When I first encountered Tyshawn Jones, he was a pre-teen, already fearlessly frontside boardsliding handrails and navigating the skatepark with an unmatched confidence. My initial thought was, “What a little show-off,” but I was instantly captivated by his raw talent and undeniable presence.
Years later, the skateboarding world witnessed the emergence of a more mature Tyshawn in Supreme’s groundbreaking video, “cherry.” His performance surpassed all expectations, delivering clips that still resonate today. At just 19, Tyshawn is acutely aware of his status as one of skateboarding’s brightest stars, a journey fueled by his determination to overcome a challenging upbringing and achieve his unique vision of success.
Tyshawn Jones interview
Early Days and Defining Moments
Growing up, Tyshawn was a force to be reckoned with. When asked about being bullied, he confidently stated, “Hell no! Niggas knew what was up with me.” He wasn’t a bully, but he admits to having a knack for convincing others to do his bidding, like homework. This early display of charisma and influence foreshadowed his future impact on skateboarding culture. Although still technically in school, Tyshawn is focused on his future, with a GED as a backup plan.
Tyshawn’s life isn’t just about skateboarding; he also has a passion for cars. Despite owning a Mercedes-Benz, he’s more focused on long-term goals like buying a house. He doesn’t flaunt his possessions on social media, preferring to keep a low profile and avoid envy or jealousy. He’s had a few run-ins with the law, but he’s determined to fight them, stating, “We don’t plead guilty,” demonstrating his unwavering self-assurance.
Tyshawn Jones performs a trick
From Basketball to Skateboarding: A Quest for the Ultimate Challenge
While Tyshawn played basketball growing up and was even encouraged to join the team, he found it lacking the constant challenge and progression that skateboarding offered. He explained that “if you give a random person a basketball… they’re gonna do it. If you tell someone to do a kickflip and give them 1,000 tries, they’re probably not gonna do it.” This realization led him to embrace skateboarding as his ultimate pursuit, with its endless possibilities and the promise of continuous improvement.
Growing up in the Bronx was a mixed experience for Tyshawn, with his family being “hustlers.” While he wasn’t exactly impoverished, financial situations were unpredictable. He avoids getting into the specifics of his family’s background, noting, “Just bad things…Shit you go to jail for.”
Young Tyshawn
A Bronx Pioneer and Bulldog Enthusiast
Tyshawn is possibly the first major professional skateboarder to emerge from the Bronx. He also has a passion for English Bulldogs, specifically tricolors, inspired by Rob Dyrdek. He plans to breed them, viewing it as a business opportunity as much as a passion. “Minimum $4,000 or $5,000” is what he expects to get for a Tyshawn Jones bulldog, indicating the high demand for these dogs.
Tyshawn performs a switch frontside flip
Influences and Early Sponsorships
Unlike some skaters, Tyshawn didn’t grow up watching full-length skate videos. Instead, he focused on individual parts, particularly Andrew Reynolds’ part in Baker 3. He also admired Brian Herman and Antwuan Dixon. His early sponsorships included Toy Machine and Emerica. He was devoted to the brand even before being officially sponsored. He would even buy their shoes with his own money, showing his true dedication. He fondly recalls his early days of taking shoes from Zumiez, showcasing his determination to skate in his preferred gear, regardless of his financial situation.
When asked if he had any regrets, Tyshawn responded with a simple “Nope.” He owns his decisions, both past and present, with no apologies.
Tyshawn Jones performs a nose crook
Navigating Tompkins and Embracing Downtown
Despite his Bronx roots, Tyshawn doesn’t like skating at Tompkins Square Park, preferring to be productive and not getting caught up in the unproductive atmosphere that he perceives there. He views it as a place where people “go there and don’t do shit,” and prefers a more challenging environment. However, he recognizes the importance of downtown Manhattan in his development, which he discovered through his fellow skaters.
He recalls taking long train rides from the Bronx, an hour and twenty minute commute just to skate at TriBeCa park, which offered him new perspectives and a glimpse into the lifestyle he aspired to, saying “Damn, I wanna be here. I don’t wanna be uptown anymore.” His determination to improve was so strong that he’d frequently skip school to skate.
Tyshawn performs a half cab flip
A Leader, Not a Follower
Tyshawn’s drive was fueled by the desire to avoid the pitfalls of his upbringing. He knew “there was no point to that life” and sought a more positive path. He surrounded himself with people who inspired him, learning from their stories and experiences. Even when he didn’t have money, he was determined to be in the environment he wanted to be in.
He doesn’t drink or smoke, seeing it as a “corny” act of following the crowd. Instead, he aims to be a leader, someone people want to emulate for his positive actions. This mindset has earned him respect and admiration, not through demands, but through his genuine character.
Tyshawn portrait
Style, Homage, and New York Attitude
Tyshawn doesn’t mind if people copy his skating style or dress sense, but he finds it funny when they don’t even acknowledge him. He stresses the importance of showing respect to those who came before you, noting “if I were to see Brian Herman back in the day, I’d pay homage”. He observes a unique New York attitude, where people may be hesitant to express their admiration. He doesn’t see himself as unapproachable, and always treats others with kindness.
Tyshawn performs a switch flip
Supreme, Adidas, and Future Aspirations
As a rider for Supreme, Tyshawn is aware of the groupies that come with the territory, but he’s quick to point out they often try to conceal that they recognize him. He uses humor to navigate such encounters. He also doesn’t care about the “Supreme hypebeasts,” knowing it contributes to his success. He acknowledges that he’s well-compensated by his sponsors, saying, “If someone who’s reading this is smart, they know who pays more. Look at the kind of companies we’re talking about.”
He has a huge amount of unreleased footage, hinting at big things to come in 2018 before he retires to pursue his rapping career.
Tyshawn Jones interview
Durags, Pop, and Net Neutrality
Tyshawn is known for his du-rag style, claiming that he’s the only one who does it right, and that he even inspired Sage Elsesser’s style. He believes he has more pop than Sage, jokingly calling him “washed up.” He prioritizes spending time at skate parks and on the streets, honing his skills.
When asked about Net Neutrality, he is unaware, but his response shows an understanding of the world’s complexities, saying that the system is going to do what it wants, regardless of public opinion. “All those kids talking shit, you gotta pay to hate!” is his final thought on the matter, showing his sharp understanding of social media culture.
Tyshawn Jones performs a nosegrind
The Bigger Picture and Olympic Aspirations
Tyshawn takes a pragmatic approach to global issues like politics and North Korea, accepting that these are things he cannot control. He prefers to focus on his own goals and aspirations. He’s not fazed by those who criticize skateboarding’s inclusion in the Olympics, emphasizing the opportunity to become an Olympic gold medalist. He doesn’t care about what “haters” think, solidifying his status as a true original who isn’t afraid to stand alone.
Conclusion
Tyshawn Jones is more than just a talented skateboarder; he’s a cultural icon, a leader, and a testament to the power of self-belief and determination. From navigating the challenges of the Bronx to reaching the heights of skateboarding fame, his journey is an inspiration to us all. He is not just a skater; he is a force, and he is just getting started.
