So as we traveled to LV for Magic to go see whats new in our business. We ran into some dude called Eddie Cruz(note the sarcasm), for those of you that aren’t familiar with Eddie, he is one of the pillars in the streetwear community that has helped bring about us such things as Union NYC, Union LA, Stussy LA, Stussy NYC, Stussy LV, Undftd and various other projects we don’t even know about I bet.
After talking to Eddie for a few minutes he told Caz and I to go check out the Undftd LV store and to talk to Rod. Happenstance that Rod is from our fair state of Michigan.
Intern a Interview with the man that runs Undftd/Stussy LV. So here we go.
Whats up Rod…..
What’s good Jeff!
How is LV? Hope all is well with you and the UNDFTD crew.
It’s wonderful in LV right now! The weather and the women are beautiful.
Where were you born?
I was born and raised on the Westside of Detroit off of Schoolcraft and Evergreen.
What brought you to the LV?
In 2005 I transferred from San Diego to The University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
What Streetwear/skatewear/boardsport/bike sport/musical or artist in nature influenced you as a child growing up in MI?
I always kept a fresh pair of Nikes/Jordans on my feet! I was always participating in some sport as a child. With that said, artists and athletes always influenced or inspired me. A few of my favorite athletes were Steve Rocco, Rodney Mullen, and Tony Hawk of course. When it comes to music growing up I loved listening to artists like Carl Craig, and J.Dilla (R.I.P.).
Do you feel that your MI lifestyle has clashed with the fast pace of LV or do you mostly stay out of that stream and just roam LV at your own pace?
It definitely doesn’t clash. I roam at different speeds, and I’ve always been a fast pace kind of guy! I don’t feel right if I’m not being productive. Living in Vegas gives me the opportunity to anything I feel at anytime.
How did you come about working for Eddie/James?
A great friend of mine, Chris Julian, introduced me to Eddie Cruz and James Bond last year. It was perfect timing because Eddie was looking to fill positions for the new Stussy LV location. Upon sitting and talking with the two of them, it was decided that I would be a better fit at Undefeated. I’m very athletic and that’s what the brand is about, it’s a perfect union!
U of M basketball or UNLV basketball?
I have to go with my boys from UNLV! We’re back to back Mountain West Conference Champs, we made it to the sweet 16 last year, and we earned a #8 seed this year. U of M basketball hasn’t been the same since the Fab 5 days…
#1 most influential style of music while growing up????
Hip-Hop.
Biggest hobby?
Riding my fixed gear at extreme speeds down Las Vegas Blvd.
Phillie Blunts, rolling papers, pipes or no comment?
Just say no!
What brands influence you outside of UNDFTD right now?
Outside of UNDFTD I’m influenced by brands like Supreme, Visvim, Neighborhood. I also run a brand called Sneak Attack with my brother Khadji. It’s important to push the envelope and I feel like all of the brands that I’ve mentioned are doing that.
Do you miss MI?
Not that much! Haha…I make it back there every couple years, that’s enough for me.
Any shout outs?
What’s up to all my family in Detroit! Much love to Citizen, Stussy, Undefeated, Fruition, Neon CC, Sneak Attack, Hypebeast, and House of Commons, Pharmacy Boardshop, New Standard, and 5&A Dime. Peace and blessings to everyone in ’08!
Rod Hunt
UNDFTD LV
702.732.0019
UNDFTDLV@UNDFTD.COM
SNEAKATTACKBRAND.COM
UNDFTD.COM
JEFF S.
