The 9five Files

WE'VE MOVED

2010-01-13T08:45:00.000-08:00

This blog has been moved to

HERE.

9five AT AGENDA 2010

2010-01-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

We debuted our brand publicly for the first time at the last Agenda, and now we're back to show some new goods, including our newest collab with Grn Apple Tree. Come check us out in Huntington Beach this Friday and Saturday.

Also, join us at the official Agenda After Party (In collaboration with the homies from JSLV and SK8MAFIA)...

VIDEO XMAS CARD (AND BEHIND THE SCENES)

2009-12-26T14:09:00.001-08:00

2009 was a rough year for a lot people. If you didn't lose your house, your job, your car, your credit, and your significant other as a result, you may be sitting in a better position than most. We're going to take a seat on the side of the non-complainers this year, as we only launched in Spring of this 2009, and we feel pretty good about where we sit.

To show our gratitude to any and all of our supporters, we've put together this video Christmas card, starring none other than the mighty Hoff.

We when set out to film on this one day mission, the objective was simple... We wanted to capture those precious moments that every skateboarder experiences when he goes out to skate most any spot. During the confrontation, the idea was for Hoff (wearing a hidden microphone) to flip it on the security guard and hook him up with a free pair of shades. It worked like clockwork up until we crossed paths with a peculiar onlooker around the corner from the San Diego Courthouse. I'm pretty sure he had spotted me, Zack Mack, and Swiss Steve filming/taking photos of Jordan from across the street as Hoff tried to hit up the infamous marble ledge (Which by the way, we spent an hour at TRYING to get kicked out of. Go figure). I think the onlooker started to pick up on what was going on, so when we passed by him on our way out, he wanted to get in on the action (All speculation on my part). Whatever his motivation was though to put Jordan in a UFC style submission hold, made for undeniable comic relief. Thanks homie!

Photo by Swiss Steve Treboux

Enjoy...

9five Eyewear - "Joy" Video from Mike Metcalf on Vimeo.

9five POP UP SHOP

2009-12-24T15:34:00.000-08:00

So last week I got a call from Jeff over at Orisue. He told me that Orisue was doing a pop up shop in Venice Beach and that there was room for another brand to showcase along them and Aerial 7 Headphones. With only a couple days left on the clock until the grand opening, Aaron designed us a store, handed off the template and we had ourselves one hell of a on the spot retail shop.

Lastnight there was a grand opening party sponsored by Belvedere Vodka and Corona, and these two lovely bartenders stayed Buttered Up all night. I didn't take a single photo during the party because I was shooting video (coming soon), but Orisue had us covered. Instead of pic jacking them, I'll just send you over to their site for the photo recap.

Oh and if you're in venice, hit our pop up at

1511 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice CA 90291

Our whole Holiday line is available here, along with a ton of Orisue and Aerial 7.

9five LIVE EPISODE 2

2009-12-16T06:39:00.001-08:00

If you didn't know, we've teamed up with the Jazzy Fat Nasty DJs to bring you a live DJ Spin sesh each week. Last week we featured Kid Dragon, who as you're about to see, is in his own genre when it comes to spinning music.

If you're thinking what I first thought when I started watching these, you're saying something like "Am I really about to watch this dude spin records in his room?" It is a little bit bizarre, but it's actually pretty fat. Watch Kid Dragon spin jams, breaks and samples that only a true connoisseur could ever call out, and listen into the product of a true beat diggers work...

LOOKBOOK IS LIVE

2009-12-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

Enjoy!...

9five Eyewear 2009 Lookbook from Mike Metcalf on Vimeo.

FAIR. BALANCED. 9five.

2009-12-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

Can't say I'm a huge Fox News fan, but I won't hate on their holiday gift ideas seeing as 9five comes in first on the list...

On another note, the second drop of season two is hitting our retailer's shelves right about now. You've been looking for those Woodgrain Blocks haven't you? You're time has finally come.

9five IS LIVE

2009-12-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

Our live streaming music show is back in effect. DJ Virus is on the wheels for us this week. Check it...

ATTENTION

2009-11-27T14:24:00.001-08:00

Hoff is the greatest... He always sends over the magazine photos he has accumulated over the month, so that we know he's putting in work. We see you son...

Coverage=loot. I'm guessing the abundantly productive month might have inspired him to open his pockets for this 1971 Chevy Nova SS. It's gonna be a beauty...

I've been staying productive as well. Along with keeping on top of delivery 2 (which will ship to our retailers on Dec 1), I finally sat down and edited this Nor Cal tour video for Orisue Clothing. I had to put the footage on ice for a couple months while I finished up a couple projects for DC shoes (Sorry about that guys).

A lot of my homies ride for Orisue and the video came out pretty fresh. Give it a once or twice over why don't you...

In other news, Panasonic has put the kibosh on the Technics 1200 and 1210 models turntables? That's tantamount to a slap in the face for this already dwindling generation of DJ's. What was once worth it's weight in gold is now about to really peak in it's resale value. If you've been telling yourself to go cop a set for the last 5 years (I'm talking to myself here), now is the time.

Last but not least... Does AVE ever come less than proper when he drops a new pro model? The answer is no, and his latest pro model debut continues to raise the bar. The AV6 looks like a buttery fusion of a couple different Vans classics, and I can already tell that thing is going to skate like a god damned champion. Keep it up AVE...

VIDEO LOOKBOOK VOL. 1

2009-11-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

We will be posting video lookbook segments for each of our styles bi-weekly. First up, The Butters...

Video Lookbook: The Butters from Mike Metcalf on Vimeo.

GIVE IT UP

2009-11-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

Lil Wayne has been spotted in his newest music video rocking the 9five Blocks in matte black with the clear lenses. Just sayin...

Watch it HERE.

DEL

2009-11-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

I always wondered if Del The Funky Homosapien knew that he was an underground hero to skateboarders all throughout the heyday of the 90's scene. THIS INTERVIEW with Del from Slap Mag dials in Del and his early adaptation by skaters. Well done Slap...

KNOCKED DOWN

2009-11-09T21:32:00.000-08:00

Hey, look at those Woodgrain Blocks dancing around in the new Cool Kids video. They're stuck to Natasha's face.

That party looks pretty fun.

Oh and by the way, those Woodgrains are part of delivery 2 for this season. They are available December 1rst. Click HERE to watch the video...

ICE COLD

2009-11-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

Coming soon...

XXL MAG

2009-10-28T19:55:00.001-07:00

9five got some shine in the product section of the newest XXL Mag... Thanks homies!

IN SEQUENCE

2009-10-24T07:36:00.000-07:00

Moby... I'de be surprised if he was still relevant to the people who thought he was relevant, when he was relevant. That's besides the point though. I came across this video on our homie, Freddie Joachim's website. It unveils what has to be the world's single largest collection of vintage drum machines, which also happens to be Moby's personal stash. Being a production hobbyist myself, I can't help but covet thy neighbor's goods...

9five ONLINE STORE IS NOW LIVE

2009-10-23T20:32:00.001-07:00

That's right folks... Delivery one of our Fall/Holiday 2009 collection is now live in our ONLINE STORE. If you click STORE and don't see it, clear your cache son...

HEAVY HITTERS

2009-10-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

For all you Central Cali heads, we're sponsoring a contest at Orange Cove (The illest skatepark in the midst of absolutely nothing). So if you're in the middle of nowhere this weekend, come peep this contest and get laced up...

BACK IN ACTION

2009-10-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Dream Catcher is back from the Bay. I don't know what happened to him out there, but it sure turned him into a jerk. He was hating big time today.

After breaking my foot at the skatepark, Dream Catcher added insult to my injury by making me take pics of him at this set on my freshly crippled limb. He had big plans for it but broke his board on the warm up kick...

DISCO IS BUTTERS

2009-10-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Thes One of People Under The Stairs is still killing it in his 9five Black/Sky Blue Butters, as demonstrated in their newest video...

SPOT CHECKING

2009-10-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

Today we hit up a school by the place I just moved into. I've been driving past it everyday for the last couple weeks and keeping tabs on the blue planner ledges out in the front. They look pretty buttery from a far, but I don't think I will be returning. It's always a crap shoot...

Beardo wasn't too hyped on my ledge spot, but he was hyped that the new brown/tortoise Blocks match his beard. Match made in heaven...

Beardo and Sam scope out the scene. Hating, basically...

I made Bearo do a line so I could film it wih my SLR. He's going to be bummed that it's on the web. He wasn't hyped on his fakie tailslide, at all...

Since the ledges in the front were a bust, we hopped the fence and peeped out the back. There was a super rugged bank to rail. I was pretty surprised that Sam was even contemplating...

But Sam blasted through my skepticism in just a few tries...

9five SHIPPING FAILURE

2009-10-10T01:46:00.000-07:00

I started to notice that Jay (Our Shipping Manager) was slipping into dementia after his 10th straight hour of packing orders. Had to hit him with that old exploding beer trick... Magic.

9five FALL/HOLIDAY 2009 DROP

2009-10-09T10:11:00.001-07:00

Hypebeast helped us make this drop official, but here is some info on our newest collection, hitting retailers next week, and on our online store at Midnight, October 23rd.

First up... We introduce the Blocks. Inspired by the critical era in which hip hop was defining itself, the Blocks pay homage to the genre's pioneers, who were known to rock a similarly styled, blocked off frame. The Blocks cultivate the spirit of this era into a premium grade acetate frame with our signature metal logo hit. Available in four color ways, all with an available clear lens option.

This season we're offering four new color ways in our staple frame style, the Cult Classic. This premium grade wayfarer has been updated with a thicker frame, handset metal hinges, and a fresh metal logo hit on the temple. Available in four color ways, including the limited edition MPC2000 Xl color scheme (Cream/Grey/Maroon).

Last season, the Butters was a surprise banger for us, so we decided to carry over our two staple color ways (Black/White and Black/Sky Blue), and add a little something to the Fall/Holiday additions. The two new color ways have a Black to Crystal fade with a color pop frame bottom (Choice of Crystal Yellow or Crystal Blue)... All come off super clean. We've also made the clear lens option available on ALL COLORWAYS of the Butters. Enjoy...

Another new addition to our line up is the DM-83. This frame draws inspiration from the man that made the gigantic frame famous in 1983, Darryl McDaniels of RUN DMC. This massive shade comes in two wearable color ways, accented with our signature metal logo hit on a premium acetate frame. Clear lens options available in both color ways.

Last but not least, we're keeping the Major in full effect. The Major is simply put, the perfect aviator. You will not find a cleaner, more proper fitting frame. This premium grade acetate wonder comes ready to rock in four fresh color ways.

Again, look for delivery one in retailers on October 15th.

BUTTERY

2009-10-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

The Butters are a peculiar peice. When they find the right face, the person wearing them often falls in love with them. Thes One from People Under The Stairs has been steady rocking this pair from last season like I've been bangin' his last album. Photos from Bonnaroo 2009...

DC Footwear laced up their apparel models with the Butters for their latest catalogue photoshoot... As you can see, they look lovely on a lovely ladies face as well...

WILLY SANTOS ON SKATE TALK

2009-09-29T21:39:00.001-07:00

If you don't know what Skate Talk is, it's an insanely messy skateboarding "talk show", streaming live over the internet, and produced by the now infamous Patrick O' Dell (Best known for his Epicly Later'd series on Vice TV). The show is often puzzling, bizarre and awkward, which makes for an always interesting display.

The homie Willy Santos is going to be on tonight, and you'd best be up on it. There will be a quiz...

RIP ERIC STRICKER

2009-09-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

Sad news for skateboarding as we lost Eric Stricker two nights ago. Eric was the Editor of Transworld Skateboarding Magazine, and a genuinely cool cat on all accounts. RIP Eric...

SHARED SENTIMENTS

2009-09-21T20:59:00.001-07:00

Flipping through the pages of the newest Skateboarder Magazine, I noticed this blurb from Joey Suriel about the skateboarding scene in 1995. I couldn't help but find it relevant, nostalgic and abundantly true...

ASK ROB DYRDEK (9fivers EDITION)

2009-09-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

9five crew is dominating the latest edition of Ask Rob, a weekly show where people get to ask Rob Dyrdek a question. It's actually pretty funny.

Catch D-Rod (Our homie and flow rider), Glenn (International Sales), Jay (Creative Director) and Aaron (VP Of Design) in this latest episode...

ROLL OUT

2009-09-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Working on a little edit for the homies at Orisue. They took their skate team (Some of which also ride flow for 9five) on a mini tour and I'm at the helms of the editing station. Peep some pics from the tour and keep an eye out for the vid dropping this month...

CLIP OF THE DAY

2009-09-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Were you at the 9five/SK8MAFIA/In4mation party last night? Crazy right? Anyhow...

I shouldn't call this clip of the day, because that implies that I will be posting a new clip every day. I certainly won't be doing that.

I did catch D-Rod today handling this nollie flip feeble first try though, and I was feeling this Dorothy Ashby song. Therefore... Voilà.

9five Eyewear CLIP OF THE DAY (09-11-09) from Mike Metcalf on Vimeo.

PARTY TIME

2009-09-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

We're hosting the very most official ASR party of the season... Join us at our familiar stomping grounds, 923 Bar on 6th Avenue, for a 9five soiree co-hosted by SK8MAFIA and In4mation...

9five AT MAGIC 2009

2009-09-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

We just wrapped our first ever MAGIC Tradeshow in Las Vegas. It was a gigantic success for us on all accounts. There were very few dull moments in our humble little booth, and rarely were we without a cluttered group of visitors.

In addition to our fresh new Fall/Winter lineup, our tradeshow master of ceremonies, Robby Robinson, played a huge part in our success this weekend. Without having met him personally, it's very difficult to describe him in words, but I'll give it a shot...

90 percent of what comes out of Robinson's mouth is in rhyming format. If he isn't rhyming to himself, he's likely to be rapping directly at you, and using your appearance and immediate activity/location to build content for his freestyle. If he isn't rapping however, he is probably bboying, or at the very least, running some light footwork. In a nutshell, Rob is truly one of a kind, and most definitely left a lasting impression on whomever came within 30 feet of him this past weekend at MAGIC.

Hopefully this little web video can better paint the picture of Robinson and his infinite positivity. Let me also state how hyped we were to have DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mad Skillz, Spliff Star and DJ Kool Herc come through our booth and show love. Watch for our next drop... October 15th.

A+

2009-08-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

We here at 9five are the utmost fans of quality video production. This new video featuring the Scratch Perverts covers all the bases of creativity, innovation, and theatrics needed to receive the 9five seal of approval. Not to mention, it's good to see turntablism placing itself back in the limelight, and with mind blowing material at that. Enjoy...

FRAMED

2009-08-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

Our weekly skate crew hasn't been able to hit the streets together in well over a month. First off, Dream Catcher has been holding down his management position at Element Skate Camp. Now I'm hearing he's opted to never return, and is heading to the Bay to seek out new spots. Until next time Dream Catcher...

Sam, Beardo and myself however, we did get a session in over the weekend. I also just recently got a new camera, so I was pretty motivated to get some pics.

I fully forced Beardo to 50-50 this rail. I was quite intent on getting a depth of field shot and this fence angle view of the flat bar was the perfect opportunity...

After skating around and under the bridge for awhile, we found this wallride ride, beautifully placed in front of the Port Of San Diego. Seemed like a worthwhile photo...

We found this on the way to a bank to ledge. Spots like this are cool to come up on cause they are literally there one day, gone the next. The run up was all bad, but Sam managed to blast an ollie for the team.

We capped off the day by hitting up BVH, a spot we've been skating for almost 15 years now. Not once did we ever skate this loading dock as a ledge, but today, there was debris at the bottom, making it a ledge gap for the day. Beardo got the steezy back 5050 pic to mark the occasion...

Another stellar Saturday session. Seeing as I broke my toe hours ago, I probably won't get to be an active participant in next weeks sesh. Oh wait, we'll be at MAGIC anyways... Booth SL8-21243 to be exact. We'll see you there.

QUESTIONS

2009-08-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

I remember at Agenda, BNQT asked who was best equipped to answer questions about the line. I assumed Natasha might be interested, and coincidentally, she stepped up to the plate. Cool, calm and collected, she grabbed the mic like she had years of media training on her side. I think she did well, however, she requested that I not show this video the light of day, as she was not satisfied with her own performance. F that... Take a little glimpse at our next line up, with your only slightly awkward host (And our West Coast Sales Manager), Natasha...

More inquiries come along in the form of an fan interview with our dude Jordan Hoffart. I feel like I'm always blogging about the Hoff, but this dude just keeps getting coverage... What can I do?

And finally, big ups to the homies at LRG. We swapped them some shades for some gear. I don't think I've ever worn a baseball jersey in my life, and right now, I'm wearing a bright ass green one with a giant Giraffe on it, and I'm lovin' it. Thanks!

DVS GOES WOOD

2009-08-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Transworld's Skate And Create is proving to be the grounds for next level skateboard cinematography. The contest invites skateboarding's biggest footwear brands into an empty warehouse for 9 days, giving their team and filmers/photographers private access to build, film, and concept whatever they want for a 5 minute video clip.

DVS set the standard last year with a really dope video piece focused around a lighting concept entitled "shine". They also are the first team to set off the contest this year. Their video just went up today, and although etnies has already been declared the winner, I must say that DVS has absolutely killed it again in 2009. Their concept of a wooden perimeter with a blown out the background gives the location a feeling of endless space. Most notable though, is the concept of having two riders hit an obstacle in every shot. It really makes you want to watch the video a few different times to catch all the tricks, which in affect, helps you to notice all the intricacies that went into the cinematography. Tie this all up with some amazing skateboarding (All shot on Red), dope detail shots, and fresh stop motion transitions... You've got yourself one hell of a clip. Enough of the rambling though, just watch this shit...

HOLLER AT THE HOFF

2009-08-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

Jordan is taking questions over on the Transworld Site. Drop a couple questions for him in the comment box after you watch his part from FUN!. If he answers one of your questions in his video interview, you'll walk away with one of his Powell pro models. Get it...

IT'S COMING

2009-08-10T22:41:00.001-07:00

Our second line up of shades is about to drop. Here's what it's looking like...

We're bringing two brand new frames to the set, along with fresh new color-ways in all of our previous styles. Some delicious apparel and accessories will also bless the collection, so stay up on our blog as we will be introducing new product over the next month...

THE COOL KIDS

2009-08-08T09:50:00.001-07:00

9five was in effect at the filming for The Cool Kids newest video "Knocked Down". Keep your eyes peeled for some new 9five frames when the video drops...

THE UNSTOPPABLE HOFF

2009-07-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

What did I tell you about our main man Jordan Hoffart? Dude is a legitimate beast...

Rolls up to the Dew Tour, waits in line as an alternate for the Best Trick Contest, then drops a set of indisputable hammers that wins him the whole shebang (And a $5000 check). Peep game...

AS PROMISED

2009-07-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

A few photos from this week's Agenda Tradeshow...

Sneak peak of some new frames dropping next month...

Robby Rob getting loose for Karmaloop... Real loose.

Rob previews the DM-83... Dropping October 1rst.

9five AT AGENDA TRADESHOW

2009-07-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

We just wrapped up our Agenda Tradeshow debut, and it was nothing short of spectacular. I took a ton of pics, but they are currently trapped in my camera pending the proper cord to set them free.

In the meantime, I think the message Robby Rob left on my voicemail this morning sums it up best...

SIGHTINGS

2009-07-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

Brian Wenning spotted in the 9five Majors. Zig Zaggin...

DJ VINROC

2009-07-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

The Giant Peach just launched a new feature on their site called "My New Favorite Things", where they have artists/musicians pull out some of their prized gear. The all-mighty DJ Vinroc was the latest subject, and called out the 9five Majors in his list of must haves. Good look Vin!

Check Vin's record label over at www.Thatsthatlabel.com, and watch for his remix projects with Talib Kweli, Black Thought, Souls Of Mischief and Goapele. Peep him and Zion I rocking it in Europe below...

THE HYPE

2009-07-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Our boy ALEC JAMIR set's off this brand new promo from Hype Skateboards... Get it Alec!

9five EYEWEAR'S "ONE MAN BAND"

2009-07-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Our second commercial for Skateboarding.com is now live and in effect. Check it out right HERE, then watch it below to get that full HD expirience...

BACK TO THE FUTURE

2009-07-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

9five is heavy reppin' in the DC Footwear/Apparel Catalogue for Spring 2010. Big ups to Dom, Glenn, Re Re, and all the team riders/models for holding us down. Here's a glimpse...

NICK TUCKER

2009-06-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

Our homie Nick's part from the Sk8Mafia video is now part of the intraweb. Watch this dude...

IT BEGINS

2009-06-24T20:31:00.001-07:00

Summer has officially started, and to kick it off, we've dropped a new color offering in the ever popular Cult Classic style...

Nothing caps off a skate session in the dead heat of Summer like a Black and Tan beer. The seemless integration of Guinness and Bass (Or Newcastle depending on your preference) into one glass is an unstoppable force. Don't get too hyped though, you gotta pour that shit proper... Slow and steady, son.

I don't think this very limited colorway (Only 50 pieces made) is in need of any further explanation. The Black And Tan Cult Classic is AVAILABLE NOW, but not for long. Set your Summer off with a fresh frame... And don't be surprised if your order comes with a little something extra.

THAT'S A WRAP

2009-06-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

We just finished shooting our second commercial... It's a wild one.

Check for it on skateboarding.com in the next few days.

THE HOFF

2009-06-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

Swung by Jordan's pad in Cardiff today to work on some top secret happenings. I was happy to leave with these lovely parting gifts... A signed Hoffart pro model inscribed with "Crank that Souljah Boy"..?

Already on the wall son.

This autographed poster of the infamous tailslide on the unsteppable black beast... Aptly inscribed "This pen fucking sucks."

And last but not least, the newest issue of KINGSHIT... The latest brainchild of Big Brother Alumni, Dave Carnie.

This issue hosts a 10 page, buttery interview with The Hoff, well worth the FREE.99 it costs to purchase this magazine. Get on that kiddies, and cop a Hoff deck at your local shop cause Jordan needs a new TV... For realzy.

STREET DREAMS HOLLYWOOD PREMIER

2009-06-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

Lastnight, we headed over to Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood for the world premier of Rob Dyrdek's feature length film, Street Dreams.

The movie features Paul Rodriguez as the lead role, alongside Terry Kennedy, Ryan Dunn, Ryan Sheckler and Rob as his posse. The movie aims at telling a skateboarding story as it hasn't been told in the past, and with the core audience in mind. The concept is sure to make a lot of people uneasy, myself included, but an open mind can walk away with the feeling that they pulled this off... And pretty well at that.

We lurked it up pretty hard in the red carpet press section, video cameras and microphones in hand.

Rob and Sal Masekela on blast and on E! Entertainment...

Nino is one half of the writing team that put Street Dreams together...

Thes One from People Under The Stairs soundtracked the entire movie. He rolled up the red carpet rocking our black/sky blue Butters for a proper entrance.

Thes is an ill producer so if your not already familiar with his work... Get familiar. Don't be afraid to peep Street Dreams either.

The 9five Files... Nick Tucker

2009-06-04T08:43:00.001-07:00

Two spots in two hours. Nick Tucker left the fuck around at home today. Hajiboi...

Also featuring Cody Carlin, Jimmy Carlin, Spencer Prati, Paul Sewell. John Jackson and Lil' Stevie. Shot by Zach Mackenzie.

BATTLE AT THE BERG

2009-05-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

I hate to put up one of those "skateboarding is getting gnarly" posts, but God Damn...

While I was living in SF, I remember rolling up to Wallenburg shortly after Danny Gonzales threw down this Kickflip Melon over the massive gap, and being completely blown away. Fast forward almost a decade, it's almost unfathomable to me that 10 never been dones could go off in a single day at the same spot. Wallenburg is no joke.

Serious props to Thrasher and all the skateboarders that got down yesterday. Extra dap to The Hoff on the buttery varial heelflip.

Peep this madness...

THE 9five FILES... THE SON OF RAN

2009-05-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

Rap's Manny Paq has payed his dues, but isn't looking for a payout from his music... Maybe that's why it's so fucking dope.

Enter, one of the illest emcee's repping the genre... The Son Of Ran.

BATTLE AT THE BLOCK

2009-05-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, we're sponsoring a throw down in Central Cali alongside The Future Skate Shop. Hanford Skatepark, better known as "The Block", has games of S.K.A.T.E. cracking off all day for a winner takes all cash payout. 9five will also be lacing up the onlookers...

9five & TRANSWORLD SKATEBOARDING

2009-05-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

Head on over to skateboarding.com to see the newest 9five commercial, "Let's Build". The commercial features our man Jordan Hoffart... Behind the scenes coming soon.

Also, win some buttery 9fivers over at skateboarding.com. Click the respective pics below to see the goods...

P-R-O

2009-05-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

Lastnight I had the pleasure of attending Jordan Hoffart's surprise "Going Pro" party. Powell hit him off with his first pro model and got all his homies together to celebrate the occasion. The Hoff said he was genuinely surprised. Congrats son!

Cop that deck kiddies!

DREAM CATCHER

2009-05-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

This is Trey.

We call him Dream Catcher. How does one aquire a nickname as goofy as Dream Catcher you ask? Well, everytime you go skating, you have to wear a shirt decorated with Native American artwork. If it's not the one below, it's the same thing but in a different color... Your skin also has to be somewhat orange...

Dream Catcher is a middle school teacher, but during the Summer, Dream Catcher holds down the Element Skate Camp out in the mountains of Sequoia Lake. We think that's where he found his Native American inspiration.

Dream Catcher is one of the only skateboarders I've ever met that takes going to the gym... Very, very seriously. Dream Catcher told us he can bench press 200 pounds, and we were all very impressed.

We decided we wanted to put a parking block on top of the bank at Montevalle Park today. We spent sometime concocting a way to move this one from the parking lot to the bank...

After a few minutes of failure, Dream Catcher remembered that he possesses super human strength, and proceeded to power lift the parking block the entire 60 yards by his lonesome. It was quite a feat.

Dream Catcher furthered displayed feats of strength by blasting large Nollie BS Flips on the bank. Onlookers gazed in amazement...

6-1-9five

2009-05-11T23:37:00.000-07:00

Life is bizarre sometimes. A few months ago me and Beardo went and shot this little tour of Downtown San Diego. I couldn't really decide what to do with the video (Or if I wanted to do anything with it at all), so it's just been sitting on my desktop.

This morning, after catching up on this week's SK8MAFIA Saturday over on Skateboarding.com, I noticed another video... This very well done Austin Stephens Day In The Life.

It's insane how similar these two videos are. They pretty much run the exact same concept, and to top it off, are both cut to Tommy Guerrero tracks that even use the same drum loop. So strange...

And NO... I'm not suggesting this was a bite. As a matter of fact, no one ever even saw my version, including Beardo himself, so that would have been impossible. It's just an interesting coincidence that finally gives me a reason to post up this clip...

THE BOMB ASS BLOG

2009-05-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

No matter how intense the schedule gets, myself and Beardo (9five Creative Director), will go skateboarding at least once a week. We even have the audacity to take a 50 dollar Radio Shack video camera along these weekly journeys and document our more notable skateboarding accomplishments. Since we're both more accustomed to being behind the camera and not in front of it, it can be a real struggle getting something on film. It's really about the journey though, not the outcome.

For years now, we've been been piling up footage for the pipe dream video, Bomb Ass Summer (A title that stems back to when we were both in college and could only skate during the Summer break). The reality of Bomb Ass Summer, is that it is a life long project that god willing, will never actually be completed. It is however, a great excuse to get up every Saturday and look for new spots to skate no matter how impractical it seems, or hungover I am.

Beardo has taken it upon himself to create a blog based around our Bomb Ass travels. The blog is as bizarre as he is, and paints a pretty vivd picture of the weekly missions. Should the inclination ever strike you, step inside the sessions that keep the the wheels turning and often spark the conversations that shape this brand. Click away...

5-5-9five

2009-04-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats having a proper skateshop in your city to access all the fresh kicks, gear and hardgoods you'll come to need throughout your lifetime of skateboarding. That's why Hanford is lucky to have a shop like The Future holding down the greater good. Customers can feel good about supporting a shop like The Future, which is %100 skater owned and operated.

If you didn't know (And I didn't til I saw it for myself), the skate scene out in Central Cali is thriving. We caught up with our homies Cecil (Owner of the Future) and Pedro Acevedo (Shop rider and employee) to see what's cracking with the shop and the scene they're holding down...

What up with the Future? When did it open and what's the story?

The Future is the premier local skateboard/streetwear shop in the 559, Central Valley. Our opening day was 11.22.08 and we've been rockin ever since. We're a young shop but pack big character & much personality. We're here to stay well into the future.

What brands do you guys carry?

Diamond, Knoxx, Orisue, Acrylick, JSLV, The Hundreds, Alphanumeric, Elm, Nike SB & all the dope skate brands!

Who holds down the shop?

Cecil Vidaurri is the owner and holds down the shop seven days a week, open to close... But has help and is surrounded by the dopest staff/friends any business could ask for!

What should everyone know about the 559?

Don't sleep on the 559. Were packing heat with musical talents like Fashawn & skate talent from The Future skate team. The 559 is next on the map, so keep your eyes peeled.

Tell us some interesting shop stories?

The shop is dope. It's like your home away from home. You can go by the shop any day of the week and have a dope time just chillin, skating the parking lot, having some drinks and BBQing in the back yard, picking up the freshest gear, kicks, skateboards, and always feeling welcome in a futuristic atmosphere with good people. The Future is the spot to be... Holler at us!

Anything else?

Big ups to 9five! We're looking forward to working with 9five now and in The Future!

NOW SERVING LAS VEGAS

2009-04-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

Bet it all on black, then go share the wealth with Laced in Las Vegas. Laced is a fresh skate/lifestyle boutique stocking the likes of Alife, Alphanumeric, Stussy, and Manik just to name a few. They now have that 9fever on tap so be sure to give them a holler next time your passing through Sin City...

ON SET

2009-04-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Madness... That's the best way to describe what went down today while shooting our first of 3 commercials for skateboarding.com. Watch for it in the next month...

THE GIANT PEACH

2009-04-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

TheGiantPeach.com has been THE online destination for hiphop/fashion paraphernalia since the inception the the intraweb. How hyped are we to be amongst their offerings?... Immensely.

IN STOCK

2009-04-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

Holler at our newest 9five retailers...

First off... This one goes out to all of you cats asking if we ship to Europe. The answer is finally, YES. StreetSoul stocks the dopest brands and now runs service to all of you searching out 9five throughout the European continent. You know the drill...

Next up, the Black Flag Shoppe in New Jersey. Black Flag is a proper skateshop with a good eye for fresh and a top tier presence. Stroll in and say what up to our friend Leslie... She'll stear you in the right direction...

9five RELEASE PARTY PHOTOS

2009-04-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

923 Bar admittedly was not ready for the madness we brought to their fine establishment. For the first time in my life, a bartender actually told me they were out of beer. Not just a particular type of beer, but beer in general.

Epic thanks to everyone who came through and rocked with us, and epic apologies those of you who got stuck in line outside when we hit capacity.

Shout out to DJ Virus, Kid Dragon, Hectik and One Man Jazz for keeping the music selection on point throughout the night, and props to Bonzai Fred for shooting 3000 photos. No, that's not a typo, nor is it an exaggeration... Dude actually shot 3000 photos, and even more amazingly, included himself in 2900 of them. I wouldn't have believed it myself, but I just spent the last 4 hours going through them. Anyways, I'll let those say the rest... Geah!

SK8MAFIA VIDEO PREMIER

2009-04-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

It's gonna be one of those weekends... Not only is the 9five Release Party crackin off at 923 Bar in San Diego this Friday, but the following night in La Jolla, our homies from SK8MAFIA are debuting their first official full length video. The video spotlights the am lineup of Wes Kremer, Larelle Gray, Jamie Palmore and Tyler Surrey, but word on the street has me expecting full length parts from Kellen James and Brandon Turner as well. This video is guaranteed to be one of the year's best so get to it if you can...

You will however need some of these... Big thanks to DC and Preebz for the hook!

LOOKING GOOD

2009-04-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

Quick shot out to SUP in Singapore, who just wrapped up their shops one year anniversary and a fresh remodel of their store. Singaporeans and globe-trotters alike, go holler at Jacky from SUP and peep the 9fever they have stocked in their dope new accessories case...

PARTY TIME

2009-04-12T13:55:00.001-07:00

Let's kick things off officially. The 9five Summer/Spring release party is jumping off at 923 Bar in San Diego this Friday the 17th. Your invitation is below...

SUNDAY SESSIONS (04/05/09)

2009-04-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

This ledge at Euclid School is a lovely place to start off a Sunday session. Those silly bastards bolted the bottom ledge which has never even been waxed, but left the ledge on top untouched and suscptible to the likes of Sam and his fakie nosegrinds.

I'm never hyped on hitting up this barrier at Qualcomm... But if I could blast into a 5-ver like Beardo, I might be.

I don't want to reveal the location of this metal lot until we've had our way with it, but do believe that it's buttery. Everything in there is rugged, moveable, and skateable. Based on Sam's wooden lipslide and Beardo's steal beam front nosegrind, you can just imagine the possibilities.

9five AT SHOPOVERLOAD.COM

2009-04-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

9fivers... Add shopoverload.com to your list of 9five stockists. The entire Spring/Summer line is available now at their brick and mortar and on their site. Now get to it...

POWELL VIDEO PREMIER

2009-04-02T21:51:00.001-07:00

When your board sponsor is premiering it's first full-length video in almost a decade, you've got the last part, and it's a hell of a part at that... It's a god damned celebration. That's why it's absolutely appropriate that Jordan Hoffart is running the wh ite/black Majors at Powell's premier of FUN!... Cause them shits is party time.

It's also fitting that his grill got plastered on the homepage of skateboarding.com for the efforts. Click it to see photos from the night.

Don't sleep on Josh Hawkins either (running the purple Cult Classics). He set off the show with proper style and the first part of the video. Both of these dudes are ridiculously dope and the video is honestly off the hook. Try to catch one of the premier stops or cop the video when it hits the streets.

LISTEN TO THE SON OF RAN

2009-03-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

Both figuratively and literally. Start with what is without a doubt, one of the best albums that anyone from any genre dropped in 2008, Incoming Message. That is of course, if you can find an online shop or brick and mortar that didn't sell through its stock on the day it dropped.

Then, follow up with his utterance on our Spring/Summer 09' collection. What can we say? He's got a way with words, and excellent taste in eyewear.

MEDIA BLITZ

2009-03-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

A little press will never get a complaint from us. Big thanks to...

And everyone else who put us on their radar for our Spring/Summer launch.

The line is shipping as we speak. Hit up your local shop for the goods.

HVX-TRAS

2009-03-02T23:23:00.000-08:00

Went skating in Orange County with Alec Jamir on Saturday. Came back with a couple extra clips...

SUNDAY SESSIONS (03/01/09)

2009-03-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

Good old Sam... He surely is an industrious fellow. This dude rounded up 18 bags of cement and went to work on this ditch off the 94 freeway, and he did it all by his lonesome. The end result is this extravagant, 9five approved bank to ledge. Sam christened it with this celebratory backside noseblunt...

After peeping Sam's masterpiece, we headed downtown to try and skate a sketchy flat bar. We've been plotting to film a Sam banger on there for weeks, but every time we go there we get the boot. The defeat landed us at this so-so 3 step ledge. Back lip pic for the blog? Might as well. Aarons on it...

Everyone was burnt but Sam wanted to squeeze in a wall ride before dark. I'de trade every trick I've ever landed for one wall ride this buttery...

Another lovely Sunday of skateboarding. See you next week.

The 9five MIXTAPE

2009-02-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

The illustrious, title toting DJ Virus has outdone himself on this one. This 30 minute collection of 1995's illest hiphop pays justified homage to the same pivotal year in which Selena was murked, OJ got lucky and Tom Penny was God.

Big ups as well to the Son Of Ran for lending a proper voice in hosting our first ever mixtape. Now do yourself a favor and click that banner below...

9five SPRING/SUMMER PROMO #2

2009-02-12T21:32:00.000-08:00

How do you crank out a promo in 10 hours? Here are some simple steps to getting it done on the same day it's due...

1-Shoot everything in slow motion. You just turned 45 seconds of footy into a solid minute and a half... That should be plenty.

2-Cop Pedro Acevedo a train ticket. He'll skate whatever you bring him to without bitching, moaning or complaining... Even sketchy euro gaps and ditches with nasty run ups.

3-Shoot a time lapse. It's gonna suck up an hour of your time but it makes the perfect intro and will add 10 seconds to your final output.

4-Have 10 spots lined up for the day. You're going to get kicked out of at least 6 of them and you don't have time to ponder the next.

5-Don't worry about it. No one's stressing... Which is why it'll be sick. Enjoy...

BEHIND THE (FILTHY) LENS

2009-02-11T23:15:00.000-08:00

We recorded everything in the Spring/Summer 2009 Promo #2 at 60 frames per second, which means we got no audio with the actual tricks. That forced everyone to do their trick (or a variation of it) twice, so that we could synch up audio in post and get that snap, crackle, pop sound. Something about a grown man chasing around a skateboarder with a boom mic is bizarre. Subsequently, it tends to drain the person being filmed of any desire to put forth effort into their skateboarding, and that can be quite comical. It's also perfectly ironic that my lens was absolutely filthy for every audio recording. Observe...

FULL CIRCLE

2009-02-06T22:36:00.001-08:00

Me and Amerine went on our weekly skate mission yesterday. Whose Amerine? He's the Head Designer over at 9five headquarters. He's also a dude I've been skating with since I was 12. Observe this 15 year old, photograhic evidence...

Yes, that's a Rhythm Skateboards T-Shirt. Remember THEM? One of the illest companies to fade from existence.

Sam usually has some heat to bring to our missions, but today Sam was more hyped on posing in front of wac graf... Gangster!

Sam stopped slacking though and gave that bank a good old nose bluntin. I got some sweet BGP's...

After a satisfactory landing, we hit up this street gap over in Golden Hills. Sam tried to 180 it in the 9five Spring/Summer Promo Version 1, but his board shot out and blasted right through the wooden fence guarding the house in front. We ran away like school children for fear of a Code 594 violation. That wrapped another buttery Sunday session.

OH HI

2009-02-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

Check you out. You found us. We're hyped.

So... We're 9five, pleased to meet you. We make sunglasses. Shades are ill. Ill shades are even iller, so we started making them (In our humble opinions).

About us... We're just some dudes. We like to skateboard, film skateboarding, photograph skateboarding, hang out, stay home, you know... Whatever.

Anyways, I'm just letting you know what this blog may consist of as time rolls by. I would expect a lot of skateboarding related content, kung fu, music stuff too... We love that stuff. If that sounds like something that might interest you, go ahead and give this page a solid bookmark. I think that about covers it.

Sincerely,

9five

2008-07-24T14:26:00.000-07:00