This is a special interview with Rod Nikes, Creative Director of Kicks and Chicks sneaker culture entertainment site.
From sojones.com
As many may know, the founder of Sojones, is also an active hand in the Sneaker Culture entertainment project Kicks and Chicks. A site focused on keeping you updated on the latest Nike sneakers, it also mixes in another male hobby, female beauty-watching. Kicks and Chicks exposes a world of people to beautiful female faces from across the United States and abroad, landing featured models fashion and entertainment industry jobs.
Rodrick Rainey aka Rod Nikes, Creative Director of the Kicks and Chicks sneaker culture entertainment project, has compiled a list of questions from site visitors, myspace friends, sneaker culture, and youtube for an exclusive SoJones.com interview. Also get a peak into his historical knowledge of who are frauds to the fashion and sneaker culture. This is definitely an interview to read if you are a fan of Kicks and Chicks!
Who else can tell you Mark Ecko, founder of Complex Magazine and Ecko clothing, was a fake Nike shoe wearer? Rapper Fabolous too? Read on. This is the most entertaining Sneaker Culture interview of the year!
[ SoJones ] This is going to be a good interview. Lets start off by telling whom you are and your functions over at Kicks and Chicks.
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Of course, I'm Rodrick Rainey aka Rod Nikes, Creative Director of Kicks and Chicks sneaker culture entertainment site. I am also the founder of Sojones.com, ClothingLineHelp.com, NikeAirYeezys.com, and more. If you don't know me, you are probably somewhat new to Hip-Hop fashion and sneaker culture. I've been a major influence to both on-line since 2002.
[ SoJones ] Definitely a fact you hold weight in the fashion and sneakers culture. However, I do not know what you do for the Kicks and Chicks web site as Creative Director. What functions do you handle?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] I'm over all things Creative. My tasks include writing articles, managing content submitted or by me, directing photo shoots, overseeing product placement approval, finding a model to be my muse, and blogging are all under my title. I dabble in business some as well but the owner of the project has hired others to take care of that.
[ SoJones ] So you get to pick the models and shoot the models? Is that what you're saying? Just asking for clarification for all the other guys out there.
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Yezzir! I love being a part of Kicks and Chicks. Minus one or two models, as you can expect from today's Americanas, everyone is cool. We have a well divided group that range from assistant director to product placement managers.
[ SoJones ] As I've noticed, I'm sure others have as well. Why do some the Chicks with Kicks only shoot one time and others we get to shoot a few times?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Two things. One, we have got to give the people demand want and two, location. All the models listed on KicksAndChicks.com, I would love to work with again. I mean, what cool down to earth chick would you not want to work with again? The model chicks I recycle are just my muses. They have exceptional talent and great ability to work in a team environment or alone. In short, the keepers go hard. They promote themselves, have a nice following, and are open minded to what creative ideas are passed.
[ SoJones ] That's understandable. Speaking of Creative Poses, one thing stands out about Kicks and Chicks. You all do not really have a lot of work like other eye candy model sites. Your photos have a touch of class and literally no raunch I can find (and believe I tried lol). Why do you all stay away from the booty shots and all that?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Well, we all have an image we maintain at the end of the day. We're not looking to create any work that looks raunchy and pornographic. All of the Kicks and Chicks work has a sexy edge and we even have nude art coming, but anything that suggests sex too openly is just not our direction. You can shoot a girl with no clothing on and still come out with taste. If you were to go to Brazil, Europe, and other countries abroad that allow a human to be shown in their natural form, you can see art on a higher level. We are looking to present high level of art here in the United States combining Kicks and Chicks.
[ SoJones ] Excuse me for only catching a few words out that last response. Kicks and Chicks Nude art? Well what exactly is that about?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Well if you have ever been to an art gallery, then you know what nude art is. It embraces the extreme colors and shadows, delivering a group of thoughts to the person looking. The human body unclothed but more focus on delivering form and message than just sex appeal.
I am not sure when we will get this done but hopefully before November 2008, we shall have some products released featuring such works. Either on Kicks and Chicks store or through our collaboration with a quality commercial printer, which is released solely on SneakerPosters.com. Sneaker blogs will report it hopefully for all to know.
[ SoJones ] I shall definitely be ordering that. What other things are coming from Kicks and Chicks we can order? Any clothing?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Clothing, we probably will not go beyond the Kicks and Chicks logo t-shirts unless its a collaboration between our brand and a quality fashion brand. I like our logo tee, its simple, and expresses what I got a lust for. Kicks and Chicks, all day, sneaker pimping (Lol).
Really though, I would actually love to set up a collab between both a street wear brand and a major hip-hop clothing brand for Kicks and Chicks. Hip-Hop clothing....Baby Phat or Rocawear... and ughhh, street wear brands.... maybe Crooks and Castles, Married to the Mob, or Bobby Fresh.
And lets not forget about Nike and New Era! Nike owes us a collaboration that will have every female sneaker head or ex-female sneaker head running to the select stores we push a Nike SB Dunk High Kicks and Chicks through. New Era, we need something creative there as well.
[ SoJones ] Nike and New Era? Kicks and Chicks has something coming with Nike and New Era?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] It may and may not be. Just have to stay tuned to find out. Just know, the craziest dunk idea for 2008/2009 has not been seen.
[ SoJones ] Incredible. I would love to get a peak at a Kicks and Chicks Nike Dunk. I can only imagine what it would be like.
Lets talk fashion and entertainment industries. You have an extensive history. In terms of Kicks, what are some stand out moments you remember since Sneaker Culture exploded?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Well, I'd say there's a few. I hate how people forget what culture ushered the Kick game back into the spotlight. Hip-Hop culture is responsible for sneaker culture period. JadaKiss started off this whole craze when he lifted up his leg on the custom Gucci Check Nike air force 1 shoes in the Knock Yourself Out video. From there it went to Remix Da Kicks re-inventing the game with the custom colors and being hired by Nike full time, over to Nigo making a shoe line that promoted the idea of exclusive. We all misplace credits but in the public eye, these were the people that truly did it.
I think the shockers that I remember are back when nobody really knew what variants (fake Nikes) were, rapper Fabolous used to buy mad kicks off a group called Team Nyce. Photos and everything from Fab's parties to just dude with the Kicks. As soon as it was exposed the variant shoes weren't some Asian exclusives though, Fabolous stopped messing with them. If you listen to Fabolous' old raps, he says something about "These Jordans don't ever come out" and at that point, and he was copping the fakes. Can't be mad at him though, NOBODY knew what variants were then. NOBODY.
I think the funniest thing is Mark Ecko and company. I wouldn′t speak on this normally but am going to right now, since he let his Complex magazine editor get at Kicks and Chicks. I think their editor got dumped by one of our models in a bad way. (LOL)
I remember after Nike variants were known to be fake, Mark Ecko started buying the variant Nike kicks. He purchased them from an old site CustomLeader.net which I knew the owner of, and it was funny... the next MAGIC fashion convention in Las Vegas, guess who I saw walking from the Ecko clothing tent to the convention center in fake Nikes..... Yes, it was Mark Ecko, sporting his fake kicks proudly.
I find it hilarious dude owns Complex Magazine. The Complex Magazine site is a joke especially. I won't expose all but Ecko has a gang of ex-fake Nike sellers running Complex on-line. Look at the network of sites and google their name along with "fake Nikes".... You will see all kinds of complaints come up.
Since Complex talked about Kicks and Chicks, the truth is now released. Ecko also stole some design concepts from smaller lines over time. But that is another story. If Mark is reading this, Hey Markie! (lol)
[ SoJones ] (Laughing) Wow. That's a lot to bite on right there but hilarious. I'm sure Ecko and Complex will get wind of this interview if they check their name.
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Ay, its a fair exchange. Except I give facts, they state some opinions. Hit for hit i guess.
[ SoJones ] Yeah, true. Moving more into Kicks, where does Kicks and Chicks get its sneakers from? and do you only deal with Nikes?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] We get our kicks from a few main sources that I've met during my career and respect the Kicks and Chicks movement. We promote them in exchange.
We definitely focus on Nike and Air Jordan kicks, but are not limited to them. However, they are the only brand of Kicks we shoot as part of our schedule because Sneaker culture is really based of the Nike and Air Jordan shoes. Anything exclusive or has a nice color scheme, we can work with.
[ SoJones ] What about your personal collection, you saying Kicked up these days?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Of course. A lot of my kicks are older though. I have about 30 pair today probably. I do not over do it with the Nikes anymore however. I move around so much, having 90 pair of sneakers like i used to is just not possible.
[ SoJones ] Understand that. Even though I think 90 is not too too bad. What are your favorite Nike and Air Jordan Kicks?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Well, I have owned more than 90 pair at a time. At my peak I had probably near 200 pair in my place when I was living in New York. As for my favorite pairs... easy question! Nike SB Dunk High Send Helps and the De La Soul Dunks. I love those two pair of dunks! My Air Jordan 19s and Lebron Zoom 2s are the only basketball shoes I love to play basketball in and can wear with a fresh outfit as well. My babies, the Nike SB Trainer Mid Gold Diggers, hands down one pair I'm going to hate to have worn out. Sneaker Heads tripped on those kicks! They are crucial with the metallic gold. So many girls look at my feet when I wear those, they are the truth when it comes to having attention getting kicks.
[ SoJones ] Girls looking at the Gold Digger Trainers ay? Well ..... that brings up a good question... no homo.... but I am sure many want to know what your girlfriend fields about your Kicks and Chicks work. What kind of tongue lashing do you get from you girl, shooting models?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] (lol) Yeah, no homo.
None. I'm single and strollin'. Only thing I'm married to is happiness in life and seeing the world. I had a girlfriend while I was shooting models and she had no problem with it. I got an idea of who my next girl might be, and she might be a Kicks and Chicks model because she's a straight sexy, down to earth sneaker head. So I doubt I will get a problem.
[ SoJones ] You would let your girl model for Kicks and Chicks and other eye candy modeling project?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Yeah. If she wants to do it and makes some sort of profit. I support my mate's dream, I'm not a hater. We keep it wavy!
[ SoJones ] Definitely understand that! You're a secure dude like myself. This interview was great. Always a pleasure to interview someone that I've worked with. As a Kicks and Chicks fan, I'm also glad you answered some of these questions because I now know we need to trade jobs for a week some time coming up (lol). Any departing words?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] No doubt. Switch anytime man. I'll take a vacation with your check (LoL).
Last words... hmmm... Shout outs to all the Kicks and Chicks models! Special thanks to Janelle Stein, Taylor Hope, Judy Styles, and all those that have been on with Kicks and Chicks since you found us. Look out for those upcoming posters, calendars, and sneakers that Kicks and Chicks will be releasing.
If you're hating, keep hating. Make sure you say KicksAndChicks.com when you talk about us.
[ SoJones ] Those SoJones Don't just keep up with the trends... We set them... Until Next Time, Stay Tuned Everyone and Stay Up On What Hip-Hop Fashion Is Doing! Kicks, Chicks, and Love y'all!
From sojones.com
From sojones.com
As many may know, the founder of Sojones, is also an active hand in the Sneaker Culture entertainment project Kicks and Chicks. A site focused on keeping you updated on the latest Nike sneakers, it also mixes in another male hobby, female beauty-watching. Kicks and Chicks exposes a world of people to beautiful female faces from across the United States and abroad, landing featured models fashion and entertainment industry jobs.
Rodrick Rainey aka Rod Nikes, Creative Director of the Kicks and Chicks sneaker culture entertainment project, has compiled a list of questions from site visitors, myspace friends, sneaker culture, and youtube for an exclusive SoJones.com interview. Also get a peak into his historical knowledge of who are frauds to the fashion and sneaker culture. This is definitely an interview to read if you are a fan of Kicks and Chicks!
Who else can tell you Mark Ecko, founder of Complex Magazine and Ecko clothing, was a fake Nike shoe wearer? Rapper Fabolous too? Read on. This is the most entertaining Sneaker Culture interview of the year!
[ SoJones ] This is going to be a good interview. Lets start off by telling whom you are and your functions over at Kicks and Chicks.
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Of course, I'm Rodrick Rainey aka Rod Nikes, Creative Director of Kicks and Chicks sneaker culture entertainment site. I am also the founder of Sojones.com, ClothingLineHelp.com, NikeAirYeezys.com, and more. If you don't know me, you are probably somewhat new to Hip-Hop fashion and sneaker culture. I've been a major influence to both on-line since 2002.
[ SoJones ] Definitely a fact you hold weight in the fashion and sneakers culture. However, I do not know what you do for the Kicks and Chicks web site as Creative Director. What functions do you handle?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] I'm over all things Creative. My tasks include writing articles, managing content submitted or by me, directing photo shoots, overseeing product placement approval, finding a model to be my muse, and blogging are all under my title. I dabble in business some as well but the owner of the project has hired others to take care of that.
[ SoJones ] So you get to pick the models and shoot the models? Is that what you're saying? Just asking for clarification for all the other guys out there.
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Yezzir! I love being a part of Kicks and Chicks. Minus one or two models, as you can expect from today's Americanas, everyone is cool. We have a well divided group that range from assistant director to product placement managers.
[ SoJones ] As I've noticed, I'm sure others have as well. Why do some the Chicks with Kicks only shoot one time and others we get to shoot a few times?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Two things. One, we have got to give the people demand want and two, location. All the models listed on KicksAndChicks.com, I would love to work with again. I mean, what cool down to earth chick would you not want to work with again? The model chicks I recycle are just my muses. They have exceptional talent and great ability to work in a team environment or alone. In short, the keepers go hard. They promote themselves, have a nice following, and are open minded to what creative ideas are passed.
[ SoJones ] That's understandable. Speaking of Creative Poses, one thing stands out about Kicks and Chicks. You all do not really have a lot of work like other eye candy model sites. Your photos have a touch of class and literally no raunch I can find (and believe I tried lol). Why do you all stay away from the booty shots and all that?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Well, we all have an image we maintain at the end of the day. We're not looking to create any work that looks raunchy and pornographic. All of the Kicks and Chicks work has a sexy edge and we even have nude art coming, but anything that suggests sex too openly is just not our direction. You can shoot a girl with no clothing on and still come out with taste. If you were to go to Brazil, Europe, and other countries abroad that allow a human to be shown in their natural form, you can see art on a higher level. We are looking to present high level of art here in the United States combining Kicks and Chicks.
[ SoJones ] Excuse me for only catching a few words out that last response. Kicks and Chicks Nude art? Well what exactly is that about?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Well if you have ever been to an art gallery, then you know what nude art is. It embraces the extreme colors and shadows, delivering a group of thoughts to the person looking. The human body unclothed but more focus on delivering form and message than just sex appeal.
I am not sure when we will get this done but hopefully before November 2008, we shall have some products released featuring such works. Either on Kicks and Chicks store or through our collaboration with a quality commercial printer, which is released solely on SneakerPosters.com. Sneaker blogs will report it hopefully for all to know.
[ SoJones ] I shall definitely be ordering that. What other things are coming from Kicks and Chicks we can order? Any clothing?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Clothing, we probably will not go beyond the Kicks and Chicks logo t-shirts unless its a collaboration between our brand and a quality fashion brand. I like our logo tee, its simple, and expresses what I got a lust for. Kicks and Chicks, all day, sneaker pimping (Lol).
Really though, I would actually love to set up a collab between both a street wear brand and a major hip-hop clothing brand for Kicks and Chicks. Hip-Hop clothing....Baby Phat or Rocawear... and ughhh, street wear brands.... maybe Crooks and Castles, Married to the Mob, or Bobby Fresh.
And lets not forget about Nike and New Era! Nike owes us a collaboration that will have every female sneaker head or ex-female sneaker head running to the select stores we push a Nike SB Dunk High Kicks and Chicks through. New Era, we need something creative there as well.
[ SoJones ] Nike and New Era? Kicks and Chicks has something coming with Nike and New Era?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] It may and may not be. Just have to stay tuned to find out. Just know, the craziest dunk idea for 2008/2009 has not been seen.
[ SoJones ] Incredible. I would love to get a peak at a Kicks and Chicks Nike Dunk. I can only imagine what it would be like.
Lets talk fashion and entertainment industries. You have an extensive history. In terms of Kicks, what are some stand out moments you remember since Sneaker Culture exploded?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Well, I'd say there's a few. I hate how people forget what culture ushered the Kick game back into the spotlight. Hip-Hop culture is responsible for sneaker culture period. JadaKiss started off this whole craze when he lifted up his leg on the custom Gucci Check Nike air force 1 shoes in the Knock Yourself Out video. From there it went to Remix Da Kicks re-inventing the game with the custom colors and being hired by Nike full time, over to Nigo making a shoe line that promoted the idea of exclusive. We all misplace credits but in the public eye, these were the people that truly did it.
I think the shockers that I remember are back when nobody really knew what variants (fake Nikes) were, rapper Fabolous used to buy mad kicks off a group called Team Nyce. Photos and everything from Fab's parties to just dude with the Kicks. As soon as it was exposed the variant shoes weren't some Asian exclusives though, Fabolous stopped messing with them. If you listen to Fabolous' old raps, he says something about "These Jordans don't ever come out" and at that point, and he was copping the fakes. Can't be mad at him though, NOBODY knew what variants were then. NOBODY.
I think the funniest thing is Mark Ecko and company. I wouldn′t speak on this normally but am going to right now, since he let his Complex magazine editor get at Kicks and Chicks. I think their editor got dumped by one of our models in a bad way. (LOL)
I remember after Nike variants were known to be fake, Mark Ecko started buying the variant Nike kicks. He purchased them from an old site CustomLeader.net which I knew the owner of, and it was funny... the next MAGIC fashion convention in Las Vegas, guess who I saw walking from the Ecko clothing tent to the convention center in fake Nikes..... Yes, it was Mark Ecko, sporting his fake kicks proudly.
I find it hilarious dude owns Complex Magazine. The Complex Magazine site is a joke especially. I won't expose all but Ecko has a gang of ex-fake Nike sellers running Complex on-line. Look at the network of sites and google their name along with "fake Nikes".... You will see all kinds of complaints come up.
Since Complex talked about Kicks and Chicks, the truth is now released. Ecko also stole some design concepts from smaller lines over time. But that is another story. If Mark is reading this, Hey Markie! (lol)
[ SoJones ] (Laughing) Wow. That's a lot to bite on right there but hilarious. I'm sure Ecko and Complex will get wind of this interview if they check their name.
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Ay, its a fair exchange. Except I give facts, they state some opinions. Hit for hit i guess.
[ SoJones ] Yeah, true. Moving more into Kicks, where does Kicks and Chicks get its sneakers from? and do you only deal with Nikes?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] We get our kicks from a few main sources that I've met during my career and respect the Kicks and Chicks movement. We promote them in exchange.
We definitely focus on Nike and Air Jordan kicks, but are not limited to them. However, they are the only brand of Kicks we shoot as part of our schedule because Sneaker culture is really based of the Nike and Air Jordan shoes. Anything exclusive or has a nice color scheme, we can work with.
[ SoJones ] What about your personal collection, you saying Kicked up these days?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Of course. A lot of my kicks are older though. I have about 30 pair today probably. I do not over do it with the Nikes anymore however. I move around so much, having 90 pair of sneakers like i used to is just not possible.
[ SoJones ] Understand that. Even though I think 90 is not too too bad. What are your favorite Nike and Air Jordan Kicks?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Well, I have owned more than 90 pair at a time. At my peak I had probably near 200 pair in my place when I was living in New York. As for my favorite pairs... easy question! Nike SB Dunk High Send Helps and the De La Soul Dunks. I love those two pair of dunks! My Air Jordan 19s and Lebron Zoom 2s are the only basketball shoes I love to play basketball in and can wear with a fresh outfit as well. My babies, the Nike SB Trainer Mid Gold Diggers, hands down one pair I'm going to hate to have worn out. Sneaker Heads tripped on those kicks! They are crucial with the metallic gold. So many girls look at my feet when I wear those, they are the truth when it comes to having attention getting kicks.
[ SoJones ] Girls looking at the Gold Digger Trainers ay? Well ..... that brings up a good question... no homo.... but I am sure many want to know what your girlfriend fields about your Kicks and Chicks work. What kind of tongue lashing do you get from you girl, shooting models?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] (lol) Yeah, no homo.
None. I'm single and strollin'. Only thing I'm married to is happiness in life and seeing the world. I had a girlfriend while I was shooting models and she had no problem with it. I got an idea of who my next girl might be, and she might be a Kicks and Chicks model because she's a straight sexy, down to earth sneaker head. So I doubt I will get a problem.
[ SoJones ] You would let your girl model for Kicks and Chicks and other eye candy modeling project?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] Yeah. If she wants to do it and makes some sort of profit. I support my mate's dream, I'm not a hater. We keep it wavy!
[ SoJones ] Definitely understand that! You're a secure dude like myself. This interview was great. Always a pleasure to interview someone that I've worked with. As a Kicks and Chicks fan, I'm also glad you answered some of these questions because I now know we need to trade jobs for a week some time coming up (lol). Any departing words?
[ Kicks and Chicks Director Rod Nikes Interview ] No doubt. Switch anytime man. I'll take a vacation with your check (LoL).
Last words... hmmm... Shout outs to all the Kicks and Chicks models! Special thanks to Janelle Stein, Taylor Hope, Judy Styles, and all those that have been on with Kicks and Chicks since you found us. Look out for those upcoming posters, calendars, and sneakers that Kicks and Chicks will be releasing.
If you're hating, keep hating. Make sure you say KicksAndChicks.com when you talk about us.
[ SoJones ] Those SoJones Don't just keep up with the trends... We set them... Until Next Time, Stay Tuned Everyone and Stay Up On What Hip-Hop Fashion Is Doing! Kicks, Chicks, and Love y'all!
From sojones.com
