The Grey Republic

Alright… The cat’s out of the bag. I have to put you all in on a secret. You know how you see me, Thor, OJ, or any of my other valley folks fresh on a daily basis? Not your everyday fresh, but like stupid stupid our shit don’t stink fresh? Well that’s due to our dudes over at Primitive.

(From left: Andy, P-Rod, Jubal, and another silent partner whose name escapes me)

My main dudes Andy and Jubal have held the Valley down with the best in street wear and Nikes for over a year now if I’m not mistaken. I stumbled onto this gold mine from my training partner/coach/co-d Thor. I walked in on a random day and nearly shit myself. I promptly copped hella bags and a bunch of gear. It was like Christmas came early for your boy. Primitive is a store owned by Paul Rodriguez Jr, son of funny ass Latino comedian Paul Rodriguez Sr (fuck Carlos Mencia). He reps the 818 even on his shoes so it was natural he made a haven for skaters and fashion minded folks in the Valley. The shop runs like a well oiled machine due to Andy and Jubal, who are down to earth, knowledgeable, and overall real fun to be around.

Jubal and Andy

The shop itself is setup up simple enough, except folks from Nike actually lent a hand and hooked the shop up with some design elements. It has a clean urban feel to it, and dope music is always playing at the shop, along with a ton of skate vids.

You’ll see stuff like this along with some RETARDED rare SB’s in the display case at the shop. It’s a Maloof Trophy, from when P-Rod won the first annual invitational. He bronzed the kicks he rocked that day too which is ill.

Jubal is a sick ass musician and Andy is nice with the camera lens, and both have a genuine love for what they do, in the shop and out.The good thing about these dudes is that none of them have the elitist douchebag mentality, and P-Rod is real cool and approachable when he’s at the shop.

On any given day you can see eye candy like this girl here, P-Rod, or any other pro skaters hanging out at the shop.

Bigups to these dudes. They’ve helped me out with a lot of gear and alcohol anytime I’ve stopped by so when you’re there, pay homage to em for putting it down in the 818 and tell em Yong sent you.

Shouts to Andy, Jubal, and your intern. I been half stepping on coming through, but when I do I’m bringing soju and music for you all.

To be honest, I HATE mentioning these spots because I know a ton of hypebeasts are quick to jump all over it, but fuck it. They deserve the business. Holler at them.

Primitive
www.primitiveshoes.com
818.479.7171
17060 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316
M-F : 11-8 P.M.
Sat : 11-7 P.M.
Sun : 12-6 P.M.