RACHARD JOHNSON vs. LARJ

SUAS: What’s up RACHARD & welcome to ShutupandSKATE! You have been around for awhile now. I remember first seeing you in an up & coming section in an issue of Daily Bread years ago. It’s amazing to see how far you have come in this sport. How long have you been in the rolling game?

LARJ: I been in the game for about 13 years. Those 13 years of my life have been crazy as hell. Although I gained respect around the world, I lost my Mother and Father in that time. I stay strong as much as I can. I’m grateful for my fans (including haters) and my success.

SUAS: Sorry to hear about your tragedy, you definitely have my blessings and condolences. Keep that strength up RJ!  It’s good seeing you back on USD. Seeing you riding for another company just didn’t seem right. What are your plans for the upcoming year since your back on USD? 

LARJ: Well, since they fired me I got back on my feet doing my own thang. It’s hard to focus all your time into something when you can’t pay your bills. Now I’m good, no more court, bills paid and my fams fed. So ya’ll will see more of me if you like it or not. I don’t care Ima just do me.

SUAS: And what exactly were you fired for?

LARJ: Because of non activity. For not doing shit. Yet, I was doing alot considering what they were paying me (close to nothing ). How you supposed to perform when we can’t eat, pay rent or bills? You can’t. And yes I could’ve skated more and made more edits but for what? And maybe they will pay me? The whole team was fighting over money so everybody was going against everybody. I simply got over that shit, went and got my own money. Back to my roots, the shit I know. I been doin’ this since 15 and I’m 28 now. My body ain’t what it used to be but stronger than most my age. I’ve traveled the seven seas and seen it all. I’m satisfied with what I’ve accomplished. More than most. But I love skating and will never stop supporting the industry the best I can. I can and will make a difference.

SUAS: On a more upbeat note, is there another Rachard Johnson Pro Model for USD in the works for 2010? 

LARJ: I need a new pair of skates 3 times a year ya’ digg lol. Yeah, we workin’ on a lil’ some some. Can ya’ll guess the color? Bet ya’ can’t.

SUAS: In my mind, I see a Black Classic Throne with Red highlights. Is there any chance of your next Pro Model going the route of the USD Carbon or are you staying with the almighty Classic Throne?

LARJ: No carbon for me. Like the Legacy I can’t promote what I can’t skate. Def a Classic Throne with a redesigned soul plate that’ll blow errbody out the water. I know ya’ll can’t wait…Me either.

SUAS: You’ve been kind of quiet lately but I know that you are filming for some sections as we speak. What goodies will you soon be putting out there for the kiddies to gobble up?

LARJ: Me and my bro from another mother Erick Rodriguez are working on 9to5, which will be out in January. Featuring Me, E Rod, D. George and more of ya’ fav’ pros like Franky, Dre, Murda, etc. I ain’t never had a job in my life. I stay on the grind day and night working hard for ya’ll. So when that shit drops, ya’ll need to cop it so we can eat.

SUAS: What is a normal “Day-In-The-Life” of Rachard Johnson like?

LARJ: I wake up to my beautiful girl, thank God for my life, then roll up while my girl makes breakfast, eat and check up on www.rollernews.com and www.theconference.org . I love reading the hate. Shows these people have no lives. Hahaha <<<(50cent voice). I also check out some hip hop sites for new music etc, see what the worlds doing, then take Shady (my black pit) for a walk and hit up my nigga Erick and see what’s poppin’. If nothing’s poppin’ I might just record a track or hit the mall. Gotta stay frsh. After we skate, if it pops off we  import the clips and me & E money baggs work on 9to5 (out soon!). Everyday’s different, I have about 4 homes in Cali from Long Beach to Norcal so I’m constantly movin’ around visiting people and skating parks up and down the coast. I do as much as I can. I just thank God to see another day.

SUAS: Show-off haha. You should let me rent a house out 😉 Being in the game for over a decade I know that you have seen alot of skaters come and go. What is the key to staying in the game and being successful for so long?

LARJ: Just do your thing and keep it a 100. If you can’t do that you ain’t going nowhere. Produce as much as you can and just have fun with it at the same time

SUAS: I remember first meeting you in Atlanta at a Super Hick contest years ago…remember that? I think before we even spoke in person you were already trying to throw punches at me…How come you always trying to hurt me with punches?

LARJ: Punches? Lol, I really don’t know hahahah maybe cause you a big ass nigga lol.

SUAS: It’s always fight-night when I see you haha…Earlier you gave thanks to your haters, and I have seen some haters commenting on alot things about you, would you like to clarify anything to the haters?

LARJ: Nah. let em wonder. I don’t give a shit what they say or think. Fuck em, Ima do me reguardless.

SUAS: Your bro Demetrios George came up into his own in a big way. He took everything you have instilled in him and transformed it into a great career with USD. He’s on his 2nd Pro skate and his ups are intense. What the hell did you feed this guy? 

LARJ: Lol dudes’ a monster. It’s funny cause he used to be no more than 4ft 10 and in one year just had a crazy growth spurt. Anyone who wants to battle D. George in a game of skate for $1000 holla at me at rjfrsh@gmail.com he will make it quick. 

SUAS: Man, I’ll bust his knees up and win by default Tonya Harding style haha. Outside of skating what else do you do with yourself in between sessions…What keeps you entertained? 

LARJ: I got a bad shopping habit lol. Lately I’ve been flipping houses like keys of coke and the outcome is amazing. I’m all about my security (money) so I’m usually looking for the next flip. Lately my friend been filming a movie called “Trophie”. Starring Al Pacino’s best friend. I got a couple parts in there as a body guard. I be doing random shit all the time. I ain’t rich but I’m very well off and soon plan on opening a non-prof org. I’m constantly on the grind. Other than that it’s skating with Erick R. & D. George, Rick LaWay and the rest of the squad. I think after this interview Ima go to NYC and holla at my niggas, then hit Miami to holla a Franky and dem. 

 SUAS: Who are some of the skaters out there that you enjoy watching?

LARJ: Anyone that’s my homie, I love to watch.

SUAS: Any last words or shout outs?

LARJ: To AJ & StreetArtist (my wheel out soon & promo edit this week), shouts to Joe Nav…he held the industry down for a minute even when it seemed like he didn’t. Shouts to Mark Korte, Matt Mickey, Lord Brian, Scott Walker. 50/50, Murda & Rob Lievanos (Jug), Gost Brand, Caked Out, Triumvir for keepin me paid, all my fans and every one I forgot to mention because with out all ya’ll, there be no me and I appreciate the support. I’m truly blessed. Mom I miss you, thanks for keeping me strong. Holla world!

( By the way, Rachard has 220+ pairs of Jordans. Nobody is pretty much touching him on that right now )

F.O.R. 3 Rachard johnson