Terrel Robinson

Thrasher Magazine, April, 2008 by Rhino

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You're from Compton. What was it like growing up there?

It was cool, but a lot of gang activity. Sometimes I couldn't go outside because my grandma wouldn't let me.

How did you get into skateboarding and how old were you?

My friend had a board and I used to skate it, and ever since I started on one I loved it. I never thought it would take me this far.

What was your first skateboard?

It was a Mongoose from JC Penny.

You seem pretty athletic. What other sports did you get into when growing up?

Not really any. I was a flipper; I used to backflip off roofs, and I loved watching Ninja Turtles.

No wonder you go into hand springs when bailing tricks down rails.

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Yeah. I use it to not get hurt, but sometimes it doesn't work that way.

Who were some pro skateboarders you looked up to when you were growing up?

I looked up to Adrian Lopez, Jamie Thomas, Heath Kirchart, Andrew Reynolds, and a lot of others.

What about now? Still the same guys?

I like Mike Mo Capaldi. I skate with him in the Valley. That dude is really cool.

Are you going to that Globe contest this year in Sydney, Australia?

No, but last year was a blast! This year I'm staying in LA and skating. Trying to get a lot of footage, and skating with Billy Marks a lot.

Did you have fun at the one last year?

Last year was a blast with Chet Thomas, the Darkstar crew, and the Globe guys. It was sad in the end, though, and I think we all know why. Skate in peace and in Heaven, Shane!

You have an NWA tattoo on your arm. Are you down with Northwest Airlines?

I'm down for them if they are down for me.

What was your first tattoo and what other ones do you have?

The skateboard on my arm, and now I have a full arm sleeve. I'm going to get "Compton" on my back in old English letters. That should be real soon!

Do you have any gang tats or skateboard tats?

Gang tats? Hell no. My grandma would kill me, and my dad. He used to bang, though. I'm super over that shit.

I've seen you wearing Slayer t-shirts. When did you get into listening to them?

I've been into them since 12th grade. Everyone thought I was crazy at school.

Ever see Slayer live?

Twice. Vestal watches hooked it up with Chet last time. I was wasted out of my mind. We were falling down in the stands, damn near killing ourselves.

I had a chance to check out your iPod, but for somebody who hasn't scrolled through it, how would you explain your music selection?

It's just what I listen to. When I'm mad I listen to things that calm my nerves, but when I'm happy all hell breaks loose. I get pretty crazy when I'm listening to something good; right, Mike Sinclair? He'll tell you.

Is that your real hair, or extensions?

It's both my real hair and extensions, but I don't have them anymore. Seriously, I cut it off right before I did this interview. Now my head's freezing.

How do you get the purple extensions in there? Is it expensive? Are you high maintenance or what?

My Aunt did them. The only thing that sucks is getting them and taking them out; it takes seriously all day.

You should run a Mohawk.

I wanted to, but I don't think I can really pull it off.

You can be the Mr T of skateboarding. What kind of car do you drive? I hear it's bright orange.

It's a 2007 Mustang, grabber orange. I did some extra stuff to it, like a gear chip, but it's already an eye catcher for the cops.

They had a challenge on KOTR this year, 30 points to get a weave.

It was called Terrel's Tresses. That's tight, huh? That was rad!

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Are photographers and filmers scared to shoot photos of you at spots in Compton?

Yeah. I have some sick spots there and nothing will happen if we go there. Some people are just scared. There are a few things I want to do and people are like, "Terrel you're tripping. I ain't going there."

Is Compton that sketchy?

Hell yeah, 24/7. But if you don't bother them they don't bother you. It seems like everyone is into skateboarding these days, so they won't mess with the skaters.

What about you and Chet Thomas arm wrestling for a pay raise?

No. Chet and me are two gangstas you don't want to fuck with. Just kidding. I love to arm wrestle--even if I lose, it's not any macho shit. Chris Cole beat me a few times.

Who's the best black skater in your opinion? Terry Kennedy?

For sure. That's my role dog. When I first saw that ad, I was like, "What the hell!" That shit is gangsta; only TK and Baker can pull something like that off.

Who are your all-time top five favorite skaters?

Reynolds, Tave, Mike Mo, Jamie Thomas, and Nyjah. All really great skateboarders who go for it.

Who's your skate posse when you're skating around LA?

The Valley Devils. No, really it's usually my friend Hermy, Sage, and a high school buddy, Picky.

How have things been since you got on Darkstar?

I'm psyched, everything is cool. Chet's always having us travel together and there's no drama. It's really good traveling with the team and everyone handles their shit.

Who's crazier, you or Dyet?

Dyet. He's on his own mission. Dyet, for sure!

Do you know who Steve Steadham is?