Whenever you think of New York City you automatically think about basketball, sneakers, and hip hop culture. Or should I say…whenever you think of New York City you automatically think about Bobbito! Most fans of the 7th Boro know Bobbito (insert AKAs here) for his abilities behind the Technics and for his legendary radio show but there is so much more to this man. I can literally write a thesis on Bobbito’s life and accomplishments but that is what the Rock Rubber 45s documentary is for. I had the opportunity to interview Bobbito before the release of his documentary and we discussed his life in regards to basketball, sneaker culture, and of course…music. I also had the opportunity to watch the film (twice) and it’s a must watch. The film will be available for purchase on July 24th 2018 and you can purchase it here.


This interview was six years in the making (long story). Enjoy.

Bobbito, you’ve hosted television shows, radio shows, written books, and have even been on Sabado Gigante (as well as many other things). Where does your work ethic come from?

You’ll see in Rock Rubber 45s that my mom is the unsung hero in all of this. When she was younger she was raising four grandchildren, she didn’t really come out to any events and no one really knows her. I gave her props in this film for being such a workaholic and showing me that you don’t have to stay in one lane. There’s a number of mentors when it comes to my drive and all of them get their shine in Rock Rubber 45s.

In terms of the game of basketball, how did it mold you into the man you are today?

In every kind of way, as you’ll see in Rock Rubber 45s, I didn’t have an easy upbringing when it came to basketball. I’m what you call a ridiculous overachiever. Right now I’m in Brower Park in Brooklyn playing Utah (an every man for himself game…they call it 21 in Harlem). I’m playing for like 20 minutes….do a little move and one kids goes ooh ahh! Five minutes later another kid recognizes my voice and says, “Aren’t you the dude from NBA Street?” I can go anywhere around the world and be recognized for basketball. It’s insane because I didn’t have that recognition or clear lane coming up….not in high school or college. It wasn’t until I came back to NY that I was really able to flourish as a creative ball player and be appreciated for it. My story in basketball isn’t just as a player. It as an announcer, journalist, historian, writer, and filmmaker with the documentary, Doin’ it in the Park. I’m just an ambassador for the sport and I love it so much. I mean you give back where you take it from…..I can’t say it any simpler than that.

You mentioned all of these experiences with the game of basketball, is there one moment that really stands out that just blew you away?

There’s a whole stream of moments like that all of which are in Rock Rubber 45s. I don’t want to give away too much about the film but I’m blessed. I played in the And 1 Mixtape tour and was in the Nike Freestyle commercial. I wasn’t on the whole tour and I wasn’t the main dribbler in the commercial but those are experiences I cherish.

Growing up in Jersey, one of the most important things is to have crispy kicks or else you’re going to get roasted, when did you fall in love with sneaker culture?

My affinity and knowledge for sneakers comes from my supreme attachment to basketball. Here in NY you can’t escape ball. Because I wanted to be the best ball player that meant that I wanted the best sneakers to perform. The natural next step was wanting to be stylish as well….it’s New York, fashion capital of the world and hip hop capital of the world.

So what’s your go to sneaker? 

That’s another question that will be answered in the film. I will say this, I am very grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had as a sneaker designer. I’ve collaborated with Nike, Puma, Adidas, Pro Keds, and K1X. My most recent Puma suede is killing it. I’m seeing kids posting it on instagram left and right. The Air Force 1’s I did for the 30th anniversary are reselling for 200-300 dollars…shit is crazy.

I’m part of an online Hip Hop community and I created a post saying that I was going to interview you. I asked them if they had any questions for you and Daniel “KungFuTheatre” Olcsvary from Elizabeth NJ wanted me to ask in regards to the Stretch and Bobbito show, “Who had the best freestyle in the shows history?”

That’s really hard to say…I really can’t pick one. If you see the film, Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives, my last documentary. The person had the longest rhyme in the whole film was OC. The night that Large Professor had the SP1200 with the original beat and OC kicked a rhyme that never came out on any album. That was so ridiculous for me. Also the Nas freestyle over the original Stretch beat…that verse never came out on any album. Two phenomenally talented MCs over two ridiculous beats and it’s like you were there or you weren’t. Luckily we documented it for everyone to enjoy for life.

The name of the new film is Rock Rubber 45s, is this a film about your personal journey?

It’s a autobiographical documentary. It’s my personal journey. Its my life and of course I can’t separate my life and my narrative in those three cultures. It’s the best way for me to sum up that I’m multidimensional. I’m not just a sneakerhead. I’m not just a ball player and I’m not just a DJ.
I’m all three of these things and I’m not alone. There are many people around the world who contribute in their own way.

Bobbito, thank you for taking time out to make this happen with the 7th Boro. Peace

Purchase Rock Rubber 45s here.