Kick, push, coast

It's hardly news that urban black kids are now into skateboarding; even the New York Times has reported on it. But the trend is really taking hold on the East Drive hill, where groups of kids, some very young, can be found trying out daring moves in far greater numbers than I observed even last year. (The other day, they set up a little portable ramp in the middle of the road, which earned them no good will from the cyclists.)  

  I can't vouch for their skill level, but their attitude and style are pretty impressive.

Kakunk Kakunk Kakunk!
His neighbors couldn't stand it so
He was banished to the park
Started in the morning wouldn't stop 'til after dark
Yea, when they said, "It's getting late in here..
...so I'm sorry young man there's no skating here"
[Chorus]
And so he kick, push, kick, push, kick, push, kick, push, coast
And away he rolled
Just a rebel to the world with no place to go

—"Kick, Push"  Lupe Fiasco

© 2007 Copyright Atlantic Recording Corp

Comments

[anonymous]

It's not news, there have been amazing Black Skateboarders since the 80's. The New York Times should do better reporting. Anyone ever here of Stevie Williams or Kareem Cambell. I mean damn, I don't know the names but there were black professional skateboarders on my VHS skate video, from '94. Come on people, do some research. Skateboarding is an urban sport, not a white sport, and it is usually taken up by those who don't have alot of money and/or live in rougher neighborhoods, can anyone guess what minority fits that bill. If anything it's the suburban rich kids that are new to the game.

-Skater 4 Life