Focus Skateboard Magazine

In this shaky economy we're experiencing, rough times always spark creativity and survivors find a way.

The industry is flooded with talent, major companies buckle down while smaller ones struggle to compete and survive. Skateboarding is once again pop culture and the clones have awoken like zombies in some B rated movie. Kids one up each other, snaking to get the attention they think is needed to get them one step closer to wood, clothing, shop and shoe deals. The one good thing from all the madness is the progression and evolution. All things must change. Like the Matrix dude said "It's Inevitable".

A friend of mine visiting from the D.C. area told me how all the groms back home were working on laser flips, correction, nollie laser flips. What the ...!? Times have definitely changed and few stand out from the usual. Don't get me wrong, a nollie laser flip is some amazing shit, ultra-tech like everything else cats are doing to push the envelope these days. It's mind boggling.

But again, "what makes you stand out from the rest that are also shoulder deep into that same bag of amazing tricks"?

Props are always due to those that adapt and take it upon themselves to make it happen regardless of the situation. The ones that don't wait for mommy to buy that $2,000 camera or think that there's only one way to achieve their idea of success usually through multiple sponsorship.

THE CREW (Eric King, Mike Fields, Sean Whitcomb, Marquis King, Timmy Johnson, and Cody Cepeda) are those guys. T.C. is a group of phenomenal skaters from Michigan and Illinois committed to having fun skating, documenting as they go along and not sacrificing their individuality to please the crowd. They document for a variety of reasons, not just to get sponsorship (which is okay), but also to start a movement of their own in the process. The Crew like many early Hip-Hop artist have been putting together T.C. Mix Tapes and passing them out to everyone from little kids to industry heads for some time now.

They are a diverse team both ethnically and artistically with an array of various styles. They've built upon what they themselves have started, and keep options open for what ever comes down the road, be it help from others or do-it-your-self entrepreneurship. To quote the worlds most over rated rapper "Sky is the Limit".

The Crew is laying the foundation for success, be it as an industry team, board company with endless choices and directions to take or just a crew that understands "Pro" is just a fancy word for "you work for someone" . Have a look and see for yourself http://www.myspace.com/tcthecrewtc and while you're at it, get some wise words and nice shots from T.C.'s Timothy Johnson's site " Why Act " whyact.blogspot.com

THE CREW !!

Eric King

P Whitty

162 Comments

Thanks says:
Great Read

RekSick the Illest says:
Soma ma, you are still the man dog...mandog (hmmm, that sounds like a new cartoon spin off of Catdog)
Starring Soma Fuller Hair! haha jk

Whats good B?! Keep writing and Ill keep reading.

Peace Brotha
Rico
Armory Chicago.

why act says:
once again soma. you satisfy the readers

Marquis King of T.C. says:
good shit soma...couldnt have been said any better!

PWHITTY says:
damn Soma you is the man for the hookup!

JehZai says:
Timothy Johnson 2012
For a Actless America.
Big UPS Soma Star for rokin the dope locals article. Represent represent Zent.

Nikhi Spliff says:
skate a die mutha fuckas i be watchin you.

Josh Stock says:
Hey. thats some preety sweet shit guys.

Frankland says:
don't stop writing soma. Timmy for president 2012

ekon says:
Hells bells..The Crew is where it's at.

Roach says:
Mad props. Keep droppin' them hammers. Rock on.

whyact says:
its always good to come back and see this

filmer says:
you look like hood niggak