Rob Owens

Skateboarding and Hip Hop Culture are beginning to mesh more now than ever before...
as seen by Hip Hop artists starting their own skateboarding companies like the Snoop Dogg Board Company (SDBC), Pharrell’s Ice Cream Skate Team, Lupe Fiasco, an up and coming artist that appeared on Kanye West’s Late Registration, who discussing his influences from Hip Hop to skateboarding in a recent ALLHIPHOP feature and with skateboarders like Tony Hawk’s America’s Wasteland video game where players can “tag” and “piece” while they skate.

Rob Owens is the hottest name in street skating and his life story is just as intriguing as his skills on a board. Picking up his first board at the age of 9 and growing up with influences from the very different but similar cultures of Hip Hop and skateboarding, Rob has a story to tell. Coming from an African-American father and a Caucasian mother, he has had his share of struggles trying to get the recognition he has earned and deserves in the white dominated sport of skateboarding. Rob skates better now than he has ever before in his life, despite surviving 15 bullet wounds within a four year period. Rob grew up not only around skateboarding but in Hip Hop culture as well. As a young graffiti artist he took to the streets on his board to start the life long journey of being heard and seen.

There is a plan for Robert Owens. As he realizes his dream of being a professional skateboarder, he is also humbled at the facts of his life and the bad decisions and wrong friends he has made over the years. Rob’s focus and energy to live to skate has made him into the man he is today, strong and determined. Rob has also begun to make himself an example by talking to Milwaukee’s inner city youth about the dangers of illegal activity and associating yourself with the wrong crowd.

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WATCH THE ROB OWENS STORY
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Read the March 9th Profile on Rob in the new MKE Magazine

Read the interview with Rob Owens in SLAP! Magazine

Urban youth are more active and interested in both skateboarding and Hip Hop culture now more so than ever before. In Milwaukee, WI, where Rob Owens calls home, youth organizations are popping up to use Hip Hop culture (T.R.U.E. Skool, Inc.) and skateboarding (Hotboards) to empower at-risk youth.