agreed—any fan of HOV is a friend of mine! We met in the fall of 2011.

FRENDY:  Zach is such an awesome guy so when he introduced you to me it was no surprise that we got along so well. I think we met in 2012...I’m not sure.

KEENAN:  Yeah. Our semester started in the Fall of 2011, so we probably didn’t start hanging out for real until the following year. 2012 sounds right. 

Zach really was the best person/friend for me to meet in college. He was super passionate about the culture—about the energy that was coming out of SoHo. He literally dragged me around *Laughs*. Without him I for sure would not have been acclimated to Manhattan the way I did.

FRENDY: We all need a ‘Zach’ in our lives.  Are you guys still in touch?

KEENAN: That is a big fact. A homie that really takes time to understand you, appreciates your passion as well. Though he’s more technically versed in fashion and I with food, we always exchange our thoughts and teach each other the nuances of each world. We speak all the time. I’ve been smoking his ass in Call of Duty! *Laughs*.  Just kidding, that kid is a gaming beast. I’m still a super novice. 

FRENDY:  *Laughs* It’s all good, I was a big gamer myself (mostly played sports games though).  I’m sure you’ll smoke me in COD. When you moved to Long Island at the age of three, you hardly came back to roam the city during your adolescent years?

KEENAN:  I was returning frequently, mostly on weekends for Chinese school and seeing my family for Dim Sum (Cantonese style Brunch) almost every weekend until high school. My family’s restaurant is located in Chinatown so I only really hung out there. 

FRENDY:  Damn, you’ve been eating good all your life! Oh ok, I understand. I’m guessing you really never had the time to personally check out NYC hotspots since you were always in and out.

KEENAN:  I have a love/hate relationship when people say “eating good” *Laughs*.  It inherently means that someone is eating better than you—but I believe everyone should be able to eat well! (figuratively and literally) Everyone should have the skill to cook up and create. 

Yeah, my parents were really my only means to get in and out of the city so I never ventured outside of Chinatown as a kid. Saturday mornings meant waking up early, hit Chinatown for class, Dim Sum right after and then back to Long Island. This went on until I was about 13-14.

FRENDY: You made a great point! Everyone should be able to eat well. Nice, I’m hardly in Long Island—how was it like growing up there? Had a lot of friends?

KEENAN:  Yeah, man. I’m a firm believer that wholesome great food should be accessible to everyone. When I started to work in the industry I realized how simple good food should really be. 

Long Island was the goal for my immigrant parents. They came to this country at a young age and were raised in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens and wanted better for their children. I feel super blessed to have had the comfort of living in the suburbs. It was my “norm” but as I grew up, I started to recognize the disparity of living there and the rest of the world. I grew up with mostly White and Persian Jewish kids. I was one of maybe 10 Asian kids in my elementary school. I Have a small circle of friends that I still talk to. One thing’s for sure, I learned A LOT about the Jewish culture. Somewhat learned to appreciate it on a high level though I was not a member of the society.  

FRENDY:  My parents and I are immigrants as well so I know exactly what you’re talking about. We came to this country for much greater opportunities. It’s amazing how your parents built such a strong foundation for you and your siblings from scratch!  I know you had a few Asian kids at your elementary school, but did you ever feel like the odd man out around your peers?

KEENAN:  Absolutely—I consumed a lot of Western culture growing up so I really wanted to fit in but I never could because of: 1. Not being White 2. I wasn’t religious. So I couldn’t fit in with White Christian/Catholics kids either. There’s a deeper sense of guilt and lack of belonging when you’re born into something you can’t change. I.e; if you suck at basketball and didn’t make it on the Varsity team, that is something you can work on, you know? You can drive yourself to be better. But I’m sure you know just as well. I couldn’t change the fact that I wasn’t White or religious. I didn’t belong in this community that was so heavily run by which church, temple or synagogue you went to. I also wasn’t close to many of the Asian kids either because a good amount of them were immigrants themselves too so we didn’t have much to connect on. I must admit that I am guilty of not trying to pull the others up with me. My parents knew how to speak English.  A lot of theirs did not.  

FRENDY:  I totally understand. Don’t feel guilty—you were young trying to figure things out *Laughs*. Which high school did you go to?

KEENAN: Yeah, bro. Adolescence—confusing times right? *Laughs*. I Went to Great Neck North High School. 

FRENDY: Very! A lot of the people that knew me back then can’t even fathom how much I’ve grown. I was a super shy kid...plus I only knew how to speak French. How was your experience at Great Neck North High? Did you feel more at ease in your surroundings?

KEENAN: I do remember reading about your upbringing. Never underestimate the potential of people who have less resources than you. If there is a will, there is a way! They don’t know about Frendy’s acting career! 

I was def more at ease as I grew up. Everyone’s just basically fucking around in high school so your immediate social circle was all everyone cared about. 

FRENDY:  Thank you, my brother.  Let’s fast forward a bit. So I’ve been glued to your Instagram stories and posts showcasing the incredible food you cook up. It gets my mouth drooling every...single…time. When did your love for whipping up delicious meals come about? Was it during your HS years or later on?

KEENAN: *Laughs* I’m glad, man! I’ve always been around food via my parents. I learned to value food as a means to make ends meet since my father was in the industry. Better food meant better business. Of course my grandparents were always cooking up so I was able to get my hands dirty and build technique. I truly was always trying to cook since I could remember. 

FRENDY:  That’s absolutely incredible. Do you remember the very first dish you ever cooked?

KEENAN: *Laughs* I think the first thing I was proud of was this curry chicken salad wrap I made as a kid *Laughs*. Shouts Costco rotisserie chicken yo!

FRENDY:  Jheez! I could use some of that right now. You stated earlier that you attended John Jay college, and from what I remember it’s a criminal justice school. Why didn’t you attend a culinary institution instead?

KEENAN:  To be straight up, I didn’t have great grades. I wanted to attend CUNY Baruch, but I went to John Jay first for 2 years then transferred. I always wanted to attend culinary school, but the cost of it was pretty jarring. I figured I would just watch a ton of YouTube [cooking videos] and practice at home. I worked throughout college in the restaurant scene so I considered my jobs to be my technical training. And hey, I was getting paid for it too! *Laughs*

FRENDY:  When there’s a will, there’s a way *Laughs*. That’s crazy, I can’t imagine you without having great grades. You’re such an impeccable “mover” in my eyes. It goes to show, just because you excel in class doesn’t mean you can thrive in the school of hard knocks. When did you begin your foray in the restaurant industry? 

KEENAN: I appreciate that—I’m far from where I want to be. I’m just trying to continue navigating the industry. I was fortunate enough to work in my dad's restaurant beginning at 13. I bussed tables and learned to do some bookkeeping on the back end. From there, my first job out of the family business was at Hakkasan NYC between 2012 - 2015. I really cut my teeth there.

FRENDY:  Hakkasan NYC is top notch. How was the interview process to get in there? Did you have to showcase your cooking skills?

KEENAN: It was interesting. They needed someone who could speak both Cantonese and English, but most importantly, understood the food. I was applying for a kitchen expeditor position so I was expected to liaise between the Chinese speaking kitchen and English speaking staff. I didn’t have to show any technical skill, just good understanding of kitchen operations.

FRENDY: Wow, shout out to your parents for enrolling you in Chinese school at a young age. I'm telling you, success is honestly designed. We all need a BIG vision in order to really live life to the fullest. So, from 2012-2015 you were working at Hakkasan. Was school even on your mind during that time? 

KEENAN: I’ll be honest, I am super grateful to be bilingual. I'm not completely fluent, but it's enough to get me by. Anything is possible. My father drilled me as a kid, constantly telling us how he came from nothing. Picking up pennies on Madison St in the Lower East Side/Chinatown as a nine-year-old kid from China, not knowing a lick of English…knowledge is power. I never wanted to do that you know? I knew I couldn't fall back on the family business. I knew it was there, but it’s an artificial net. That's why I was gunning to transfer to Baruch where I wanted to attend business school.

FRENDY: Respect for not taking the “safe” route. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with going into the family business.  However, you wanted to stand on your own two.

KEENAN: Yeah, I definitely wanted to have a sense of pride in my craft. 

FRENDY: Why’d you leave Hakkasan in 2015? I’m sure you had a great run!

KEENAN: It was a great run. For the first two years, we earned a one Michelin star rating. We were at the peak of our game, but then the brand pivoted towards nightclubs and hotels. I felt the passion wasn't there anymore with the team. We didn't earn any stars after year three. I also wanted to graduate from the environment. I still love the brand though—I think they're the best in class for elevated Cantonese dining in NYC.

FRENDY: I love your integrity. What did you end up doing after leaving? With Hakkasan on your resume, was it super easy to get another fine dining gig?

KEENAN: I left Hakkasan to help my father out for a little bit, then I was fortunate enough to land a management position with French boulangerie, Maison Kayser, in 2015. I wanted to learn a different cuisine. My good friend and colleague Dennis Apreza that worked at Hakkasan moved there and put me on. From there, I learned how to operate in a French run company. I Learned a ton about the culture! I was there for eight months, then got the call from RF!

FRENDY:  The power of allies, man. Incredible. How did Ronnie get to know about all of the moves you were making in the restaurant scene? Did you send your resume out to him first?

KEENAN:  Yeah, man. I really believe in the principal of keeping your circle tight—it’s important to put your people on. I believe in Karma too. This really has stayed true with me even now at Kith. Our brand name derives from “KITH and KIN” which is old English for “Friends and Family”. As well as the #JustUS slogan. Ronnie actually had someone internally reach out to me, I was recruited. I believe in fate somewhat…I wasn’t told by the recruiter who the client was. I actually never answer those emails. I just leave them in my inbox as a gauge to see what my potential is. But for some weird reason I was compelled to answer this one. I think I was sick of waking up at 4am to open the bakery *Laughs*.

FRENDY:  That’s right out of a movie! Again, nothing is a coincidence. There is a higher power guiding us to our bliss. We just have to calm our minds and let go! Most importantly, listen to our intuition—it never fails us. We’re all human, so of course the ride gets a bit bumpy from time to time, but we learn to appreciate the journey along the way. 

KEENAN:  No doubt. Yes, I am super grateful for everything. From the luck, the believers and the bosses. 

FRENDY:  I went on YouTube to do some research on KITH Treats and the very first video that popped up was from Insider featuring you! I didn’t even know you were KITH Treat’s General Manager. Congrats!

KEENAN: *Laughs* Yeah, that was from the days of our Nike x KITH pop-up. We partnered with Nike and Snarkitecture to build an experiential space with a footwear floor, customizable tee shirt station, and of course KITH Treats. 

FRENDY:  Were you initially hired by Ronnie to be the General Manager of his brainchild’s Treats department?

KEENAN: I was first hired to be the General Manager of KITH Treats Brooklyn. I say that loosely because at the time (2016), there was only one Treats door with five employees including myself. I was fortunate enough to be part of the company during one of many growth stages. Within the first two years we grew to four doors, including one in Japan. We had also partnered with other brands to do some pretty neat pop ups. You came to visit the one on Greene St that was a partnership with thriving sports blog, Bleacher Report. 

FRENDY:  Yeah, man. I remember that day vividly.  I appreciated the hospitality for real—met some cool people. What are some of your duties as General Manager?

KEENAN:  Of course, I wanted to show you the same level of hospitality you showed me when we met at the Bape store. I was running the shop’s day-to-day ops. Basically hiring, buying, menu development and a bit of business development. My main role was to roll out the concepts and experiences that HQ was creating. 

FRENDY:  Awesome, and that’s with no marketing courses! You said “was running,” are you still KITH Treats’ GM?

KEENAN:  I think it was my passion and interest in the culture that helped me understand the business side of things. We were creating experiences—and my interest in the sneaker and fashion world definitely helped. Shouts to Zach for making connections like you and giving me a lens into this “underground” world that was known as “hype culture.” I'm now the Director of Operations for KITH Treats. I’m still hands on with the retail doors as well. I like to keep myself planted into each level of the business.

FRENDY:  My man! All deserved. When asked in a 2017 Complex video interview: “what is the most important thing for a new member of the KITH team to know, in terms of working with Ronnie Fieg?”, Ronnie stated: “work ethic on a 1,000 and no matter what your job title will be, you’re going to be wearing many many hats. Expect many things to get thrown at you and you got to be resilient.”  How often do you deal with situations that may seem “unfixable”?

KEENAN:  I know exactly which interview you’re talking about. It’s the one with RF and Noah from Complex. Love that one. Everything is fixable. As mentioned before, something my pops instilled in me is, “If there is a will, there is a way”. 

Everything is new territory for us. If it wasn’t, we wouldn't be in the business of creating or trying to shift the culture. The level of work ethic and resilience is really just the ability to see situations through from point a to point b—and being able to understand the scenario. How you’re able to be a player or “mover” and influence that particular moment you’re dealing with. Learning the game. It takes work, but it is not impossible. You don’t know what you don’t know, but you have to be willing to learn. RF always told me: “shut up and be a sponge.” That is something that will live with me forever.  

FRENDY:  I remember the day Ronnie came through to the shop and then immediately proceeded to feel the quality of one of our latest releases. Knowing how meticulous he is, how hands on is he with everything from KITH’s apparel to cereal bar?

KEENAN: Ronnie is someone who is able to succeed off his intuition. He’s still very hands on—the entire brand is built off his vision and feel. He’s doing as much as he can while growing the brand and bringing us to new places. All the projects still pass through him from design, materials, roll out and campaigns. I, to this day, still run a majority of the business by him. I think at this point he’s built a team that he can trust to share the same vision and values as he does which helps with expediting projects. 

FRENDY:  Awesome. I know you guys are cooking up tons of new heat for the fans. Speaking of cooking—I mean, that’s what we’ve been talking about throughout our conversation—what are your top 3 favorite restaurants in NYC? And Why?

KEENAN:  *Laughs* Oh man...give me a second here.  In no particular order:

1. Tetsu: Brainchild of Chef Masa Takayama from 3 Michelin Star Sushi restaurant Masa in the Time Warner building. There is this beautiful open Kitchen with counter seating which is super engaging. The drinks are phenomenal. Service is on point, Shouts to my homie Ailin Yang the AGM! (need to confirm if she’s still there). It's a really comfortable environment with the perfect balance of privacy and engagement from the Kitchen.

2. Au Cheval: Their burger is to die for. It’s the same burger from 4 Charles. The basement has this really cool underground vibe, which is a good precursor to the main event in the dining room. Great sound system in there too. 

3. Hop Sing: Chinatown spot, unfortunately I think they're still closed due to Covid-19 but that is my Grandparents’ favorite spot. Really good home style Cantonese cooking. They’re famous for their whole poached chicken in this sweet vinegar and chili sauce. The service is really what makes it for me. No gimmicks, you chat with the servers about how their family is doing more than what their menu recommendation is. True family style.

4. Raku: They have two locations I think. One in the East Village and one near NYU. Their Niku Udon is out of this world. Made with an in-house udon noodle. Most restaurants buy their noodles from vendors but when you do it in house, you really get to control the bounce and flavor. The Niku udon broth is made with braised beef tendon and brisket. It’s the best broth in NYC hands down.

5. Frenchette: This spot has one of the best wine programs in the city. Some really fantastic natural organic wines. Their grilled Turbot is fire. Their whole fish is perfect to share family style. Something about the way French cuisine balances “not pretty” produce and refining them to be super elegant.

FRENDY:  I’ll have to check those spots out. Did Anthony Bourdain play a major role in your life as a foodie?

KEENAN:  Absolutely. I really wish I was able to meet him and be graced by his energy. He was the first guy to showcase Chinese food on a mainstream level. There's an episode where he goes to visit Chinatown’s Hop Kee with my mom’s childhood/elementary school friend Chef, Chris Cheung, who owns East Wind in Brooklyn. To see a White person appreciate Cantonese cooking proved that things that I once was embarrassed of eating in the cafeteria of my school had the potential for mass appeal. He gave me and minorities like myself hope and a sense of pride. Truly a legend. Rest in peace Tone.

FRENDY:  What advice would you give someone who wants to get into the restaurant business, but has no plugs in the industry?

KEENAN:  I feel like I’m not qualified to answer *Laughs*. Food is an amorphous idea. There is always a market for what you want to create. Be true and create what is dear to you, but do your homework and learn about the fundamentals. Like any other business, the restaurant industry is about showcasing products in your own lens. The exciting aspect of it for me is that food is always tied to culture so it's important to pay homage to its origins—but more importantly understand how these techniques and melds of flavor came to be. This will help anyone navigate and direct their business’ story with integrity. Then it will never feel like work. It should feel like constant storytelling, not work. The hours are gruesome. The energy is toxic. But you must love it.

Sneek Peek

In his late 2010 hit “6 Foot 7 Foot ,” Lil Wayne famously proclaimed, “real Gs move in silence like lasagna,” and my next interviewee really took that to heart. Like Weezy, Brooklyn native Sonny Martinez’s actions speak so much louder than words. As a matter of fact, he hardly writes captions for his Instagram posts because the visuals alone are undeniably eye-catching.  Whether he’s showcasing high-end threads, his all-inclusive vacation settings or midnight adventures, Martinez simply leaves a suitable emoji under the flicks/vids so viewers can fully bask in their lavish content.

Sonny aka “Sneek” and I became friends from his habitual shopping sprees at Nigo’s former SoHo workshop. The humble businessman’s friendly nature was truly refreshing, and it was always a pleasure talking to him about all things fashion on the second floor. I haven’t seen or spoken to Sonny in a few years so I decided to catch up with him during this plandemic (yes, I spelled it right).  Furthermore, this opportunity will give me a chance to know more about the inner workings of a man with such flashy exterior. 

Enjoy my insightful sitdown with Sonny below as I provide a “sneek” peek into his fascinating life.

FRENDY: What’s good, homie? Thanks for your time. We’ve known each other for about 8 years now and it’s great to see there’s no love lost.

SNEEK:  For sure.  I think Bape was just such an influential part in my love for art and fashion.  You being there just cemented that relationship. 

FRENDY:  Well said.  Which part of Brooklyn are you from?

SNEEK:  I was Born at Lutheran hospital and raised in Park Slope when it was known as “Park Slope Dope.”  Not the hipster hotspot it is now *Laughs*.

FRENDY:  *Laughs* I love Park Slope. That area of Brooklyn actually holds a very special place in my heart. My first love went to Bishop Ford HS...after class we used to kick it at the surrounding pizza shops.  Good times. How is it now?

SNEEK:  Unrecognizable. It's all brand new condos and pre-k centers, mixed with thrift stores and bars. I remember being on 5th Ave after school, running into Bobbys Sportswear and Jean Stop to see all the exclusive sneakers you wouldn’t find at Foot Locker. A lot of great memories.

FRENDY:  That’s awesome. Speaking of sportswear, your style is on point. When did your love for fashion come about? Did your parents school you?

SNEEK:  Nah man quite the opposite *Laughs*. I grew up an only child to a single parent so there was no money for clothes or kicks— just the essentials. I remember my first “name brand” sneaker (not Payless or Fabco) was a New Balance, and that was because of their considerate price points. 

I would say my love started with Hip Hop culture and 90s media. I remember watching Michael Jordan, Will Smith, the Wayans brothers, and just always examining and admiring their style.

FRENDY:  The power of love coupled with imagination can transform any situation. In your case, the inspirations you took in gave you something to look forward to. As far as being able to cop whatever you wanted in the future. Did you ever get frustrated about not being able to wear what you really wanted back then?

SNEEK:  Not at all. Luckily, social media wasn't a thing for our generation so what you had was what you needed and it stopped there. The artistic side of me always wanted more but I would express that in drawing, coloring, etc. I was the cliche 90s only child raised in front of the TV. I’ve always excelled academically, but my true passion has always been the arts.

FRENDY:  Which HS did you attend?

SNEEK:  John Dewey HS by Coney Island.

FRENDY:  That’s crazy, I went to Lafayette HS. I was on the basketball and volleyball  team—we played against y’all often.

SNEEK:  God bless you, bro *Laughs*.  Lafayette was rough.

FRENDY:  Bruh! Who you telling? The night before my first day of school, I couldn’t sleep at all. I eventually realized it wasn’t as bad as I thought. A lot of the Asian kids had it bad there though.  Ever paid us a visit?

SNEEK:  Lafayette was on the D train line right? 25th Ave stop?

FRENDY:  Yeah.  I think so.

SNEEK:  Well, I haven’t been to Lafayette, but the kids from there would visit me and my pockets on the train ride home *Laughs*. Luckily, it was never anything serious.

FRENDY:  Aww, man *Laughs*. Truth be told, I’m such a disciplined person now because I played organized sports there. It kept me away from trouble. You learn a lot by being in a group of goal-oriented individuals. How was it like in Dewey?

SNEEK:  Dewey was amazing to me—I loved it. We were an “electoral” school where you saw your counselor and built your schedule like a college so it set us up for success. I also loved how I was able to learn about so many cultures while being there. We had it all from the Chinese community to the Italian, the Russian, Latino, goth/emo, the skateboarders, you name it we had it.

FRENDY:  Just like Lafayette.  Were you studying a specific subject at Dewey? Like a mini major before heading off to college?

SNEEK:  I attribute that to Brooklyn—particularly Coney Island. All the communities are blocks apart so we’re forced to just learn and interact with each other.  That’s why so many creatives come from here and are so diverse and successful.

I was always art obsessed. The requirement for art electives was two quarters, half the scholastic year. By the time I graduated I had taken an art class for all four years straight. And from there I went to Kingsborough College to study Graphic Design and Illustration.

FRENDY:  My brother actually graduated from Kingsborough studying graphic design as well. What was the determining factor that ultimately made you major in Graphic Design? I know you always had a love for art, but some people would back out of it because of job security etc. You know, some would rather go the  “safer” route.

SNEEK:  I grew up poor so I didn’t really think that far ahead *Laughs*. I just wanted to do something I was happy doing. Sadly, art education is very expensive—the term “starving artist,” isn't farfetched. Art has remained my passion which I feed when I can while I found a career in retail.  And unlike some, I actually enjoy it.

FRENDY:  We’ll definitely dive into your career in a second.  Kingsborough is a two-year school. Which college did you attend after graduating?

SNEEK:  None because of finances. I had no desire to take a loan and be indebted. I actually had a pretty successful career in retail from a young age and I was happy with that. I still learn on my own through different mediums and outlets.  I had friends in SVA [The School of Visual Arts] and Parsons just slammed with crazy debts from tuition.  I made the decision to just avoid that.

FRENDY:  Smart move! Our lives are pretty similar. I wasn’t able to graduate from Brooklyn College because of finances. We both made a way for ourselves through determination. When did you start embarking in the world of retail? During HS?

SNEEK:  Yeah, my first retail job was Foot Locker at 16, and then Bloomingdale’s at 19.  Both definitely fueled my love for sneakers and clothes that much more. Till this day probably my two favorite jobs I’ve held outside of my current job with StockX.

FRENDY:  You must have been pretty hyped to work at a sneaker shop at such a young age! I bet Foot Locker was the first place you applied after receiving your work papers *Laughs*.

SNEEK: *Laughs* Man, it felt surreal just being around all the things I loved and having the means now to acquire them. I learned so much there that built me into the man I am today and I am forever grateful.

FRENDY:  What were some of the lessons you learned at Foot Locker?

SNEEK:  At Foot Locker I was the only Latino there *Laughs*. My coworkers were all Chinese and my managers were Russian and Italian. My co-workers were already heavy into what we all know now as reselling. Reselling has always been huge in the Chinese community even before options like the internet and consignment shops. They also put me on to all things in the culture which was already a passion of mine because of art and pop culture.

FRENDY:  What inspired you to get a gig at Bloomingdale’s? Did you want to dive deeper into fashion?

SNEEK:  At 18, I was already an avid shopper going around the city daily.  When I didn’t have work I’d visit Bloomingdale’s, Barneys, Bape, Stussy, Kid Robot, Supreme etc. I decided to apply with a “what if?” mentality and they actually reached back. It was bittersweet leaving Foot Locker, but it definitely was an amazing experience.

FRENDY:  No risk, no gain! Congrats on that feat. Was it hard for you to get adjusted working at an establishment that didn’t mainly sell kicks? 

SNEEK:  It was easy—I was already a customer and I had love for the culture. It’s funny because I was hired to work in Women’s Shoes and it was actually a blessing. It was the easiest sales, the best commission in the entire store, and it taught me a lot about an area of fashion I was completely ignorant to. At 19, I knew the difference between a Mary Jane and a Stiletto.  Not many men can say that *Laughs*. 

FRENDY:  *Laughs* sheesh. I don't even know the difference. How long did you work at Bloomingdale’s?

SNEEK:  I was with them for two years at the flagship on 59th. An amazing experience at such a young age. I just learned so much about fashion, business, women *Laughs*, everything. Definitely a huge part of who I am now.

FRENDY: Fashion and women...say no more *Laughs*.  When we became friends at Bape, you were still at Bloomingdale’s? 

SNEEK: We definitely were because I was known for all Bape everything at that time. I’m sure you know a good friend of mine, Jordan, creator of the forum BapeTalk2. A huge staple for Bape fans since news wasn't as easy to find as it is today. 

Jordan worked with me at Bloomingdale’s and sold me my Bape duffle I’ve used in all my travels. He worked downstairs in Menswear. I would go see him everyday just to talk about Bape and Streetwear. Great friends till this day.

FRENDY: It’s a small world...especially in the Streetwear industry. Was Nigo’s former Workshop your introduction to the SoHo area?

SNEEK: Not even to be honest. You have to remember I didn't grow up with much so the Bape price points weren't even in my peripheral *Laughs*. I started out small time buying 501s at OMG and graphic tees at Yellow Rat Bastard. Supreme and Stussy were the more affordable options, but I would go to Union here and there and splurge on some Ice Cream and BBC. We both know though once I was making decent money, you couldn't keep me out of Bape *Laughs*. 

FRENDY:  That’s a fact *Laughs*. So I’m guessing your nickname “Sneek,” derived from your everlasting love for kicks?

SNEEK:  For sure. Being Latino and growing up in Brooklyn, Hip Hop culture was just a part of our everyday lives. Having a tag name was a must *Laughs*. I remember watching Wild Style and seeing the legends talking about how they got their names, the things to consider, and it just came so natural. I’ve been lucky enough that it hasn't been copycatted too much *Laughs*.

FRENDY:  We all know you have tons of kicks. What’s in your top five rotation right now?

SNEEK: Due to COVID-19 my Prada slides are currently one through five *Laughs*. I have a pretty deep collection because I do like the general releases as much as the hyped ones. If I had to pick five though I’ll go with the Jordan 5 Off-White, Nike Dunk High City Attack 1999, LV Trainer Sneaker Boot (the ones that look like the Jordan 3s), Jordan 4 Cool Grey (too good, match with everything and amazing quality), and lastly the CPFM AF1 white/white, the perfect summer shoe.

FRENDY: That’s an all star lineup right there. Earlier you mentioned working at StockX. What exactly do you do there?

SNEEK: I am the Lead of the Streetwear department, so basically everything we trade that isn't sneakers comes through my team.

FRENDY:  Wow, that’s a great look!  It’s well deserved. How’d you land such a crazy gig like that?

SNEEK: Good friends, man. My boy Chico Dusty (aliases only *Laughs*) had been there for some time and felt like the opportunity was a good fit for me. Till this day I thank him because it has truly been a blessing.

FRENDY:  This is just a testament that energy never lies, man. Impossible is nothing when you remain yourself and get things done in an efficient manner. The dots will connect themselves.  How long have you been working at StockX?

SNEEK: This July makes a year.

FRENDY: Nice. What are some of the things you’ve learned so far from being at such a profitable organization?

SNEEK: At the end of the day, the company is still technically a startup with less than five years in. It's dope to watch something grow right in front of you to new levels. It also feels good to know that I’m doing something with a passion that's been in me from day one. And I’m sure it's evident to my peers and my team.

FRENDY:  What are your views on the current state of Streetwear?

SNEEK: I love the current state of Streetwear. I love that I see so many new and old faces just reinventing the wheel everyday. To make something as simple as a graphic t-shirt feel new and refreshing in 2020 is a true skill.  And even if it doesn't fit your personal taste, you still have to recognize the effort.

FRENDY: Since we’re talking about graphic tees, I’m really digging what you’re doing with your clothing line, Save Mankind. Can you tell me more about the brand? What was the inspiration behind it?

SNEEK: For sure, and thank you for the compliment. Save Mankind was an idea I had in 2013 for a lifestyle brand with humanity and community as the inspiration. My end goal is a making a brand that makes you feel as good about the message as you do about the piece. It hasn't been easy as I’ve managed a lot on my own. Plenty of trial and error and money lost.  But it's something I'm confident in and I have no intentions of giving up.

FRENDY:  It’ll all be worth it in the end—trust!   You’ve extended your personal brand with a podcast as well. I checked out some episodes of “Ight So Boom,” and it was hilarious. Just you and your boys kicking it...very natural. 

SNEEK: Thank you, bro. We started in February of 2018, and just like the clothing line, it's been a lot of trial and error. Thankfully, we have a great team between myself, Jae Yannick (the host), Tony Whiteman (the OG), and Travis Whiteman (the human bot). I think what makes us special is how we are just genuine fans and consumers of the culture. We are not on a payroll, we don’t get plugged or seeded product. We are just four friends who like to roast each other while trying to figure out what we need and what we hate *Laughs*.

FRENDY: *Laughs* The best formulas are always the simplest. I couldn’t end this interview without talking about your favorite emcee in the entire universe, Lil’ Wayne. What do you resonate most with him?

SNEEK: Oh man,  where do I start? *Laughs*.  It started super early, I want to say 99-00. This is the corniest thing I'm going to admit but I lowkey follow the zodiac pretty closely, and Wayne being only a couple years older than me (birthday three days after mine), I just felt a connection. The one thing I want people to take from this question is how important Lil Wayne has been not only to rap but to fashion and Streetwear. 

He gets clowned a lot now for his eccentric style, but he has by far the most iconic Bape photoshoots and videos. I would even dare to say “Hustler Muzik,” is where Bape became a household name. Sure Pharrell, Cassidy, Curren$y all wore it first but Wayne did it best. I could go on, but I don't want to bore anyone.

FRENDY: This is a silly question: so what’d you think of “Mr. Me Too,” by Clipse? *Laughs*

SNEEK: As a true Wayne fan it was comical because if you follow Wayne, you know he doesn't care about anyone's opinion.  So to make a song about his choice in clothes is pure comedy.  As a fan of Pharrell and Clipse,  it was just an amazing song with a great music video. 

In that whole drama the only people that lost out were the fans because of the great music we were denied. On his mixtapes he has two records produced by Pharrell that even today would be hits, but they never saw the light of day due to...clothes?

FRENDY: I feel you on that.  I really do admire Wayne for having such a “I don’t give a fuck about what you think of me,” attitude.  It’s really one of the keys to success—remaining true to yourself. 

SNEEK: If you want to be original, just be you. They can copy it all but there will always be only one you.

FRENDY: That’s a fact!  With all of the amazing things you’ve got going on, what’s up next?

SNEEK: Continuing the clothing, the podcast, and just keep building my personal brand and portfolio. I’ve been lucky enough to have partnerships with brands like Hat Club and create relationships with people like Dennis Todisco (creator of @Outfitgrid) and @Hidden.ny on Instagram. I just want to keep creating, inspiring and just be genuinely happy.

COMME des CACTUS

From solemn red hearts to overly happy yellow smileys, neither COMME des GARÇONS nor Cactus Plant Flea Market have shied away from bold graphics and flashy colors. With the two collaborating for summer pieces, we can only expect Cynthia Lu and company to go ham and bring about the Pharell “Happy” vibes.

One shirt, splattered with red stars, is designed with the classic CPFM smiley face stacked upon the phrase "BE KIND” and CDG’s text logo in bold font. The second tee brings about colorful red and green suns, which represent the warmer season and its joyous mood. In addition to the companies’ co-branding are the positive messages: “GO BE KIND” and “GROW.” Heaven knows we all need to be both during these unprecedented times.

These pieces are definitely a look. Whether worn with simple sweat shorts, old skool vans, and topped off with a cap and chain, or styled with a light flannel and matching air forces, they’ll grab anyone’s attention. To those of you who copped on May 7th congrats! I was fortunate enough to hit on the “ye must be Born again” hoodie Easter drop myself.

Written by Vignesh Mannemela

Get Flee In The New Flea

About a month ago, Cactus Plant Flea Market released a rather unique iteration of the Nike Blazer Chukka which sold out before it could even cool down! (Get it? Blazer...y’all ain’t ready for the bars).  Made under the Swoosh’s “By You” customization platform, customers were able to remix their respective pair with an array of materials, patterns and colors. The shoe itself features deconstructed edges, quiltings you can find on your grandmother’s favorite comforter, asymmetric textiles and a tan upper comprised of mixed materials.  

Now, Cynthia Lu’s brainchild is gearing up to deliver yet another hotly anticipated sneaker with the american multinational corporation utilizing its classic Air Force 1 model.

Already worn by two of Hip Hop’s major braided up players, Travis Scott and ASAP Rocky, the CPFM x Air Force 1 is made with the silhouette’s triple black and white colorway. As seen on Instagram, Flacko rocked the “Air Flea” version in black, while La Flame flexed in the “Air Sunshine” pair in white. Rimmed with a potent reflective material, the bold letters (they resemble those on Scottie Pippen’s Uptempos) are located across the kicks’ upper.

Unfortunately, there’s no word on when these are going to drop. Knowing CPFM’s style, these bad boys will be sold in limited quantities!

A Brief History Lesson on Cactus Plant Flea Market

The fast rising label was founded by mysterious designer Cynthia Lu, who was a former intern for Complex and then later worked as Pharrell Williams’ assistant.  As you can see, she took a page right off The Jeffersons and swiftly moved on up “to a deluxe apartment in the sky,” which, in her case, is inhabited by other streetwear giants.

Lu has done no interviews. As a matter of fact, fans had to get their Sherlock Holmes on just to figure out that she was the mastermind behind the booming brand.  They started piecing the puzzle together after Pharrell gave her a shout out during his awe-inspiring acceptance speech for the CFDA Fashion Icon award in 2015. “So you see, I’m not a style icon. I’m just inspired—I am Other, and I’m ok with that. Someone’s gotta do it,” says a humble P.  “And to my genius assistant Cactus, listen to your instincts and the people who see the qualities in your differences, because you too might just make a difference.”

In just over a year since its inception (2015), the brand was co-signed by many tastemakers, including Big Sean, Cara Delevingne, Tyler, the Creator,Travis Scott, and of course Skateboard P (I mean, it can’t get any better than the Gawd himself).  In March of 2016, Lu revealed that CPFM would be sold at Dover Street Market New York.

The playful label has collaborated with a slew of prominent brands such as Nike, Nigo’s Human Made, motorcross brand Alpine Star and even designed merchandise for the ASAP Mob, Kanye West and Kid Cudi.

The Thiiird

Throughout my nearly nine-year stay at BAPE, I’ve encountered a vast array of personalities who taught me so much about myself and various aspects of life.  A few “bad” apples, but for the most part, I formed long-lasting relationships with individuals who remained sturdier than 2 Milly dancing at a poppin’ Brooklyn basement party.  Robert Owusu III is a member of this elite group.

Although he wasn’t a regular shopper, the fashionable Yonkers, New York native would stop by Nigo’s former shop on the release dates of our most exclusive pieces. It was during those times we were able to chat about life and practically everything else in between. Despite having a neck-breaking drip, Rob’s most defining trait is his sincerity. “A lot of people think I’m from another borough based on how I carry myself,” he humbly says.  “I enjoy the fact that nobody can never guess that.”

Recently, Owusu—also known as “The Thiiird”—and I reconnected in person after four years at his In My Miiind art exhibit which paid homage to “the nostalgic space and times that birthed a generation of creatives and dreamers.”  Which particular period of time you might ask?  It is the era of 2006 through 2010, where the incomparable tandem of Pharrell Williams and Kanye West influenced an entire generation to become the “freaks and geeks” they truly are. Rob’s presentation was so inspiring, I had no other choice but to showcase his genius on this #FrendyOriginals series.

Check out the transcript of my sit-down with The Thiiird, as we discussed Skateboard P and Ye’s undeniable influence in pop culture, his childhood years in Yonkers, fashion, and artistic endeavors.

FRENDY:  My man, Rob.  I’m really looking forward to the gems that are about to be dropped in our talk.

ROB:  First and foremost, thank you for interviewing me. We’ve known each other in passing since the BAPE days. It’s ironic that we are doing things creatively and linked up on the same frequency. Always been a genuine person so I thank you for that.

FRENDY:  The pleasure is all mine.  You revealed earlier that you were actually born in Harlem.  When did you move to Yonkers?

ROB: Yeah, my family moved to Yonkers when I was about two years old.  Like DMX said: “home of the brave, baby. Home of the brave.”

FRENDY: Those who are uninformed would assume that people from “the backyard of the Bronx” are mean, rugged, and just straight up grimey *Laughs*. You’re the total opposite of that stereotype.

ROB: I mean, Yonkers is the lost borough.  It still gets real in the field out there, but it isn’t the way it used to be. Yonkers is a place where unity isn’t practiced since most have a “crabs in a barrel” mentality and everyone wants to be “the man”. But now things are starting to change and there are a few who are leading the pack. You have DJ Steph Cakes, who recently opened for Meek’s Motivational Tour, you have Iman who is doing songs with The Lox, Rondon doing beats for HighBridge, Sav The Genius, Prada Mama, and more.

FRENDY: How was it like growing up in Yonkers? Were your parents strict?

ROB: Growing up in Yonkers was the average ghetto story. The normal: parents trying to make a living for my brother (Brandon) and I, keeping us out of trouble in the best way possible. They also instilled principles and morals within us that we still carry on till this day. My parents are from Ghana and they were NOT lenient. I’m sure if you ask anybody whose parents are from a third world country would say the same *Laughs *. But they did the best that they possibly could for Brandon and I.

FRENDY: Did you experience any sort of hardships in school?

ROB:  I would say one of the hardships in school was finding friends that shared similar interests as me.  I had a few close friends though. Looking back, I’ve realized that my gift was being able to relate to all different types of people. I had honors classes with the smart kids, Spanish community embraced me, the hood dudes messed with me by default. I don’t judge anyone and do not care about status or race—I believe that’s how the world should rotate. Slowly but surely.

FRENDY:  Same here, I’ve always had the ideology that we’re all one. When did you start caring about your aesthetics and such?

ROB:  I started very young. I started caring about clothing and my appearance in fifth grade.  My cousins would put me on to what was cool and what wasn’t. One of my cousins, Trisha, lived in the Bronx and she had EVERYTHING.  We would travel there to just observe and bring the swag back to Yonkers.

I started taking my style seriously once I found out about SoHo—thanks to Pharrell wearing BAPE. I was mesmerized by the Bapestas he wore in Jay-Z’s 2004 documentary, Fade To Black.  Once I found out that BAPE had a store in New York, things only snowballed from there.

FRENDY: Yeah, when I was informed that Nigo opened up a store in New York, I knew I was supposed to work there. It took a few years, but my dream came true! Do you remember your very first purchase from The Busy Workshop (BAPE’s old moniker)?

ROB: Of course, like it was yesterday! My father took me. It was my first $200 sneakers at the time. I was in middle school so this was around 2004-05. The beginning of a big spending habit *Laughs*. I had to beg him to take me. This was when I would get lunch money. I literally saved up $2.00-$3.00 religiously. I believe I was a few dollars short and my father spotted me since he saw how determined I was to purchase them. From the aesthetics of the store to the consumers coming in, I knew this was where I belonged.

FRENDY:  Crazy.  Were you the first person in your hood with Bapestas during that time?  If so, that’s legendary status *Laughs*.

ROB:  At this point, Stas started to get popular with [rapper] Cassidy having it in his videos and etc. There were a lot of fakes floating around. Maybe not the first, but I was probably the youngest to my knowledge.

The only person I knew with an authentic pair was my close friend Sway who I met my freshman year of high school. I gained his respect on being that young with the style I had.  We literally learned the streetwear game together. From then on, we started bonding off of similar interests and did campouts. We were the ONLY people from Yonkers on all the lines. We had to stick together.

FRENDY:  Funny how fashion can bring people together.  I was initially drawn to Pharrell and Kanye’s artistry because they were winning by simply being themselves during a time where gangster rap was dominant. I’m sure you were intrigued by them for the same reason.

ROB: Exactly. Coming from where I'm from, we’re only exposed to so much. I thrived off of anything that was different from all spectrums. From fashion, music, and art, these were the figures who were being themselves and still had the ability to thrive in hip-hop. To finally find an area [SoHo] where I stumbled upon kids who looked like me—I felt like I found my nirvana.

FRENDY:  The two albums that changed your life are Skateboard P’s debut solo album, In My Mind, and Kanye’s third project, Graduation. Why were those two so monumental for you instead of their earlier works?

ROB: Oh man! Those two projects were like a breath of fresh air sonically, never mind the backpack luxury bars. Rap has always been this boastful, rambunctious art form, but the way they put it together was entirely different.

I wasn’t around during the time of De La Soul or A Tribe Called Quest, but their music stands the test of time. It’s no surprise that they are the influence of Pharrell and Ye’s music. I literally lived In My Mind that summer when it dropped in July. I played the album EVERY…SINGLE...DAY. 

Graduation was the first album that I didn’t want to hear not one leaked song until it came out. I think “Barry Bonds” leaked and I had to literally keep away from the computer and radio to prevent from hearing any song from it. I’m glad I did that because when I first heard the album from top to bottom, it took me to utopia. I couldn’t get past “Good Morning.” The fact that music can have such an impact on us is really beyond me. Both of their earlier works played a significant role in my life as well and seeing the growth, but those two projects was the “baby boom” of our era.

FRENDY:  I feel you.  You know what’s strange, P felt In My Mind was a failure. In a 2014 GQ interview, he said he wrote those songs out of ego and the album served no real purpose.  I definitely disagree—that body of work helped kids like us tap into our real creative bag, you know? Like “we can do it too.”

ROB: I totally agree with you. I feel that when anyone wants to reach the masses, they have to put the medicine inside the candy. It was the perfect blend, especially at that time to penetrate musically and cross over. 

We know that Pharrell is far from being an egotistical maniac, but even at that time, I never viewed the project like that at all. I’m glad he has that in him *Laughs*.   Even with all the super flexing he was doing, I was super inspired. People still follow his way of dressing till this day. From AP’s to Goyard, that was way back in 2005. People are still playing catch up 14 years later!

 FRENDY:  A true visionary indeed.  For as long as I’ve known you, I wasn’t aware of your passion for curating. Which college did you attend? Were you an art major?

ROB: I first attended the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) as a medical major, and then transferred to the University Of Hartford in Connecticut where I graduated at Barney School of Business with a Marketing degree. I wish I was an art major *Laughs*. But it was there where I had an epiphany to go into the creative field I am in now.

FRENDY: What caused that epiphany?

ROB: Going to UHART, I was still a medical major. It was heading into my junior year when I had a realization that these courses are only getting more difficult as my interest in the field that I was majoring in. It clicked to me when it would take more effort to grasp information that would come second nature to my colleagues. To go even deeper, this was a major my parents wanted for me and I had no desire in it—I didn’t know what I would replace it with. It was a tough decision on switching majors but once I did that, everything clicked for me. It was one of the best decisions I made in my life. My father wasn’t too happy, but I think up until recently that he knows I was destined to what I’m currently doing.

FRENDY:  Proud of you for following your gut instinct. I was thoroughly impressed by your “In My Miiind” exhibit. Did you pull it off with an outside team or received any backing to complete it?

ROB:  Thank you so much, I appreciate that. I wish I had backing. Everything was self-funded and no outside team. Just home team. After countless attempts to gallerists, etc., I was not going to wait for approval for that space. I have a community behind me. It takes a village to raise a child. 

FRENDY:  Speaking of village, can you tell me a bit more about The Dynasty collective?  Was the name inspired by JAY-Z’s moniker for his former crew?

ROB: Yes, that’s where the inspiration came from. It was all my brother’s idea (Don=Brandon). We all studied the blueprints of the greats in this industry. From Ruff Ryders, to Roc-a-fella. They were only powerful because each person played a significant role. Newcomers like AWGE brought a new concept that it isn’t just about the individuals, it’s about the vision in its entirety.

The goal was to create an innovative experience with products and activities. What we all have in common is that we’re all first generation Americans. From Ghana, to Colombia, to Jamaica, to Dominican Republic, we each have a responsibility to carry on the legacy of our family. Creating a Dynasty. Trying to tie all this into an idea is when the name evolved. Jay-Z repeating “Dynasty Continues” is what we all agree with. I’m sure you remember the clip of prime Roc era of Dame saying, “Never one man above the team.”  We truly believe that. Majority rules in decisions as well as leaving any ego you may have at the door.

FRENDY:  Amazing. We all need a power crew, or like minds to help us push our agenda for the greater good.  The common denominator in all of your exhibits are the incredible neon light displays. What’s your process of making them?

ROB: I kind of work backwards. There are some artist who just create as they go, and though sometimes  I may do that, I am always thinking longevity and creating an overall experience. No matter how long it takes me. Once I have the overall theme first and what I want to convey, then it’s time to undergo the process. Sometimes I may “build too much for my bridges,” but there’s no better feeling than to create EXACTLY what I have in my head. Of course things won’t come out 100% perfect, but the 90th percentile is enough for me.

FRENDY:  Are you curating full time?

ROB: No, I am a freelance creative as an art creative and social media strategist for different companies and clients.I’m aware that galleries and art curatives frown upon that but that doesn’t stop Sallie Mae from harassing me. Got to do what I got to do. I have to fund these ideas by any means. Full time is the destination on this journey.   

FRENDY:  We’re funding our own dreams out here. Did you receive any sort of mentorship from anyone who’s deeply embedded in the art world?

ROB:  I have one main mentor in this and that is my bro Ronald Draper. He is a visual artist from Harlem whose work illustrate his experience as well as being pro-black in his message. The main thing that made us click is that he is unapologetically relentless in his work. When he has an idea, he is trying to have it out YESTERDAY. I finally met my match in level of craziness of getting ideas out. He is a hustler in every sense of the word and I believe he sees a younger version of him in me.That is why we mesh and I am grateful to have him as a mentor.

Also, another artist I have in my journey is the talented Sarah Owusu from London She has given me tremendous guidance and confidence in the intro to this art world. Ironically we have the same last name, but I think it’s the universe aligning me to her. She continues to set the bar for all African-American women in the world and we continue to root each other. I am appreciative to have her in my life as well.

FRENDY:  Who are your dream collaborators?

ROB: Since I live in multiple mediums there’s so many. Where do I begin…as far as visual goes with my light installations, I would say Kaws, George Condo, Murakami, Albert Diaz (Samo), or a Virgil Abloh and Patrick Martinez as far as collaborating on a neon since we have the same medium. With cinematography, Kid Art is at the top of the list. Photography, Nick Knight, Jonathan Mannion. Garment wise, Hedi Slimane or Raf. 

FRENDY:  I commend you for taking such a bold step in pursuing your passion.  What’s your ultimate goal in the art world?

ROB: My ultimate goal in the world is to make my mark in it. I view myself as a man in this new Renaissance that is occurring. Art spewing into all these different mediums. But I believe that they coexist with each other. The art matches the visuals which aligns with the garments which align with product and garments.

More importantly, I want to show that regardless of your background, skin color, or where you're from; you can achieve anything and everything no matter what the odds are against you. You have to be determined to get even with it. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I hope my neon is at the end of it for motivational purposes.

Three's Company

I was a bit conflicted upon seeing Pharrell Williams rocking Human Made sneakers in his GQ France cover shoot last month.  Obviously, I wanted to know how I could cop them beauties, but then again, they might have been an exclusive one-of-one pair gifted by his longtime comrade Nigo. Fortunately, they’re not!  

It was recently revealed that the shoes are in fact a collaboration between the two fashion icons and adidas.  Utilizing Pharrell’s adidas Solar Hu Glide model, the white and cream kicks showcase Human Made’s blue heart logo (P wore the red one prior), with splashes of 3M on its shoe laces, and of course the German design company’s three stripes logo at the tongue.

The only bad news is that the adidas Pharrell x Human Made Solar Hu Glides are only available at Human Made’s Kyoto store, which officially opens on May 3rd.  Hopefully they’ll make their way to the states shortly after!

Motion Picture Prince

Skater, Dancer, Filmmaker, Visionary, Loyal Black Boyfriend, oh and I can’t forget, Fashion God. These are just a few titles that boldly describe Anthony Prince. The Brooklyn-born multi-hyphenate has been flexing his creative muscles since I met him more than 10 years ago—and he still hasn’t sprained a ligament.

I left BAPE in 2015, and the only way I’ve kept in touch with many of the individuals I became friends with in Soho is through Instagram.  I’m not a slave to my home, but these articles can’t write themselves! I’m locked up, typing away in my studio for your reading pleasure (so happy that it’s not in vain).  Throughout last year when I did step out, I would frequently bump into Anthony at random places. “Yo bro, we got to have a sit down real soon,” is what I always told him, but it never panned out that way…until now.

Allow me to present my long overdue conversation with the buzzing 28-year-old entrepreneur where we discussed his childhood, come up in the video production industry, storybook love life, and future endeavors.

FRENDY:  What’s up, A! Thanks for taking the time out of your hectic production schedule so we can talk. How are you? What time did you even wake up this morning?

ANTHONY:  Yerrrr!  It’s always cool chopping it up with you. Schedule is a bit hectic at the moment, but all blessings. I woke up at around 6:00 a.m. today to finalize details for this project in Dubai which I’m very excited about!

FRENDY:  Damn, that’s amazing. It seems like yesterday when you were attending The Arts Institute of NYC, running around shooting so much visuals.

ANTHONY: *Laughs* I remember like it was yesterday seeing Cudi and you working [at BAPE], and meeting Ye for the first time. I’ve had so many amazing opportunities and moments captured all because I kept my camera on me everywhere I went.

FRENDY: Yessir, Downtown’s golden age *Laughs*. Time doesn’t exist when you’re in the moment and having fun. Speaking of Soho, when did you fall in love with the area?

ANTHONY:  I fell in love with Soho when my older sister would take me along to shop at Patricia Field on Bowery. I’d see the types of people shopping there and be inspired. In 2007- 2008, at around 15 I started running with this group called Juice Krew, which was just a bunch of kids that dressed retro, dance (Get Lite), sing, rap etc. I was the skater/dancer. We would always travel from Brooklyn to Soho.

FRENDY:  Yeah, I believe that was the first time I saw you skating around the city. Was your brother Brian a part of the crew? Because I know he’s pretty dope on the board. Also, what was the name of your skate team?

ANTHONY:  Yes, my brother Brian Prince was one of our best riders! The team was called CHC (Crack Head Central) C.R.A.C.K aka Creative Recreation at Ckost because we were breaking all of our boards like Terry Kennedy on Pharrell’s Ice Cream [skate] team.

FRENDY: Terry is a wild boy *Laughs*.  Who else was a part of the skate crew? Are you still in touch with them?

ANTHONY:  No, we don’t keep in touch with a few of the members because they went a different route in life.  But my blood brothers Brian Prince and Nino, and my boy Joseph still skate every now and then. Brian Prince is still amazing on the board and will bust a few tricks easily. Nino makes music now and It’s actually fire. Nino started off filming us and then we would edit together. He put me on and then I went to film school.

FRENDY:  Life is beautiful, man. That’s why we can’t even stress how things are going to come about because the universe has infinite ways to make miracles happen. It’s so dope that your blood brothers and yourself have such a great relationship. Which part of Brooklyn did you guys grow up in? I’m from Brooklyn as well, and I know back in the day you couldn’t just start skateboarding without looking like a madman.

ANTHONY:  We grew up in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn (Flossy 80s) *Laughs*. The skaters were considered oreos and would stay in the back of our hood (Seaview gas station). We’re Jamaican and unruly so when people saw us and commented about skateboarding, we’d be open to start conversing about it.

Pharrell made it ok for us to do so because around the time “Mr. Me Too,” ft Clipse was bumping heavy. It turned a new leaf in our neighborhood—you didn’t have to be gang affiliated or a “Shotta” (Jamaican gangster or dancer). Girls in the hood called me skater boy *Laughs*.

FRENDY:  So you’re saying no one really stepped to you guys for being “different” ?

ANTHONY:  People respected us already. It was more of people having someone they knew who skated to be able to make themselves more familiar with it.

FRENDY:  How many siblings do you have altogether?

ANTHONY:  I have about 22 siblings in total. My mom had 8 of us, five from a previous marriage (older brothers and sisters), and three with my pops who was a rolling stone aka a “Gyalis”. Separately, he has 13 other kids.

I interact with mostly the younger ones on my father side because they look up to me. On my mother side, we are all very close. She protects us so much that I had to break out of her house. Big shouts to her for finding the time in her busy work schedule to graduate college this year. ❤️

FRENDY:  Wow! That’s a whole football team! Shout out to mom dukes for real. Which HS did you go to? Most of the cats I knew who lived in Canarsie attended their zone school: South Shore.

ANTHONY:  We skated at South Shore because they had four steps with a good lead up *Laughs*.  My mom wouldn’t allow me to go to South Shore and I don’t blame her. I went to Talent Unlimited HS for Drama. TU changed my life and helped open my eyes to dreams people in Canarsie didn’t have access to.

FRENDY: Your mom came through with the clutch decision! Where is Talent Unlimited HS located?

ANTHONY:  Talent Unlimited is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Very different from Canarsie, but it was the balance I needed. TU was very diverse, not only consisting of different races but the LGBTQ community was introduced to me. I realized that Homophobia was a norm in my culture and it challenged me to understand other people's perspective on the world.

My mom supported me because my older sister, Princess (hence the name), was a vocal major at Laguardia HS for the Performing Arts. I remember her going to Spain to sing. I’m sure she wanted me to have that same access.

FRENDY: I’m sure it was an eye opener for you. Is the school still open?

ANTHONY:  I believe it still exists and I hope to go back and speak. Maybe even start a program where young black boys can seamlessly enter the school.

FRENDY:  Seamlessly enter the school? Is it specifically hard for young black boys to get accepted there?

ANTHONY: There is less access to the arts in Canarsie. If there was an after school program in JHS that was connected to a HS, it would make a difference in the opportunities they seek.

FRENDY:  I totally agree. Growing up in Brooklyn after leaving Haiti, I always knew there was so much more to experience.  Being at the right places changes lives. Soho was my gateway to see it all. Exposure definitely is everything.  Did you attend The Arts Institute of NYC right after graduating from TU?

ANTHONY: I completely agree, and yes, straight out of HS that following August. Funny thing is I was in and out of court since graduation for a crime I didn’t commit. Little did I know that my case would last until college graduation. Cops said I did a shooting because I matched the description of someone with a red hat—that was just a classic example of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Film was a place for me to get away from it all.

FRENDY:  I had no clue you had to go through all of that. I’m sure everyone reading this conversation right now is shocked because you’re the furthest thing from a menace.  Besides dibbling and dabbling with editing during your skateboarding days, what inspired you to go harder in the field of production?

ANTHONY:  One thing that really inspired me was the process of trade. One hand shakes the other. Getting to be a sponsored skater is a prime example because if you skate well, and able to show the brand you wear in the same light…you both win. To an extent, there is money involved with the brand’s product but all you have to do is have the skills and that’s how you pay people. To this day I’m collaborating with people this way and bigger companies notice. Then you get the check.

FRENDY:  Very interesting, but I’m sure you aren’t filming just for a check.  What do you love about producing and shooting visuals?

ANTHONY:  I love bringing an idea to life. It’s crazy to dream something up and then see it in reality even better than how you visualize. Bringing a team together should be considered a superpower. Look at “Do The Right Thing,” the movie had an amazing cast, direction, cinematography, story, styling, makeup, hair...a great production team can shift culture. I see myself shifting culture with my debut film.

FRENDY:  Aw man, creating is why we’re all here on earth. When should we expect your debut picture to come out?

ANTHONY: My film is set for 2020. I’m spending time finding ways to recreate the narrative structure.

FRENDY:  Looking forward to it!  Speaking of which, how was your time at The Arts Institute of NYC?  Do you feel like it taught you everything you know now about filming and production? Or did your hands on experience triumph what you learned in the classroom?

ANTHONY:  AI gave me the tools to experiment with and a community of people who wanted to learn more about film. We were able to rent equipment and shoot whatever we wanted. I took advantage of that. In class, we learned about structure and what an ‘L cut’ was, but to me it was a reference because all of the best filmmakers broke the rules. They didn’t tell us that.

FRENDY:  As they say: rules are meant to be broken.  AI officially closed down in 2017, were you shocked by the news?

ANTHONY:  No, it was very expensive and they were taking everybody’s money. I started seeing less passionate students, teachers, and no real support before and after graduation. I graduated December 2012, and was depressed for the first 2 months because I didn’t know what to do. Fortunately, a close friend of mines built a recording studio with a backdrop and asked me to run the photo section.

FRENDY: Wow, the universe always provides.  When exactly did you conjure up your production company, Equator Productions?

ANTHONY:  My sister Emily who was gathering the paperwork for an LLC could not get “Crack Head Central” approved so we had to brainstorm. The one thing that stuck was ‘Equator’ because it’s the hottest part of the earth and the imaginary line that splits the world in half. When I went to film school in 2008, it turned into Equator Productions. That imaginary line over time grew into that median between all cultures—those things that unifies us all, being human.

FRENDY:  “Crack Head Central” was the name of your skate team, right?

ANTHONY:  Yes, CRACK, Creative Recreation at CKost because we would break our boards and rip our sneakers.

FRENDY:  On the homepage of your company’s site of there is a list of prominent clients displayed.  Which of them was the most enjoyable to work with?

ANTHONY:  Ashya + Nike, Ashya because I was able to help them develop their look and vibe visually so I had more creative freedom. Ashley and Moya are the creative directors/ designers behind Ashya and they have such great taste, designing concepts, and naturals at trend forecasting. They highlight cultures around the world via their brand and this is very similar to Equator. I love traveling with them *Laughs*.

Shouts to Anthony Bones and Thomas P. at Nike who trusted me with the vision to bring Rox Brown’s campaign for her AF1’s to life. During that whole shoot, life kept presenting these mini gifts that helped me bring the story together. The part where I reversed from the stairwell to the train station, I planned none of it.

FRENDY:  How do you pick projects to work on?  Is there a specific criteria?

ANTHONY:  I get a lot of my work from word of mouth, so it’s always a lot of socializing involved. When I can bounce back and forth with my collaborators on what the vision is, it’s usually a great sign. Can’t always gauge it that way but 75% it works *Laughs*. I like to work on documentaries, short films, campaigns and sometimes music videos (depending on the artist). I’m continuously working on my formats and defining the aesthetic, but anybody who want to allow me to play (with real creative control) gets my best work.

FRENDY:  I totally understand.  Who else is a part of your creation team?

ANTHONY:  In Equator’s core team its just myself and Ashley Cimone. We have a full roster of directors, editors, graphic designers, producers and retouchers that work with us on projects based in NY & LA.

FRENDY:  Yes, your partner Ashley Cimone is quite an artist in her own right.  How did you guys initially meet?

ANTHONY:  Soooo, *Laughs* I was at an Opening Ceremony event with a friend during Fashion’s Night Out in 2013, and she was there supporting her friends (William Okpo). I danced all night, but when I spotted her I had to speak or else I would regret it. My friend Domo, who is gay, decided he would lighten up the situation so I could get an in.  We walked over and he introduced himself. I was very shy *Laughs* but kept it cool, and he just was overflowing compliments while I thought them.

Finally she gave me her Instagram. I was worried she would think that I was gay and not take me seriously, but after two years trying to link up, she commented on one of my Instagram selfies: “that face”. I direct messaged her immediately after! We started talking like we knew each other and then exchanged numbers. That same day she came to my office at Wallplay in the Lower East Side and we became best friends ever since.

FRENDY:  Classic Boy meets Girl story right there *Laughs*.  I’m glad you stayed persistent!  When did you decide to add her to the roster of your production company?  What compelled you to do so?

ANTHONY:  It happened by accident *Laughs*. We created a monthly nude figure drawing class called ‘Sip & Sketch’ when we met. We understood that we could work together. Ashley was working for Net-A-Porter so she had a business background. I was having issues with the owner of Wallplay being indirect and passive aggressive. Ashley took it upon herself to interfere on one of her rants which landed us both into a meeting. She then wrote a contract for our split that allowed for me to have my first gallery show after I’ve fully moved out of the work space. That was in December 2015, and then In January 2016 I had about over 300 people come to my solo show. Top of that year, I got a call from Laquan Smith for New York Fashion Week and she handled my contracts ever since.

FRENDY:  Watch out Hov and Bey!  Besides the potential project in Dubai you mentioned at the beginning of our conversation, what else are you guys currently working on?

ANTHONY:  That project is good to go!  I’m heading to Paris on February 26th to shoot with Law Roach and Zendaya for her Tommy Hilfiger collection release during Paris Fashion Week.  Very excited about that. And we just shot Ashya’s AW19 Campaign, fashion film and documentary in India. I’m in post for the documentary at the moment, but it’s going to be crazy. The previous documentary will be featured in Nowness very soon but here is a trailer.

FRENDY:  You’re a major globetrotter.  What are the top three places you’ve ever visited?

ANTHONY:  Top three?! Jamaica (home), South Africa, Italy and India. Top three!

FRENDY: That’s actually four, but it’s totally fine *Laughs*.  Your passport is more tatted than you!  Let’s talk about your swag for a second.  You’ve always been fresh to death, but in recent years your fashion sense has quantum leaped into a higher dimension. What propelled your elevated style?

ANTHONY:  Damn, is it that good? Dude, you don’t have to feed my ego *Laughs *. I care less about what people have to say. I grew up in a Jamaican household and was encouraged to wear Diesel leather pants in the eight grade.

My three older sisters were the biggest source of inspiration because they were always fly and coordinated. I started getting hand me downs from my father and sisters from the 90’s which was high end fashion, a physical capsule. My dad had a rude boy, flamboyant swag and my sisters had all the dope denims.  Their wide hips allowed me to have enough room to sag *Laughs*. Over the years myself manifest itself. Now, I love fashion because it’s a way for me to communicate my feelings and personality. I’m giving people a cover to judge.

FRENDY:  Did you cop anything from BAPE back in the day?  Because I know you were a huge BBC/ICECREAM rocker.

ANTHONY:  Yes, I bought jackets, sneakers, pants and hoodies from them but was loyal to BBC/ICECREAM since BAPE sold it in store. Season Zero canvas hat BBC logo is my all time fave and the Hulk Bapestas. Skated in those until the bottom was worn out.

FRENDY:  Triple OG fashion head right here. You’ve modeled before as well, right?

ANTHONY:  Kinda sorta. I tried it because being a fashion lover brings you in front of the lens, but it didn’t really make sense until this ‘influencer’ world started coming to life. I will make an appearance in my film like Spike [Lee] though!

FRENDY:  Let’s get it!  One of your latest and greatest accomplishments was documenting the exciting BTS happenings ahead of Cardi B’s historical Grammy award winning night.  Where were you when you got the call for the gig? How did it come about?

ANTHONY:  *Takes breath and then exhales* Cardi’s stylist, Kollin Carter, hit me at the top of this year with a great idea. We talked regularly about a fashion film we’re planning, and then he told me about the possibility of getting Mugler to say yes to him pulling some archival pieces, which is huge! They said no to Rihanna and Beyoncé if I’m correct. I was at home and told Ash immediately! We were mad excited in the house, running around and screaming *Laughs*.

FRENDY: Crazy! I remembered you posting a series of clips detailing what went down on your Insta story.  Everyone on Cardi’s team worked super hard. What was your shooting schedule looking like?

ANTHONY:  I was there every step of the way. There was no real way to prepare but be present and understanding of Cardi’s space. She had so much pressure from dancing, making sure she can move in her outfits, and being human. To be Grammy nominated is a big deal. She and her team handled it very well and my IG story don’t do it enough justice. I respect the whole squad!!

FRENDY:  You’re constantly in motion. How often do you find the time to lay low, relax, and simply reflect on all the blessings that have occurred in your life?

ANTHONY:  I really love what I do so it’s hard to not do it. Most recently in India, I watched the sunrise from a mountain and just talked to myself. I felt free.

Rio Is Numero Uno

“Beautiful, I just want you to know, you’re the first-ever world capital of architectuuuure.” Don’t mind me, I had a sudden urge to sing my own rendition of Pharrell and Snoop Dogg’s legendary hit “Beautiful,” upon hearing that Rio de Janeiro, the city that they shot its accompanying visual, was picked by UNESCO as the World Capital of Architecture for 2020.

For years, the Brazilian seaside city has been a major tourist attraction due to its ethereal geography, historical museums, delectable food, and of course, poppin’ ass carnivals. As a result of winning the coveted title, Rio will serve as the brilliant backdrop for the International Union of Architects (IUA) World Congress Forum, which is scheduled for July 19-26 2020.  The event is a big pow wow where architects from around the world discuss topics such as mobility and sustainability.

Shout out to Rio one time, man. Let us all celebrate by rocking out to Theophilus London’s ode to the heavenly region:

Rox Brown's Air Jordan 1s

The growth of Rox Brown is incredible!  During the early years of my dominance at the New York location of Nigo’s former empire, Roxanne was making her own mark at Pharrell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club/Ice Cream shop in SoHo.  After BBC, she moved on to be the “it girl” at VFILES, while solidifying herself as one of Downtown’s shining personalities.  Her consistent grind has paid off as she is now living her dream as a full-time stylist and creative director.

Roxy’s latest stunt is in the form of a new sneaker! That’s right, she is the latest influencer who has been given the chance to create a stand-out Air Jordan 1.  Her iteration receives a satin upper in an all-black colorway.  Furthermore, Reflective 3M detailing is spread throughout the shoe with a bright red rose graphic embroidered on the heel and tongue replacing the usual “Nike Air.”  Last but certainly not least, Rox’s signature is hidden within its reflective detailing.

The Rox Brown x WMNS Air Jordan 1 is scheduled to drop at select Jordan Brand retailers on Dec. 12 for $160.