ERIK ELLINGTON

DEATHWISH SKATEBOARDS was celebrating it's one year anniversary at their warehouse in North Hollywood a couple weeks back and Ellington was gracious enough to sit down with me. It doesn't sound like much, but to the all seeing eye, protector of many, dad, graphics consult etc. that is Erik, it's amazing he even had time to sit. Definitely a gracious host as well as an amazing skateboarder. Erik has been stretched far this year with filming, tending to his, now, 2 children and wife, andstarting Deathwish skateboards and Brigada Eyewear! Bring him in with a standing ovation, please, Mr. Alaska himself.

Who are you? How old are you? And why should I care?
Erik Ellington. 31. I don't know why you should care.
You run a company we're all fairly familiar with. Deathwish. What's in the name?
Skateboarders have a Deathwish
What role do you feel you play in this family?
Well I guess I just try and make things happen
What does that mean?
Its pretty simple. From the day to day operations, to getting graphics done. Pretty much everything ya know. I kinda just help run things. I guess.
Jack of all trades?
Master of none. Definitely not skateboarding. ::laughs::
I got a pretty good program. I come in here Monday through Friday, pretty much, and I make a time where I skate. And I skate every day. I try and stay on my game.
Favorite place to travel?
That's a tough one. Japan's always sick. Brazils sick. Australia's sick. I like to travel to downtown Los Angeles too.
What did you do today?
I woke up this morning and made my son breakfast. I went to get a bunch of shit done on my teeth. I had all these numbing medications and shit. Then I came up here and tried to figure out what we were doing. All I pretty much do is assist people at doing what they already know how to do.
Morale?
I'm a morale supporter.
If you could only do one trick for the rest of your life what would it be?
I'd 360 flip everything in my sight
Favorite food?
Gumbo
From anywhere in particular?
Louisiana. Louisiana gumbo.
You get to put on a concert. You have to select 3 bands, living or dead, to headline. What 3 bands do you choose?
Guns N Roses of course. AC/DC has to fall in there somewhere. And then, I'd like, TRex to play. And then throw Muddy Waters in there somewhere
Where do they play?
Obviously at my house
Any last words?
Good luck

come together

"skateboarding's done everything, and nothing for me at the same time."

ELLINGTON interview asap. most likely tonight. forreal.

on the way out the door

work work work work work has a tendency to impede art. it's cool. I'm making time for it as soon as I can. Thanks to all my friends. You all rule. That is all. 

ELLINGTON interview up as soon as I can. 

long day well spent

"Success is liking who you are, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." -Maya Angelou

currently: waiting for my rice to cook and listening to A.D.L.I.B. feat Mos Def- A.D.L.I.B.

School went really well today, I had good times in both classes. I'm learning a lot. It's pretty cool. Hung out with Joaquin, Desmond, and Kyle in the Botanic Gardens. Super chill. Finished Blakes board. I call it "Park Shark". (Blake calls it Pool Shark.) You can call it what you will. Just don't call it after you already smoked the blunt. I'm psyched on it.

ANTWUAN "Big Kandy" DIXON

words, photos and easter eggs c/o: THEREALDEAL

"Fuck the po-lice"

The first time I met Antwuan was at the tradeshow (ASR) in San Diego about 2 years ago. He was 2 years younger and had maybe 2 tattoos. He's almost of age now and has more tattoos than a tribesman. An, honestly, nice guy and an amazing skateboarder, I was lucky enough to have him sit down with me at the Deathwish 1 year anniversary, and answer a couple of questions. Everyone show love to the underground king of Deathwish skateboards, Dr. Fakie Double Flip himself, Antwuan Dixon.

Who are you and why the fuck should I care?

My name's Antwuan Dixon cuh and you should care because you know I'm the illest motherfucker around. You already know the business. You know I hold shit down. You already know.
Squad up. Squad who?
Sin squad nigga that's what's up. First and foremost nigga, that's me, Sinner, Flip, Jigga, my nigga Shane. All my niggas. We separate the weak from the obsolete.
If you weren't here where would you be?
Probably at my house man, smoking blunts on my porch cuh. Fuckin wit my mama, cuz watching Shottas. You already know.
Shottas is a hell of a movie.
Oh yeah that's a blood clot movie OOOOOOH. ::laughs::
Out of all the places around the world that you've been, where's your favorite place to travel?
My favorite place to travel is Madrid, Spain.
Why?
I don't know, I went there and all the ladies thought I was a cute guy. They wrote "muy bonito" on all my fucking starbucks shit.
What were the last two artists you listened to?
I listened to my nigga Young Jeezy and muthafuckin' T.I.
I heard you got into a little bit of trouble? You alright now? Everything cool?
Yeah man I got into a little bit of trouble fucking out there in Florida man.
What happened?
Man I was chillin cuz, and these bitches came at me like "'ey 'twuan you wanna smoke" I'm like yeah lets go. then all of a sudden you know.. These bitches had all these blunts rolled, you kn'a mean and we was smoking' and this lady rolled up and knocked on the window. And then she knocked on it and looked at me and I just kept smoking, cuh. And then all of a sudden that bitch pulled out the motherfuckin' badge cuh. And I'm like "Shit." You know? I had a big ass muthafuckin zip lock bag, cause my nigga motha fuckin Wizard had like a QP and I bought his last ounce. So I had the whole muthafuckin zip lock bag so the shit was pokin' out my pocket. Cuh You know. And then a nigga just cashed his check. Then lenny rivas gave me a little fucking sin squad real quick just to get buck, just to pack my beat. And then all of a sudden, a nigga got cuffed. Bitch pulled my shit out, talkin she gon' seize my money. And I'm like "what the fuck you mean you gon' seize my money" she talkin' bout, "we gon' take it" ya know? I'm all cuffed up, sitton on the shit. So I get up, cuh, fucking grab my wallet off the hood of the car. and I hold onto it real good. They kept trying to rip it out from me and then this walks back and I kicked her in the face cuh, then this other nigga come up and I elbow him. Then I get tased by two taser guns and shit.
How'd that feel?
The shit hurt man. The niggas took me to jail and shit. Whatever. Life goes on.
Which of your tattoos is your favourite?
My favorite tattoo is muthafuckin' Freddy Krueger cause muthafuckin Freddy is bad, bitch.
What was your first tatoo?
My fucking initials. A.D. That's what's up.
If you could only do one trick for the rest of your life what trick?
Only do nollie muthafuckin heelflips. You already know the business.
When's the next time I'm gonna see some shit comin' out from Big 'Twuan?
You already know. We got like 11 and a hakf months. Go harder than motherfuckers. In there like swimwear. You already know the business.
Okay. Finish this sentence. "I go hard in the paint, Big Kandy does..."
What the fuck he wants to do when the fuck he wants to do it.
That's what's up. Any last words?
Yeah nigga, fuck the police. Smoke weed every muthafuckin' day.

"Life, I wonder, will it take me under?"

currently listening to: DJ WALKS freestyle fridays

"Money, money, money, on my mind, on my mental"

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday came and went quick as fuck. I've been working a lot in an attempt to secure the luxury of my habits. (1 and 2) between that and juggling school I didn't have time to finish up both DEATHWISH interviews for Friday. With that being said, the ANTWUAN DIXON interview will be up by the end of today. Most likely, this afternoon. ERIK ELLINGTON's interview is going to be put up by the end of next week. Stay tuned they're both amazing and I'm sure you'll all digggg. YA DIG?

A couple months back I was invited, by a friend, to go to Tampa Pro and I reluctantly declined. Though I don't regret not going (because I'm broke like eggs into omelettes) I'm sure it would have been a good time. I've been reading some twitter feeds from a few people I know out there and I can't wait to see the foooty. In other news, check out PJ Ladd's granite madness over at his own mini DC site 

awesome fuckin' weekend

currently listening to : Leave me alone pt. 2 - Cam'ron

"electric chair? I don't deserve the fun"

I had one awesome weekend. Took a LONG trip to North Hollywood only to end up at the DEATHWISH warehouse for the 1 year anniversary of the company. (On Friday the 13th. haha) Beers, blunts, skating, pros, and much love. That was on and poppin'. Hung out with some REAL OG's. More like... REAL PDs. Sat in traffic for like 4 fuckin hours which was succeeded by hanging out with one of the coolest ladies I know. My lerve. My lady. Saw Watchmen at the Riverside Plaza today, not a bad flick at all. I'd definitely say check it out. Off to a couple parties for the evening. DJWALKS is playing a party at Spruce so I'm going to catch that for a bit. Should be a grand ball.

oh and see those polaroids? the next two interviews are from two DEATHWISH pros. guess who?

NEXT FRIDAY. 

ANTWUAN DIXON and ERIK ELLINGTON

YAH' EARD MEH.

Another friday the 13th

so bomb.  polaroids came today. now i have picture taking abilities for my interviews. hawla at cho mutha fukkin boi. 

http://www.najle.com/idaft/

pretty fun.

DJ WALKS

 words, questions, and easter eggs c/o THEREALDEAL

disc jockey 

–noun

1. a person who conducts a radio broadcast consisting of recorded music, informal talk, commercial announcements, etc.

2. a person who selects, plays, and announces records at a discotheque

Close your eyes. You just finished walking down some dirt road to some party at some house you've never been to but your friend insists "it's gonna crack dude, shut the fuck up and wait." Reluctantly you walk into the house after walking through a yard littered by big wheels, blankets, other childrens toys and 2 dogs. (Who for some reason look menacing, yet lick EVERYTHING you're wearing) You get into the house and see 3 drunk girls walk by with half of nothing on. Things are picking up :) .haha. You reach the backyard and see everyone vibin' out to... THE PARAMOUNT PICTURES THEME SONG? What the fuck?

DJWALKS must be here.

Who are you and why should I care?

I go by the moniker DJ Walks and you should know me because if you don't know me already you are probably missing out.
Age: 22 years of age
Planet: Earth, definitely.
State: C-a-l-i-4-n-i-a
Side: Riverside
Do you have any formal training? GED, Do you go to school? Are you qualified to do anything?
Currently enrolled in my 3rd year at UCR, pursuing a psychology degree. I am basically qualified to operate a computer and television. I'm also qualified to watch children in a nursery.
You have a degree for that or something?
I have a certificate for early childhood studies
Why?
Because my whole degree revolves around child psychology.
What kind of equipment do you use?
I use a computer with live audio mixing equipment, virtual DJ, Audio Mulch, and a Gem Sounds cd turntable mixer
What sort of music do you DJ?
Mostly hop hop, buti also mix in soul music, rock music, reggae music.. And that's about it.
Top 5 songs to get a party cracking? (in no particular order)
1. Snoop Dogg -Whats My Name
2. DMX - Party Up
3. MOP Ante up remix
4. T.I.- Get Loose
5. Dr Dre feat. Snoop Dogg -The Next Episode
So I've listened to your music, and you seem to use a lot of TV and movie samples, (Such as samples from The Simpsons and The Office) as well as this idea bout the "gratuitous use of the siren". What's up with that?
Due to the fact that I really really hate when DJs mess up songs that you just start vibing to and there's some really annoying DJ break, you know- or some shit-
DJ drop?
Some DJ drop that you don't wanna hear in the middle of the song, I just get it out of the way so -i only do it at the beginning of the song. Its just my ode to being a cliche DJ, and having to have that cliche DJ drop in there.
Why the siren?
Honestly its because its the first effect that I had on my computer so I started using it.
What's up with all the TV and movie samples?
I, basically love TV. Tv/movies/music are probablythe biggest things in my life. Outside of, whatever. Those are the biggest interests in my entertainment values. I'll think about songs when I hear stuff in TV and its just a way to messwith my head when I DJ. I'll play a random clip and then whatever  song comes in my head- I'll play a random clip- like word association- and it'll go with my song.
Do you assume that an avid listener will understand that? Does it even matter?
It doesn't matter, but if they don't I hope that it would probably intrigue them to figure out what it means
You're playing a party this month. Where is it? And how can I get invited?
Ok well, due to unforseen circumstances I had to postpone that party until May, but it is still gonna be cracking. At my house. I believe... :: checks calendar:: May.. Yeah. The party will be crackin' on Saturday, May 9th.

So the party's postponed?
Yes.
Wack.

"I'm not out there to DJ a party to get a girl to start shakin' her ass."

Why DJing?

I have been into music for- I really started listening to music when I was 12. I used to play music, but I'm not good at making music. I tried to figure out what element of hip-hop I could do best because I wanted to take part in hip_hop as something other than just a listener. I'm good at listening to music so I figured, "What can I do with listening to music- I gotta be a DJ." That's my contribution to hip hop.

What DJs are you into these days?
Number 1 favorite DJ right now is DJ Skee. I also listen to DJ Z trip and DJ Exile for sure.
What's your style?
Style?
Like are you a Mike Carroll kickflip? or a Koston kickflip? Is this like a get-it-done.. or time-is-worth-the-wait? what's goin on here?
My style is an insight into my mind. My mind is all over the place all the time
Do you have ADD?
No, I do not have ADD. Well, I've never been diagnosed with ADD...
So what you're saying is you have ADD, and now you're a doctor?
It's my attempt at an insight into my mind. I try to take all of these abstract thoughts that I have with my music to try to make you understand my train of thought with my music.
Do you set up DJ sets that you run through at certain parties?
I've never had a DJ set setup before. All feel. All spur of the moment. I choose the song that I'm going to play next during the song that is currently playing
How do you feel about other DJs?
How do I feel about other DJs? They're awesome. I'd love to see any DJ perform. If I'm at a hip-hop show, and everyone's chillin', if there's a DJ spinning the show has already started for me.
So I heard there was another DJ Joaquin. You guys are brothers I hear. Is that like some sort of tag-team duo action?
Well, It all started out- ::laughs:: no not really. I've never met the guy, but I've probably been asked if that was me 3 or 4 times. He's a pretty good DJ. He's nothing like me though.. he does house/transe stuff.
Top 3 songs you've been requested and turned down:
1. Lil Mama- Lip Gloss
2. Soulja Boy- Yahh Trick Yahh (I told 'em I would play it but never really played it)
3. Any Kotton Mouth Kings, even though I do love weed.
So let's try this again. Who are you and why should I get to know you?
DJ Walks. You should get to know me because I think my DJing is different than other DJs I've heard. I'm not out there to DJ a party to get a girl to start shakin' her ass. I really want you to get lost in the music. I want to be a DJ you listen to when you're driving in your car bobbing your head to every track.
Final thought? Any shoutouts?
Ka$ino Gang. Check out their music as well as their music from P Haze. And the homey Neal. Not you, Neal. A much cooler Neal. My Jerry Springer Final thought of the day is "smoke weed everyday".

www.myspace.com/gwaks187

www.DJWALKS.blogspot.com

DJ WALKS interview up tomorrow March 13

"Catch me I'm balling, catch me I'm balling
Catch me like Spalding, catch me like Rawlings
If he indeed the MC
Invite him in/vitamin like GNC
Can't see me like B.I.G. on C.M.T."

I woke up at 4 in the morning to drive my momma to John Wayne Airport. She's on her way to some good times this weekend. I'm going to the Deathwish warehouse tomorrow, so that should be a good time. I'll hawla about it when I get back..

and last, and certainly not least, the DJ WALKS interview will be up tomorrow, depending on the idea that he's getting me those pictures like TI. (ASAP)

Here... Let me show you what I'm talkin' 'bout

"This is for the fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, the guilty the innocent,citizens and the immigrants. if you, aint listenin' you're missin' out.  Bear witness to the realest out. oooh I bet they listenin' now."

I'm the real deal. My name's NEAL and this is my blog. It's being used as a forum to relay my thoughts about life, to you. Please subscribe so that you can receive updates and please leave me feedback. 

www.myspace.com/bang_bang_youre_dead.

I am putting together a list of a number of artists that are very inspirational. The list includes artists of multi medias, because art is never one thing. I am conducting interviews with them to, not only get to know them better, but to relay their craft to the world the way that I see it. The list will not be revealed, but I am putting up interviews as quickly as they get finished. Pictures, questions, and answers. 

First on the list? DJ WALKS. stay tuned, world.