Na-kel Smith, 29
American
From skating on the sunny streets of Los Angeles and aspiring to become a professional skater to actually becoming one of the most influential figures in street culture, Na-kel Smith is not your typical pro skater. He’s also an actor, designer, and rapper with multiple album releases. In this article, we’ll delve into Na-kel’s inspiring story and his path to success.
Na-kel’s Youth
Na-kel Smith’s youth was spent skateboarding under the warm Los Angeles sun, in the vibrant surroundings of Southwest LA County. He was exposed to a diverse array of people and experiences, both positive and negative. In his own words, “You see good shit and you see bad shit. People being creative, some getting rich, and some getting into trouble. Really, my inspiration was getting out of the hole,” he shared in an interview with Highsnobiety.
Becoming A Skater
Na-kel’s passion for skateboarding was not only nurtured but also actively encouraged by his family right from the start. His mother went as far as encouraging him to take his skateboard to the school bus, enabling him to get around faster. However, it was his uncle, Kareem Campbell, a highly successful skateboarder at the time, who played a pivotal role in shaping Na-kel’s destiny by gifting him his very first skateboard. From that transformative moment, skateboarding transcended the realm of mere hobby; it evolved into an all-consuming obsession for him.
Skating For Supreme
At the age of 14, Na-kel Smith’s determination and dedication led him to secure his first sponsorship from Brooklyn Projects. He began recording skateboarding clips alongside seasoned pros, honing his craft and always striving to be the best.
In 2015, a few years after joining the ranks of Fucking Awesome, Na-kel took another significant step in his career by becoming part of Supreme. He featured prominently in Supreme’s video, “Cherry,” and forged a close friendship with Tyshawn Jones, another talented skateboarder. Their bond was forged through a shared love for skateboarding, and together, they embarked on a journey that not only shaped their careers but also gave birth to Hardies hardware.
Becoming A Musician
Despite Na-kel Smith’s family having a strong musical background, including his father as a rapper, his mother as a singer, and even his uncle being one of the greatest jazz double bassists, he hailed from Southwest LA, a region renowned for its rich music scene. Consequently, these profound musical influences played a pivotal role in shaping Na-kel’s future in the world of music.
