To start the year off fresh, rolling out is launching our “RO Street Kicks” sneaker series. We will feature sneaker culture from the viewpoint of sneaker aficionados, the top brands and the latest and hottest “street kicks.”
DJ Candlestick is a Houston radio deejay and personality who has represented the “chopped and screwed” for many years. He also a member of The Chopstars who provide weekly “ChopNotSlop” mixes on Houston’s 93.7 The Beat, and his skills have earned him international notoriety. DJ Candlestick influenced the chopped music sound for the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight.
This year, DJ Candlestick will be attending the H-Town Sneaker Summit, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, in Houston. Rolling out had an opportunity to speak to DJ Candlestick about his sneaker collection as well as the hype behind 2019’s first sneaker convention.
What sets H-Town Sneaker Summit apart from other conventions?
It caters directly to sneakerheads. The convention is complemented by music from good [artists] from around the city, it gives opportunities for various vendors [to sell], and gives sneakerheads the option of acquiring the shoes of their dreams.
What was your first memorable sneaker purchase?
I ran for Wings Track Club [in Missouri City, Texas] back in the day. I got my first pair of [Nike] “Dan O’Brien’s” during that time (silver Air Max 97s). Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on Air Max 97s, 95s, 90s, then [Air Max] 1s.
What sneakers are the best for a date night?
All-white Nike Air Force 1s.
What is your most expensive sneaker?
Air Jordan DMP. Unworn.
What sneakers have your purchased more than three times?
White Nike Air Force 95s and Nike Air Presto.
What are the best Air Jordan sneakers of all time?
Nike Aqua 8s, 11s or the Air Jordan Spizikes
Top 5 sneakers in your collection?
- Air Jordan DMP
- Air Max Deluxe
- Air Max 1 (purple check)
- Air Max 95 Vapor
- Nike Lemonade Dunk
How can Black people better capitalize off the popularity of sneaker culture?
They can start their own brand of shoes [such as] BBB, [which stands for Big Baller Brand, a company founded by Lavar Ball and his sons Lonzo, LiAngelo, and Lamelo], throw more sneaker-related events, and open more quality shoe stores.
Throw out or keep original boxes?
I keep original boxes for certain shoes, especially the ones with white soles. The boxes protect them in the closet.
