Timberland's yellow boot, which has gone beyond its original role as a work boot and established a firm position as a link between various cultures such as music and fashion, is celebrating its 45th anniversary! To commemorate this, a special website focusing on this model has been launched. To commemorate the occasion, a special website focusing on this model has been launched. In conjunction with the launch of the special website, Huinum will publish a series of four special projects linked to the special website. This time, J.ROCC, a legendary DJ from the underground hip-hop label "STONES THROW" on the U.S. West Coast, will appear. The up-and-coming turntablist talks about the relationship between "Timberland" and music.
A legendary DJ from California, he combines his DJ skills as a turntablist with a genre-less style of music selection with a background in hip-hop, and has established a truly one-and-only original DJ style. In 1992, he founded the BEAT JUNKIES, a group of turntablists formed by West Coast DJs, and won the ITF World Champion. In 2000, he joined the "STONES THROW" crew and became the patron saint of the label. He also released his first original album "Some Cold Rock Stuf". As a live DJ, he has performed on stage with Jay Liv and Blackstar, and since 2016, he has been the resident DJ for the Apple Music radio show "The Pharmacy" with Dr. Dre, where he selects songs and DJs for the show, expanding the scope of his activities.
These boots are very special for hip-hop artists like us.
How did you feel when you actually tried on the yellow boots, the standard model of "Timberland" this time?
J.ROCCThe design hasn't changed that much, has it? I think the comfort is better than it used to be. These boots are very special for hip-hop artists like us.
When was the first time you wore Timberland's yellow boots?
J.ROCCNew York in 1996. Hip-hop was at a different height than it is today. From that time on, I consistently wore only yellow boots, and all my New York friends around me wore them too. Unfortunately, it's too hot on the West Coast where I'm based now, so I don't get a chance to wear them much (laughs).
This is the only way!" I thought, "This is the only way!
I know you have many opportunities to travel around the world on tours, etc. Do you feel like wearing them when you go to colder climates?
J.ROCCYes, I would. Not only in New York, but also in Canada and Europe near Scandinavia. I often wear them when I want to show off my hip-hop side, not only because of the climate, but also because they are boots that make me feel good.
Of all the Timberland boots you have used in the past, were there any models that you were particularly attached to?
J.ROCCI still remember a special order model with "FAT BEATS," a record store in New York and Los Angeles, respectively. FAT BEATS is closed now, but when I wear those boots, memories of those days come back to me.
What is the one song that is most dear to your heart, like the yellow boots from "Timberland"?
J.ROCCPlanet Rock" was released by Africa Bambaata in 1992. I hope everyone who DJs will use this song as an anthem.
By the way, what made you start DJing in the first place?
J.ROCCI have always loved music. From a young age, I frequently listened to the radio at home, and the soul, funk, and jazz that came on the radio became the base of what I am today. As I gradually grew older, I learned about DJing and thought, "This is the only way! I thought, "This is it!
You DJ under various names, including as a member of "STONES THROW" or with the turntablist crew "BEAT JUNKIES" that you lead.
J.ROCCIf there is a big difference, I consider "BEAT JUNKIES" as a place to express the DJ culture I have cultivated so far. On the other hand, when I work as J.ROCK under my own name through "STONES THROW," I hope to deliver music through my own filter, genre-less. Of course, the concept of hip-hop is at the root of both. The fact that we can move freely between these sensory differences has a positive influence on each other's creations. And I am aware that this is also my own personal characteristic.
How do you feel about the recent hip-hop scene, having been at the forefront of the scene for so many years?
J.ROCCCompared to the past, the hip-hop scene has become more fragmented, and there are now artists with a variety of styles. I think that is a very good thing. One style of music that used to be independent is now becoming major. I mean, these days, many of the most talked about songs on the Billboard Top 40 charts are hip-hop, aren't they? I don't follow everything, but I always dig and check for good songs by artists and albums through my filter. I also have my own radio show in Los Angeles and DJ for Dr. Dre's "Pharmacy" radio show on Apple Beats 1, so I listen to the latest hits on a regular basis.
I think the Timberland brand itself is like hip-hop.
What is the point of today's outfit?
J.ROCCAs an outdoor brand that also influences the hip-hop scene of the 90s, I thought it would be a good way to express that culture. This tree camo setup goes well with the voluminous yellow boots, which I think is a classic New York style.
Do you have any personal rules for wearing yellow boots?
J.ROCCThe basic rule is to wear them with wide silhouette bottoms. And always boot-twin them. That's because I want the yellow boots to stand out. I also leave the laces loose, only about halfway through. My way of wearing yellow boots is not to dress them up, but to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Once again, what kind of presence does "Timberland" have for you?
J.ROCCThey are tough boots made for the outdoor scene, but I think of the Timberland brand itself as a kind of hip-hop.
Finally, could you give a message to your fans in Japan as well as in Timberland?
J.ROCCFirst of all, I would like to thank the dear Timberland brand. This year marks the 45th anniversary of Yellow Boots, which has come to symbolize our hip-hop. I would like to send my great respect to the many artists and other people who have supported the brand over its long history. And to our Japanese fans, I think they are the best listeners who always give us the best props and vibes. This time I had a great time not only in Tokyo, but also in Osaka, Nagoya, and Asagiri JAM. Every time I come to Japan, I love it more and more. I'll do my best to make it even more fun the next time I come back to Japan, so please look forward to it.
Timberland boots "10061" ¥24,000, Stussy jacket, T-shirt, bottoms, Stone Throw cap, vintage sunglasses: personal effects
