Air Jordan IX Citrus

Another hookup from another family member. I was stoked when he gave me a pair of the Air Jordan IX Citrus. Like the colourway of my AJ VIIs, these are based on the Gatorade logo without using their company name.

Designed by Tinker Hatfield and inspired by Japanese art, the heel features the no. 23 and a Jumpman logo covering a globe. Appropriately placed to coincide with the multilingual words on the sole describing the 6' 6" shooting guard such as, "uhuru," "intenso," and "fuerza."


The AJ IX was released shortly after Michael Jordan announced his first retirement in 1993 to pursue a career in baseball. He would not play a basketball game at all wearing this model. However, they were converted into cleats when he was a member of the Birmingham Barons.


MJ did wear the AJ IXs once on the hardwood when he flew like an eagle in Space Jam. Embedding was disabled, so click here to watch the video on its host website.


When Michael Jordan was immortalized in bronze form at the entrance of the United Center, Tinker Hatfield decided the statue should wear the AJ IX because the sneaker was meant to symbolize his impact on a global scale.

Air Jordan VII Citrus

My cousin Tyler hooked me up with these amazing set of kicks. Thanks again, cuz. Its colourway is based on the Gatorade logo, but I guess copyright laws prevented some sort of collabo and was appropriately named the Air Jordan VII Citrus.

Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the look of the shoe is inspired by African tribal artwork.


Originaly released for the 1991-1992 season, Michael Jordan wore these to capture his second straight NBA Championship where he was also awarded the NBA Finals MVP Trophy, and was named the league's Most Valuable Player.


A special "American" colourway was made when he captured the gold medal during the 1992 Summer Olympics as a member of the Dream Team.



He was also featured in Michael Jackson's music video; Jam, and wore the Air Jordan VII model.


The sneakers, at the time, were referred to as the "Hare Jordan" when Bugs Bunny coined the term in this commercial with MJ.

F-ck You x Cee Lo Green

♫Now, ain't that some sh-t?♫

Ceria: Home of Your Friendly Meat Market

I can't believe I didn't blog this. My cousin Tyler spun at an art show at Ceria, a clothing store in Ventura. He told the owner I'm from Canada and hooked me up with this shop tee. Thanks again, cuz.



I looked at the post on the website from that night. Notice the black and silver Raiders jacket with the matching cap? Now I'm craving pork sisig burritos.

1992 World Series Championship Pennant

Another great find at the Pickering Markets. I'm not sure if it's a remake or an original, but the holographic 1992 World Series sticker is still on the back. Caricature items are pretty rare by today's standards and I was lucky enough to find one of my favourites.

BMO Field Rail

When I was working at the soccer game, I knew this rail looked familiar.

Air Jordan I Phat Low Playground

This is a pretty unique model of the Air Jordan I. It's a low cut version with UNC Tar Heels colours and a grafitti inspired graphic on the heel bearing similarities as the grounds of a school yard.



In 1990, a home video/documentary titled Michael Jordan's Playground was released starring #23 himself. It encourages kids to not give up their dreams while featuring players sharing their thoughts on MJ's game.

Cal Ripken, Jr. Book Signing

Today will go down as one of the best days of my life. I had the chance to meet one of baseball's all time greats, Cal "Mr. Iron Man" Ripken, Jr., as he was signing copies of his children's book; Hothead.



This was one of the best signings I've ever been to. There was an interview, followed by a Q&A with the fans in the lineup, and a photo session between every few autographs. I think I know whose jersey I want next.


Although it's a childrens' book, I read a bit of it while waiting in line and on the way home. I'm really liking it so far and I encourage everyone to grab a copy as well.

Primitive on the Blvd.

I couldn't leave California without checking out Primitive, the skate shop owned by pro skater Paul Rodriguez. I was stoked all of the company tees were on sale - they're definitely something you can't get in Canada. One more reason to take another trip out west.



Harvey Keitel and Reservoir Dogs have absolutely nothing to do with skateboarding. Strange concept.



I still don't understand their graphics. But who cares? It's from P-Rod's store.


Much generousity from their staff.


VIMBY Presents Primitive.

Ghetto Children

Before Dirty Ghetto Kids, there was Ghetto Child; a skateboard wheel company formed by Shorty's hardware and skateboards. The logo was a silouette of the 3 original team riders Tom Penny, Sean Sheffey, and Chad Muska. More skaters would make it to their roster including up and coming ams Torey Pudwill and Mike Taylor before the company folded in the early 2000s.


This video takes me way back to the glory years of skateboarding.

P-Rod 2.5 x Nike SB

My first new skate shoes in a long while. My old shoes were getting pretty worn out, so I took the advantage of buying a cheap pair of Nike SBs in California. In Canada, these would never go on sale unless it was a size 6 or 16. Gotta love these American prices.
I ♥ LA.

10 Years of Hammers

Supra Footwear pro and Baker Boys Dist. co-owner, Jim Greco, released a retrospective video part documenting his early years as an am with Zero up to his last full length part for Baker, the company which turned him pro in 2001.

Los Angeles Trip; Day Fourteen

Not much happened on my last day in California. Just headed down to LAX after eating at a buffet with my cousins. But I'm really going to miss my family over there and I definitely want to make another trip. There's no such thing as "goodbye" between family.

Thanks guys. Much love.

Los Angeles Trip; Day Twelve

Yesterday my cousin and I headed to downtown LA to check out the Staples Center, a few skate spots we just happened to see along the way, and random works of art.


"Magic to 'Kobe?'" Not really, but I can dream, can't I?
So many great athletes have represented Los Angeles on their jerseys and what better place to honour them than in front of Staples Center. The first pic I wanted was in front of Magic Johnson. I know I look goofy, but it's really a lame attempt at trying to look like the statues.


Another LA Lakers lifer, Jerry West in bronze form. A little fun fact: The NBA logo was traced from a photograph of "Mr. Clutch."


I know he's been "Mexicuted," but who wasn't/isn't an Oscar De La Hoya fan?


The only thing hockey related in this city so far; a Wayne Gretzky statue. I knew I should have brought my hockey jersey for something. Notice how our shirts look? Only in LA. Come to think of it, I should have just stood still and smiled in front of the these things.


Chick Hearn is the legendary voice of the Los Angeles Lakers between 1965 - 2002. Of course he deserves a statue. What's cool is you can really sit beside him as if you're at an announcer's table.


The Los Angeles Convention Center is located right next door and had to take a look at it in person. Only a few skaters have went down this for two obvious reasons; security is heavy and It's as tall as I am.




The famous Downtown Car Wash where countless skaters have left their marks.




Here's another skate spot I noticed a split second driving passed it. It's down the street from Taft High School, where Ice Cube attended. I only know one skater who threw himself down it, and this rail is scary as hell.

Chad Muska tricks down it at the 1:52 mark.


Once again, we checked out our favourite store in LA. If you're in the city looking for amazing vintage gear, check it out. The only problem is you have to find it for yourself. Locals only.

Here's a bunch of other random pics I took throughout the downtown core:






Until we meet again Los Angeles. Winning.