Philadelphia’s legendary Love Park may be gone, but the city’s vibrant skate scene has found a new home at the Municipal Services Building, affectionately known as “Muni.” It’s here, amidst the ledges, benches, and dented trash cans, that skaters like Kris Brown are honing their craft and pushing the boundaries of plaza skating. Kris, backed by the powerhouse trio of Supreme, FA, and Adidas, is on the cusp of breaking through into the mainstream.
Muni: A Catalyst for a Skateboarding Career
For Kris, Muni isn’t just a skate spot; it’s home. It’s where he spends his days, piecing together lines and perfecting his skills. This location has been instrumental in his journey, serving as a catalyst for his burgeoning career. While his output has been relatively low-key, with the support of major brands, that’s about to change drastically.
The G-Shock Inspiration and Philly Style
Kris’s style is as unique as his skating. He sports a G-Shock watch, a nod to a Fred Gall clip he and his friend admired. The watch is more than just an accessory; it’s part of his look, adding a touch of Philly swag. When asked about the prevalence of drug use he witnessed growing up, Kris candidly discusses the suburban environment where getting high was a common pastime, but he himself chose a different path, focusing on his passion and productivity.
Crazy Stories from Muni
Muni isn’t without its stories. Kris shares a disturbing anecdote from the summer of 2017, involving drug use and disturbing behavior. This experience highlights the diverse, and at times, unsettling environment that exists alongside the vibrant skate scene, showcasing how public spaces can be a melting pot of different realities.
Philadelphia’s Skateboarding Scene: Underrepresented?
Kris believes that Philadelphia’s skateboarding talent has been historically underrepresented. He knows many skaters who haven’t received the recognition they deserve. However, he senses a shift, with more opportunities emerging for Philly skaters. He acknowledges that getting sponsored was an almost impossible dream when he was starting out, which makes his current success with Fucking Awesome all the more meaningful.
The Path to Adidas and Fucking Awesome
Kris’s journey to Adidas and Fucking Awesome began with his filming and skating. Videographer Chris Mulhern noticed his skills, leading to an Adidas hookup. A meeting with Bill Strobeck, while filming Blessed, resulted in a connection with Fucking Awesome. He acknowledges that the support from Mulhern and Strobeck was instrumental to his career.
Keeping Muni Separate from Personal Life
When it comes to dating, Kris prefers to keep Muni separate from his personal life. He recalls meeting girls there, and even dating one, but typically avoids bringing his dates to the skate spot. Muni remains his sanctuary, a place for his passion, and doesn’t necessarily mix with his personal relationships.
The Allure of the 90s
Like many of his peers, Kris is drawn to the 90s. He sees the era as more authentic and less forced compared to contemporary culture. He finds inspiration in icons like Mike Tyson and Dennis Rodman, and wishes he could experience the era firsthand. He sees the 90s as a source of inspiration, from fashion to sports.
Ishod Wair: The GOAT of Skateboarding
When asked about the Michael Jordan or Mike Tyson of skateboarding, Kris points to Ishod Wair. He admires Ishod’s ability to excel in all aspects of skating, making him the undisputed GOAT in Kris’s eyes. He also acknowledges Tyshawn Jones’ incredible pop and names Gonz as another possible contender for that title.
A Childhood of Moving and Family
Kris’s childhood was marked by frequent moves as his mother navigated the challenges of raising four children, his father was not a consistent presence. Kris doesn’t hold anger towards his father, stating that he was around when Kris was younger, but he respects his mother’s feelings and has no relationship with his father as a result. He also admits the absence of his father led to some confidence issues growing up. He found guidance in older people that he looked up to, who helped him navigate those challenges.
From Five Below to Getting Paid to Skate
Before receiving sponsorship, Kris worked at Five Below, stocking shelves during the overnight shift. He describes the job as low-paying and undesirable, making his current success in skateboarding even sweeter. He supplemented his income with hustling boards and shoes before he finally started getting paid to skate in January 2021.
Avoiding Bathroom Breaks at Work
Kris humorously shares his experience avoiding bathroom breaks at work. He was worried that his coworkers would think he’s taking a long time on the toilet. This highlights the mundane realities of working a typical job and the contrast to his current life as a professional skateboarder.
High School and Financial Literacy
Kris reflects on his high school years, where he did just enough to get by. He admits to skipping classes to go skate and achieved a 2.77 GPA while avoiding homework. His favorite teacher was a math teacher who introduced him to Rich Dad Poor Dad, a book that opened his eyes to the importance of money literacy. This was a pivotal moment for him, as it gave him insights into a concept that he hadn’t been exposed to before.
A Support System for Skaters
Kris emphasizes the need for skate brands to offer a support system for their skaters, including tax and career advice. He believes that major companies could easily provide such services, which would benefit both the skaters and the brands themselves. He recognizes that many skaters already hire accountants, but having it built in to the structure of a sponsorship would be invaluable.
The Evolution of Dancing
Kris admits that he doesn’t consider himself a dancer, though he can hold his own when “sauced”. He does share a funny anecdote about a girl who told him that good dancers are good in bed. He then mentions his experience with Philly-style “wallies” at parties from his youth.
Skater Fit Inspiration
When asked about his style inspiration, Kris mentions contemporary skaters like Caleb Barnett and Lucien Clarke. However, he prefers to draw inspiration from old-school legends like Keenan Milton, Kareem Campbell, Mike Carrol, Marcus McBride, and Kalis. He cites Keenan Milton’s iconic Chocolate Tour or Mouse part as a major influence.
Favorite Skate Edits
Kris names Bill Strobeck’s “Bill’s Childhood Friend Edit” as one of his favorites, praising its soundtrack and Love Park footage. This showcases his appreciation for the artistry and the history of skateboarding.
Changes Needed in the World
Kris stresses the need for significant changes, particularly in the education of Black people. He believes that they are often trained to be ignorant and dismissive, which leads to exploitation. He states that racism is still a major problem and feels that black communities need to uplift each other to combat these issues. He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, pointing out that it isn’t accessible in most black households. He wants to see people realize they need to help each other, and for that to be a starting point for other changes in the world.
Investing in Black Communities
Kris proposes that educating black communities about how money works could combat the systems that have kept them in poverty. He highlights the fact that most people are only taught how to get a job and buy a house, which is essentially modern-day slavery. He says if black people start learning about financial literacy, they can invest in each other, uplifting their communities.
Anime Recommendations
Finally, Kris shares his love of anime. He recommends Hunter x Hunter and Death Note as good starting points. He defends Dragon Ball Z, despite its mainstream status, declaring it fire.
Dragon Ball Z Decks? No Thanks.
When asked if he would skate Dragon Ball Z decks from Primitive if he wasn’t on FA, Kris emphatically declines, calling them “nasty” and stating that they remind him of Walmart boards. This shows his commitment to his own personal taste and his unique take on skateboard style.
Kris Brown is a skater with a unique perspective, a strong connection to his roots, and a bright future ahead. He stands as a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the importance of community in skateboarding.
