MATT RODRIGUEZ [Matt Rodriguez , Sacramento, USA ]
In the early 90s, he was an early member of the board brand STEREO, founded by Chris Pastras and Jason Lee, and in the late 90s, he moved to a new board brand SUPERNAUT , and became a leading rider for IPATH shoes , which was founded in 1999. During the same period, he was actively involved in music as a drummer/percussionist in the band BLACK TOP PROJECT , which he formed with Tommy Guerrero and Ray Barbee.
He has demonstrated outstanding talent in skateboarding, music, and as an artist.
Among professional skaters, he is notorious for riding loose trucks.
A man who uses spots in an original way and rides with a floating feeling like he is riding on a cloud. A man who shows the way of thinking of life through everyday actions.
I first met him in the spring of 1999 , when he came to Japan on the [SUPERNAUT] tour. Rodriguez appeared in the arrivals lobby at Narita Airport. He was small in stature, with waist-length dreadlocks tucked into a rasta tam, and was on a 10-day tour with just one backpack. He was a vegan (he didn't eat dairy products, eggs, or fish or shellfish broth) and liked very spicy food. At first glance he seemed unapproachable, but when we talked he was friendly and kind.
The first stop on the tour was Carlsbad, located about 400km north of Narita in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture. It was the first time that an American pro skater had stopped in Ishinomaki on a tour, and many people came to see it, from local skaters to the general public.
In front of a large crowd, the demo began in the mini ramp and flat bank section behind the store, and after riding through it, he leaned a flat bank against the wall to create a steep angle, and started ollie-ins from the bank. Everyone in the venue was paying close attention to Rodriguez's movements, and his riding elicited huge cheers.
He used the set sections in a different way than usual to show off his riding. It was a time when he showed the potential of [ creativity ] through skateboarding, and moved people's hearts through his riding. Since then, I have toured with Rodriguez almost every year, visiting various parts of Japan. During the demo, he was careful not to overlap tricks with other riders, and showed his own style.
Inspire cheers, Don't be arrogant, always keep calm.
The best skater I've ever met
-Hiroshi Nishibayashi
[FREEDOM IS FOR THOSE WHO CREATE IT]
[Freedom is something you create yourself ]
A Message from MATT RODRIGUEZ Spring 2021