Nike SB Zoom Paul Rodriguez 4 Commercial [Video]

Paul Rodriguez has officially unveiled the latest incarnation to his signature sneaker franchize, the Zoom Paul Rodriguez 4.  The video is narrarated by hip-hop star Nas.

INTERVIEW: Mike Nucero (51st State)

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do.
I am Mike , I am the owner of 51st State.  I wear all the hats of right now from sales to creative direction.  It’s a one man show here at the shop as well as the brand.  

 
What is life like up in New York, as far as music, fashion, nightlife, and popular culture?
I live/work about 40 minutes outside Manhattan on Long Island.  Brooklyn and Queens are on the island and are a stones throw so there is definitely a nice sense of diversity where I am from.  In general the music scene out here is pretty ill, people always play NYC so you’re bound to see someone you want to see.  Fashion is a touchy subject for sure.  You can catch a face full of Ed Hardy & Affliction or Bow Ties and Tweed.  It’s just wild in my eyes the most fashionable people these days in my eyes are cats keeping it low key.  Nightlife is the same scene everyone has a DSLR in Brooklyn and is the new nightlife photog of the year.  I guess some may call it inventive.  I guess all of that encapsulates pop culture.  Excuse my bitterness I just see a lot wrong here on the isle as well as in the city.  That can be saved for a different interview.    
 

Tell us a little about 51st State and the people involved?
51st State started as a brand drawing inspiration the subcultures I grew up in. Personally, I grew up skateboarding, surfing, listening to punk/hardcore & hip-hop, perfecting graff handstyles.  Take all that wrap it up and you get 51st State.  We are a Long Island based brand & shop so putting us on the map for shit makes me hyped.  People don’t realize like De La Soul, EPMD, Rakim are all from Long Island.  Gino Iannucci is from here hands down one of the most stylish skateboarders ever. And the our punk/hardcore scene started a trend all over the world. Giving where I come from some shine is definitely important, not taking the city for granted is also equally as important.  

The shop and brand is ran by myself.  There are obviously homies I have take a look at some stuff but everything from the graphics to the marketing to the buying is all done by myself.  Not much has been outsourced for either.  It is a very grassroots operation for skateboarders by skateboarders type of situation.     


What kind of brands does 51st State carry?
We carry brands that I fully support.  Quality is with out a doubt a huge concern of mine.  As far as softgoods go stocked in the shop currently, The Hundreds, Stussy, Mighty Healthy, Fourstar, In4mation, Diamond Supply Co., Fifty First State (our in-house brand). Hard goods Girl / Chocolate, Plan B, Real, Krooked Royal, Thunder, Independent, Silver, Venture & Spitfire. Footwear, Nike SB, Cons, Adidas, DVS. I only carry brands I really stand behind.  I am not trying to be a Nordstroms carrying every brand under the sun.     

 
What are some of your favorite brands out right now?
Supreme, Stussy, Cons, Vans, In4mation, Levi’s.  

What new upcoming events or releases are you currently working on?
Currently I am working on really building the brand out of the shop.  You can expect to see another collab with Elm Company for a fitted cap.  Some new additions to the collection such as a 5 panel camper & a deck.  I am going to continually release bits and pieces all of which are limited.  Also the I am backing a video being putting out by some homies which is going to blow minds.  I can’t let out too much info but keep up with our blog to stay informed.  
 

What would you say are the most difficult aspects or being in your line of work?
The most difficult aspects is probably staying super organized in juggling buying for the shop and the brand.  Also walking that fine line of what I like and what will do well in sales.  Because in reality as much as this is a labor of love, everyone needs to eat so there is a fine line to walk.  Production is also a tough part of this job.  Being such a perfectionist having something out of your hands is the worst.  Getting product back all a run of mis-printed shirts is always tough to swallow.  

The fashion and music worlds are often tied together…What music artists out right now are grabbing your attention?
To be honest, so much of the new music out is a joke.  I’ve written a few blogs about this and as of late my tapedeck broke in my car (which I used for my iPod adapter) and it has been painful listening to the radio.  But there are definitely some people doing their thing.  I am the avalanche is one of the bands. My homies Folk & Stress are an underground gem opening for EPMD & GZA last year.  I am excitied to see if Shyne gets back in the booth. There is nothing new out there artist wise really that I’ve said  “wow” , like Young Money, Diddy & all that I can really do without.  That Kid Cudi album was good though.  Again, I guess you can call me a hater.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us Mike.  Do you have any last words or shout-outs?
I’d like to say thanks for The Goodie Bag for offering me up this interview.  Shouts to all the homies at all the brands we carry, for making the shop run a bit smoother.  Thank you skateboarding, my friends and fam, who support the shop.  Please stay up on our blog, http://www.the51st-state.com/blog. (shameless).  

Stay up kids.    

Nike SB Eugene Backpack – White/Red/Black

Nike SB continues to release well-executed colourways of the Eugene Backpack as we present this new White/Red/Black mash-up.  Made of 100% nylon, the bag features plenty of compartments, including spots for your laptop and cell phone.

Look for the backpack to hit SB accounts in January.  It will be priced around $150.00 USD.

SOURCE: CCS

Nike SB x Fluff Magazine “Fluff SB” Bruin & Book

Nike SB unveil a limited edition pair of Bruin SB’s, designed by the folks from Fluff Magazine.  The sneaker is done in a nice grey suede with a tonal canvas accents, offset by a white canvas Swoosh and heel panel.  These shoes accompany Fluff SB, a photo book of Nike SB’s European team, shot by Marcel Veldman.  As such, a Fluff SB logo is embossed into the midsole of the shoe.  The Fluff SB release party takes place on December 12th at Trust Nobody in Barcelona.  Visit fluff-sb.com for more info.

SOURCE: HighSnobiety

Nike SB – Today Was A Good Day [Extended Version]

Nike SB – Today Was A Good Day.

Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Asparagus.”

The Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Asparagus” from the September 2009 delivery has been released early in Japan.  The colorway is interesting and perfect for Fall.  Especially interesting are the rough suede side-panels and speckled ankle parts.  The black leather toe box and red accents also work well.  The sneaker is now available from LTD.

Quick Update…

Just got the Fully Laced order for The Lay-Up 613 shop in Ottawa.  They’ve got a pretty dope shop up in Ottawa, and I’ll glad to be working with them, and am glad that they picked up Fully Laced.  Jon the owner of Fully Laced threw me a “Beware! My Kicks Break Necks” tee and a set of Fully Laced lacelocks which are really dope.  Now the only question is which pair of SB’s do I put them on, or I might even put them on my new Tan Yeezy’s not sure yet.  Either way, there still dope in the package haha.  Just wanted to take some time to give a quick shout-out and update to what’s been going on with The Goodie Bag as I haven’t updated the blog in a few days.

The Goodie Bag Interview With CorgiShoe.

If you’re a true sneakerhead chances are you’ve heard of CorgiShoe and his 2,000+ DS sneaker collection, which is said to be the largest private collection in the world.  Some of you may not know who he is, but here’s your chance to get into the mind of Corgi.

 

Hey Corgi, How Are Things Going?  How’s Life In Los Angeles?
Life is always good because I know how bad it can be.  Los Angeles is the best for me.  I’ve been all over and L.A. is where I always come back to.

 

What First Got You Interested In Sneakers?
I am a big sports fan. I got into sneakers because athletes wore them. Not because someone raps about it or because someone on a message board says I should wear this shoe, shirt, pants, and hat. My first true notice of shoes were the Converse Weapon’s and all the commercials that followed.  Then Nike came out with the commercial using the Beatles “Revolution” song and the Air Max 87 came out along with the revolutions and I was hooked.
 

How Long Did It Take You To Build Up Your Collection?
I bought and saved for a good 12-15 years.  Stopped completely in early 2004.
 

Why’d You Collect So Many Sneakers And How’d You Afford It? 
I collected them because I love sneakers.  Just the look, the lines, the simple colourways.  Each one was unique to me.  Almost like a collector’s piece in a way.  I certainly didn’t have a job and I certainly didn’t have my Mom buying me them all so you can draw your own conclusions.  I will say this about collections and money.  There is a direct correlation. Whoever has the most money has the best collection. Don’t let ‘em tell you otherwise.  Don’t let these fucking shoe god idiots make you feel like they are better or have “more skill” to collect or are a top loser fucking sneakerhead. Some will try and say that’s not true but look at the “so called” “top” collectors on those dumb fucking message boards and they have the most money to spend.  Now they may get deals.  But even with hook-ups, backdoor product, and deals you still need a lot of money to get the best shoes.  I had all that going on and the money to spend so I was able to acquire anything and everything I wanted.  But that’s the key.  Its all what I wanted.  Not what others tell me to buy or what I feel others will like. Fuck the sneakerhead who makes himself into something he / she is not.  Get over yourself.  You’ll enjoy your shoes and collect longer.  
 
Have You Ever Had To Travel To Get Your Sneakers?  I Mean Like Out-Of-City Type Travelling, Or Purchased Any Shoes Off The Internet? 

I used to solely get shoes by digging for them.  Mostly in the Los Angeles area but if I was in another city I’d always look in the “Mom And Pop” shops.  Once the internet came along I developed relationships with shoe people and stores all over the world.  And I was able to network through all the shoe boutiques and “Mom And Pop” spots in the Los Angeles area.  Once eGay (eBay) came along it was all too easy.  A bit of patience and strategy and you could get it all dirt cheap.  But I have never slept on a sidewalk or did the line thing. Actually there were never lines.  And by the time things started to pick up a bit in the early 2000’s I was already well connected.  And am still thankful to this day for those who took care of me considering I was a nobody who just likes shoes.
 

What’s The Highest Price You’ve Paid For A Sneaker?

Hmmmm…I’m sure I have paid a few hundred bucks for stuff.  I actually think it might be a pair of the Command Forces I have.  Those motherfuckers were around $300.00.  I more so bought multiple pairs and those transactions could get into the thousands but the value was there at the time.  And now the value is really there for all these fucking shoes I bought. I never bought recklessly.  Always got a great value or at least what I thought to be.  And by seeing what the shoes are selling for today I know I did well.

 

 

Why Are You Selling Them?
I’m selling them because I have no use for them.  Frankly, I don’t wear them and don’t even look at them.  To be honest 99% of them are fucking ugly.  But I bought them because I like the style.  So because I like the Air Burst I buy every single one even the colourways I would never consider wearing.  Now if I was still doing that today it would be almost impossible for two reasons.  First, they release too many fucking shoes for anyone to do that.  Second, many releases are fucking disgusting looking. I mean even though I know I wont wear it at least I want to pretend like I wouldn’t look like I’m wearing a bag of skittles on my fucking feet.  Basically, I don’t need them to have my memories of them.  The people who store them for me don’t give a fuck about shoes and don’t want them taking up space anymore.  I completely understand that.  They’ve been holding them for years.  Let someone else enjoy them.

 

Thanks for your time Corgi. 

Yeah man, it’s cool.  Peace, one love, Corgi.

 

 

 

Check out Corgi’s Blog at http://corgishoe.wordpress.com for daily updates of new sneakers for sale.  Feel free to e-mail him with any inquires about his sneakers or collection to corgishoe@thehundreds.com.