Invisible:Man: Yamaka

TH: Wanna do the interview over AIM (Instant Messenger)? Yamaka - good one.

I:M: Sure

TH: Word. That’d be much better. It’d sound like a real conversation. That way people would think I was actually friends with you and that would further legitimate my street cred. So I’m just gonna ask you bozo questions.

I:M: Because you’re a fucking retard

TH: Duh.

I:M: Well, you wanted "real" yeah?

TH: Yes sir. So what are you doing?

I:M: Lighting a cigarette. Drinking some water.

TH: How does it taste?

I:M: Actually like green grapes...I like the fruity water shit.

TH: Because you’re a fruit. And you love Bagel Bites.

I:M: No comment. I am feelin’ these mini cheeseburgers from Albertsons.

TH: The ones you microwave in the little box?

I:M: No, those are ass. These, my friend, are the joints right here:

TH: Did you just take that photo? SO strange.

I:M: Yeah, technology is quite something, wouldn’t you agree?

TH: No. Jupiter says the internet is the reason we're all gonna die.

I:M: Jupiter is the reason YOU are gonna die. He hates you.

TH: Who doesn't?

I:M: Me. I like you…

TH: In a sexual way?

I:M: …You and the step team you walk around LA. with.

TH: You love step teams.

I:M: I seen you Hundreds guys, all wearing the same shirts doing the Cabbage Patch outside Union…clapping and shit.

TH: No doubt. Don't trip. Things Andrew loves:

1. Microwave food
2. Step teams
3. Random photos

I:M: Random makes me happy. Redundant is not good for me personally. I'm not full blown autistic just yet.

TH: And you're not even aRtistic.

I:M: Correct.

TH: So what have u been workin’ on lately? Besides being annoying?

I:M: Invisible:Man, and a new thing I got.

TH: Care to digress on the "thing"?

I:M: Bastard Squad - for me and all my derilict friends. Jesus, I can’t spell.

TH: I still don't know what the "thing" is.

I:M: Does my interview on the website go right under Suchin's?

TH: It goes right under the "Billabong" one.

I:M: You mean "Nike."

TH: Yup. So anything new on the I:M end? Are you still doin’ work with Stussy?

I:M: Tons of new clothes...a BMX bike(24") with Shadow Conspiracy, the Es sneaker will drop in June or so..and..other shit. Hmmm Stussy…Oh yeah a few more I:M x Stussy tees I think...

TH: I know kids were wondering where to buy those. Were they only limited to Japan?

I:M: No, those were supposed to be limited to Stussy shops only, but you know how money makes people rethink their original decisions...They ended up in a lot of places so I hear. But I like working with Stussy...they are good people.

TH: How'd that come about?

I:M: Just family. Eddie (Cruz) in LA supports my brand thru Union, and when I first moved to LA, Eddie and Berto had me work at Union now and then. That was fun. They tried to get me out of the house.

TH: So they were all, "Hey, you and Stussy should go play together," and next thing you know, there are $200 I:M x Stussy t-shirts on Ebay.

I:M: Yeah, then they offered me hundreds of thousands of dollars. I wish I sold all the ones they gave me.

TH: Do you even wear your own clothes?

I:M: Not really. I like plain black t-shirts and regular jeans. Levi’s or whatever. Sometimes I'll wear a tee...unlike TH crew.

TH: HAHAHA .. Shoes?

I:M: I wear Vans or whatever everyone sends me (size 11).

TH: Because you think you're a Z-Boy?

I:M: Z-boy? No. But those cats were my fucking idols when I was a kid. Back when “Action Now” came out. That’s a magazine if you don’t know.

TH: I DO KNOW. Thanks. Even though I probably wasn’t alive .

I:M: This interview is great.

TH: It really is. I think I’m gonna just print it out and sell it to "Us Weekly.” What do u think about that “Lords of Dogtown” movie?

I:M: Hollywood is fucking retarded. But, I really hope those portrayed make some money.

TH: So speakin’ of shoes, the Es shoe. How did that come about? Seems kinda random to me.

I:M: I met Eric Obre in NYC, and we went from there. I grew up skating and later on wore Es. I liked Es.

TH: You still skate?

I:M: Now and then, but I better get a bit better. My son is going to start skating soon.

TH: Can Ocean get up on the board and pedal?

I:M: You’re an idiot. Next question..

TH: Hahahaha

I:M: Yeah great. Next

TH: Doesn’t he have his own board coming out?

I:M: Yes he does, and he's 2 and a half.

TH: Through..?

I:M: T-19 out of Tokyo.

I:M: Ocean is half Japanese and he told me he wants to keep it real.

TH: And they use him also to model for Bape, and all that

I:M: He's been known to rock BapeSTAs, yeah. He hangs out with Jupiter.

TH: Hahaha. Tell me what's going on with I:M. That’s what people really wanna hear. What's goin on with the line?

I:M: Well, I just revamped the entire operation, so I think there will be a little bit more access to the brand. Union in LA sells it, and Union in NYC had it, but not sure if they do anymore.... Anyways, I'm just working hard to make the best shit I can, and tell my story at the same time. All my graphics are something that means something to me. It’s not just pussy and Satan.

TH: So in terms of access, you're putting the line in more shops?

I:M: It’s possible. Plus, there’s a new shop opening in San Diego this fall...I might sell it there.

TH: What’s up with that store? Don't say "no comment" or I’m gonna slice your neck.

I:M: It’s called Commissary, that’s all I can say for now.

TH: Do you have an interest in that store?

I:M: Possibly.

TH: I’m "possibly" gonna slit you from ear to ear.

I:M: Bring it on.

TH: How many people work on I:M?

I:M: 2. I have a guy Go-San in Tokyo who deciphers all the designs, then translates to get samples made. I make everything in Japan.

TH: Why do u keep it all over there? Seems like it'd be so much easier for you to have it based here.

I:M: I don’t want shit quality.

TH: Speakin’ of which, everyone thinks I:M is a Japanese line. Which, I guess you could say, it kinda is.

I:M: Yeah well, those people need to step away from their computer now and then.

TH: But if its all made there, isn’t it Japanese?

I:M: Hmm. I don’t live in Japan. So if Seven jeans and LRG and those brands are made in Taiwan or China, are they Chinese and Taiwanese?

TH: OHHHH YOU GOT ME THERE. You win.

I:M: Nike is made in Korea. Are they a Korean company?

TH: ALRIGHT ALREADY. How about I'll make you a Korean knuckle sandwich?

I:M: I don’t care what people think actually, as long as they think the quality is outstanding.

TH: Are you into any other lines?

I:M: Bounty Hunter (Japan), Wtaps, Neighborhood, LAMF, Fiberops

TH: What do u think about BAPE being in the U.S. now and bein on every inner-city kids' feet?

I:M: I think it’s great, but that Pharrell dude gets the GAS FACE

TH: Why? He's “soooooo hot right now."

I:M: Next question.

TH: What are you doing this weekend?

I:M: Working on shit Saturday, then Sunday I’m going to play with my son all day. I have a wonderful life.

TH: Why do u say that?

I:M: I don’t do much. It’s awesome. What are you doing this weekend?

TH: I’m raising hell, and posting on Supertalk. Are you designing for anyone else right now?

I:M: I freelance quite a bit.

TH: Anything worth mentioning?

I:M: I'd rather not say, but I am sure you have some. Clothing shouldn’t be about who designs it, it should be about if it’s dope. Which is why Ice Cream shoes are all on sale.

TH: That’s why you called the line "Invisible:Man" right? Because it shouldn’t be about the designer..

I:M: One of the reasons, yeah a big reason.

TH: Oh, let’s talk about RECON.

I:M: I was working in the Recon/Subware warehouse with DJ Smoke and Sharp in Brooklyn and maybe Stash wanted to separate us, because we fucked off so much - anyways he moved me into the store. From there I went to the studio and worked with him and Futura all day, everyday all night, all the time, always. It was fun as shit. Then I left to pursue I:M 100%.

TH: So was Recon your first step into the whole industry?

I:M: No. I worked at skate shops and shit - a logical progression. Like you went from Burger King, and now your’e on the Hundreds step team. - similar case scenario.

TH: No, it was Hardee's.

I:M: My bad.

TH: You still have a store in Tokyo right?

I:M: Yeah. I thought TH was just a sneaker-head thing. What is it exactly?

TH: Haha shut your mouth. I’m gonna bash your face with a mallet. A wooden mallet.

I:M: Your turn motherfucker. Answer. Aluminum mallets work way better upper torso and above, just so you know.

TH: Overall, it's a lifestyle project.

I:M: Just for step teams?

TH: No. For Hardee's employees.

I:M: I remember this girl in high school Caroline Logins, she was hardcore step team, dude. And this was like 4975 years ago. I think she’s the originator of the step team. She used to say "Andrew, you's cool for a cracka." I took that as a compliment.

TH: You're quite possibly the worst interview I've ever had.

I:M: Yeah

TH: I'm gonna throw my computer into the furnace after we're done.

I:M: Well, you ask really stupid questions. Give the computer to me dude- I like Commodore 64's.

TH: I ask stupid questions because I gotta dumb the questions down for you.

I:M: Thanks.

TH: There, we're done now. Are you HAPPY?

I:M: Nope.