The Next Level

One of the amazing perks of working at SLAM—even beyond having access to game and events—is the immediate connection to sneaker companies and their products. The office (affectionately called the “SLAM Dome”) is a place at which products arrive on rotation, with sneakers coming in and being sent out almost every day. Every major brand you can think of: Nike, adidas, Under Armour, Reebok, New Balance, Converse, etc. Not to mention up-and-coming companies trying to make a name for themselves.

Same deal for coats, jackets, bags, socks and any random assortment of electronics or books, etc. We were really one of the first places to specialize in street and sneaker culture and a lot of what you see in the marketplace today owes a helluva lot to SLAM Magazine.

I worked in the SLAM Dome every day for seven years, literally in the center of everything. Smack dab in the cultural zeitgeist. I ran the Kicks section of the magazine from 2006-09 and created a lifestyle subsection called Status, in which I curated the latest and greatest in next level street gear. I made it my mission to offer options for guys who wanted to look fresh outside of regular jerseys and sweats.

The recent uptick in style seriousness, especially for NBA players, is something that we were on early. Guys like Russell Westbrook, Amar’e Stoudemire and Dwyane Wade have really made style a focal point. Watching it transform into a full-grown movement has been an interesting and welcome reality.

Though no longer in the actual office, I obviously still have a relationship with SLAM. Since I left, I’ve gotten deeper into writing about men’s apparel and style. This year I became an Esquire.com contributor, where I curate and highlight the best gear out there. I’m talking next level stuff that will guarantee to impress.

I recently created a Kickstarter campaign to jumpstart my latest venture—a men’s style site, where we do all the heavy lifting for you. Every month we’ll send you a box of products that may include a jacket or pants or lapel pin. The site, called RZRSHARP, will function as your personal stylist. Whether you play ball or not, you’re still going to need nice clothes to wear. If you don’t know where to find the clothes you want or just need a couple of pointers about what to wear, that’s were I come in.

I’ll make sure to help you become the person you want to be. This is what I do. However, this isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re really serious about taking things up a notch, then let’s go.

To learn more about RZRSHARP go here. Any and all pledges are very much appreciated.

Stay up.