Kader Sylla’s journey in skateboarding is nothing short of extraordinary. He’s a skater who’s managed to maintain his authentic self, even amidst the pressures of corporate sponsorships and fame. Unlike many in the skate world who carefully craft their image, Kader stays true to himself, and that’s part of what makes him so compelling. This interview dives deep into his life, from his early days as a skate kid to becoming a global icon, covering everything from his unapologetic love for weed to his aspirations for the future.
Kader Sylla skateboarding
A Candid Conversation with Kader Sylla
How much weed do you smoke these days?
Kader doesn’t hold back, stating he probably smokes more than most rappers. When pressed for an exact amount, he admits it varies, sometimes going through an ounce a day, depending on how rough the day is. He’s clearly not shy about his habits.
Out of all the skaters who rap, who’s the best?
Without hesitation, Kader names Lil Dre as the best skater-rapper, praising his uniqueness and connections within the music scene. He jokingly calls out Jereme Rogers as the worst. Kader’s genuine admiration for Lil Dre and his music is clear, showing his appreciation for individuality and talent.
You mostly smoke Runtz? Is that the best shit out right now?
For Kader, Runtz is the go-to strain, highlighting its quality while acknowledging its high price tag. He emphasizes that scoring Runtz is a win, showing a clear preference for top-shelf cannabis.
What was your first time being high like?
Kader recalls his first time getting high vividly, describing a powerful experience with a wax pen that had him completely disoriented. He humorously shares his initial confusion and then how he adapted to it, showing his openness about his experiences.
When you started smoking, did Reynolds or any of the older heads lecture you?
Kader admits he received some warnings from older skaters, but he didn’t heed them. He acknowledges that he shouldn’t have started smoking so young but admits it’s a habit he can’t kick. He shows both awareness of the advice he received and his own rebellious nature.
Growing Up and Moving Out
The last time we interviewed you, you were just a little kid and still in school. Did you end up graduating?
Kader confirms that he did graduate, although he admits it wasn’t easy. He found the traditional school environment challenging, highlighting his preference for hands-on experience over formal education.
How much of it was homeschooling?
Homeschooling for the last two and a half years of high school provided the flexibility he needed to travel for skating, which he wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. He expresses gratitude for his mom’s help with his studies, showing a deep appreciation for her support.
Kader Sylla skating
What is one of the biggest things you struggle with now that you’re not living with your mom?
Kader humorously reveals his struggles with cooking and cleaning, admitting he orders out daily and his place is a mess. This honest confession adds to his relatable charm.
Is there anything you cook that’s easy to make?
He used to make sugar crepes, a simple recipe he stopped doing when he no longer had a regular supply of batter from his aunt. This shows a desire for simple home-cooked meals but a lack of consistent resources.
Now that you’re making more money and can afford your own place and a car, are you helping out your mom too?
Kader emphasizes his commitment to supporting his mom since he first started earning money and that’s what you’re supposed to do, showing his gratitude and sense of responsibility towards his family.
Business and Brands
Do you have someone helping you manage your money?
Kader works with a money manager named Greg, who also manages actors and is not a talent manager. He appreciates the help he receives, highlighting the importance of financial guidance.
Does that conflict with Supreme?
He addresses his desire to start his own clothing brand, a venture that he hopes won’t conflict with his contract with Supreme, showing his ambition to expand beyond skating.
Kader Sylla skating
I noticed you have the Ivory Coast flag in your Instagram bio. Is that where your family is from?
Kader proudly acknowledges his mother’s Ivory Coast heritage and shares a captivating story about how his parents met. He expresses a strong connection to his roots, highlighting the importance of his family history.
You went out to Ghana as a kid, right? What would you do if you went back as an adult?
He expresses a desire to return to Africa as an adult, eager to connect with his heritage and participate in the local culture. He also mentions his interest in creating a project with Adidas that supports an African organization, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to his community.
Skating and Influences
There’s a video of Leo Romero driving you around when you were a kid and he clowns on you for your nollie flips. Do you remember that?
Kader playfully recalls being teased about his nollie flips by Leo Romero, but he asserts that he has improved significantly since then. He demonstrates a humorous self-awareness and how far he’s progressed.
If you run a 3-on-3 in basketball with the Supreme team, who’s getting picked first?
He jokingly chooses Sage Elsesser, Caleb Barnett, Tyshawn Jones, and Kris Brown as the players for his 3-on-3 basketball team, showing his camaraderie with the other skaters.
Have you been asked to do any of that?
He reveals that he was asked to model for Heron Preston, but his Supreme contract prevented him from doing it, showing his rising popularity in the fashion world.
Kader Sylla skateboarding
One of the things that people say about LA is everyone there is obsessed with Instagram and clout. Do you feel like that’s true?
Kader acknowledges the obsession with social media in LA, recognizing that his fame influences how people treat him. He expresses a realistic understanding of the social dynamics in the city.
Do kids come up to you a lot and recognize you?
He describes the experience of being recognized by kids as overwhelming, yet he humbly admits it’s a part of being a well-known skater. He maintains a down-to-earth attitude, despite his fame.
As a skater, your whole career is pretty much built on people liking you.
Kader recognizes that his career relies on public support and he appreciates the recognition from fans. He also notes how skaters often get big egos, and he emphasizes the importance of staying humble.
Filming and Sponsorships
You mostly film with Bill Strobeck nowadays. Do you like his filming?
Kader praises Bill Strobeck as a legendary filmer and acknowledges the impact he’s had on his career. He addresses the criticism Strobeck receives by saying people are just copying him and they know who the original is.
Has he ever messed up any of your clips with his technique?
He humorously mentions that Bill sometimes has shaky hands like “Parkinson’s” but still considers him the best filmer. This shows his ability to find humor in imperfections.
Before you settled onto Adidas people were like, “Kader is sponsor hopping! Fuck that little kid!” Did you ever hear any of that?
Kader admits he was initially jumping between sponsors to get where he is now, but he is completely committed to Adidas now. He praises Adidas for their loyalty and for treating skaters with respect, highlighting the importance of the brand’s support in his success.
Kader Sylla skating
There were rumors that Nike was trying to put you on but then they lagged on the contract.
He clarifies that Adidas showed more support compared to Nike, which played a key role in his decision. He highlights the importance of loyalty and support from his sponsors.
Did Cariuma ever ask you to ride for them?
He humorously recounts a clumsy Instagram interaction with Cariuma, stating he would never wear their shoes. This further emphasizes his loyalty to Adidas and his own unique style.
Does board size matter to you, or are you not that picky?
Kader admits his preference for a certain board size, between 8.3″ and 8.5″, as long as it’s not too short, and he explains how that affects his performance. This highlights his attention to detail and the technical aspects of skateboarding.
Personal Life and Future Goals
The time that you got kicked out of Woodward skate camp, what happened there?
Kader laughs as he recalls being kicked out of Woodward for smoking and causing damages. He expresses his desire to return, showing a sense of remorse and his hope for redemption, while also noting how the camp was too “clean cut” for his and his friends’ energy.
What are your favorite things to watch in your downtime?
Kader shares his interest in various TV shows, from Euphoria to The Sopranos, giving a glimpse into his eclectic taste in entertainment.
What pisses you off?
He admits that not landing a trick after hours of trying frustrates him, but he also jokes about hating the “Karens” he sees in Santa Monica, showing his honest and sometimes sarcastic personality.
Kader Sylla skateboarding
In school, was there a subject you were interested in that you’d want to learn more about?
Kader expresses a potential interest in history, indicating a desire to expand his knowledge. This reveals his openness to learning and personal growth.
Did you hear that we’re possibly about to be in a war?
He comments on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, calling it “stupid” and expressing concern about the violence. This shows his awareness of current global events and his ability to express his opinions.
In terms of bigger skate goals, how much do you care about things like winning SOTY?
Kader admits he cares about winning SOTY and plans to push himself to the top in the coming years. This demonstrates his ambition and drive to achieve greatness in the skateboarding world.
Conclusion
Kader Sylla’s journey is a testament to staying true to oneself while pushing boundaries. From his candid views on life and skateboarding to his business ambitions, Kader is a force to be reckoned with. This interview reveals not just a talented skateboarder, but a complex individual who is sure to continue making waves both on and off the board. He’s not just a skater; he’s a cultural icon in the making.
Kader Sylla skateboarding
Interview by: Alexis Castro
Photos by: Andrew James Peters & Ritt Pontepsiripong
