While sub-zero temperatures and recurring blankets of snow remind most of the Northern Hemisphere that winter is here and determined to freeze your ass, Chicago blader Paul John got out in the streets with Collin Martin on the shutter to show that nasty cold can’t keep these guys down. Tommy Boy puts PJ through the paces as we learn a little too much about what Tommy Boy’s been thinking about and a lot about what’s on PJ’s mind. TOMMY TALK continues with installment numero dos… — ONE

Who is the best rollerblader in Chicago other than yourself?
It’s more about who you are in Chicago—it’s about the respect! How you deliver not just on blades, but as a individual! My Top 4 in Chi-Town would be: Rory Melehan, Mathias St. John, Matt Luda, and Brian Bruno.

Do you own any semi-automatic weapons? What do you think about Guns and Ammo magazine? Would you subscribe?
Unfortunately, I do not keep an armed pistol in my house, which I really should! It’s great to have proper protection in case you got to let someone know what time it is! Guns and Ammo mags are the shit. My girl’s dad is a retired cop and loves it! Someone actually broke into her house on New Year’s Eve and felt the wrath of the 9MM to the dome! I would subscribe if I owned a piece. Next question?

What kind of car do you drive? Would you ever consider driving a PT Cruiser?
I’m driving the train right now! The best way! No matter what city you’re from, public transpiration keeps all of us in action! I’m actually about to throw down on a Rawlinson Riviera, I mean a Buick Riviera! I would never be caught dead in one of those toy-ass PT Cruisers. Melehan would rock that shit for a minute! Hell Yeah!

Who is a better rapper, Master P or Juvenile?
I gotta say No Limit! Dem boyz from the south! True to the gizzame! Master P!

If you could have sex with 5 power fatties a week or one supermodel once a year what would you choose?
Oh yeah dawg, 40% more chance of pulling! Quoting Sean Sea: “Look girl, if you put a little bit more weight on, I might actually let you boss me up!” I know some fools that are actually on the 5 power fatty deal! It works for them, but not me! I’ll take the one supermodel a year, ya know, with a couple good, complimentary self-pulls!

Is Rory Mellehan a genius and why is he or is he not?
Good old Melehan, hell yeah! One of the main homies and skate pals, Melehan’s a genius! You’re talking about a guy who wakes up every morning with the enthusiasm of doing something that is unknown to mankind! He does get a little bit bitchy here and there, but most of my experiences with this man were great!

Would you wear a platinum chain mail jacket to the club even if it weighed 40 lbs? How much weight could you wear for the sake of straight balling on hoes (in the club)?
I probably wouldn’t wear a platinum 40 pounder to the clubs, unprofessional! However, I would stunt on skates with it, take a dope-ass photo doing an alleyop soul or something! I love these questions man!

Whats worse Kendama, Hackey Sacks, or Pogs, and why? Which one of these is cool?
Pogs.

When is rollerblading going to be popular again?
I think that rollerblading is at the point to just enjoy everything we have accomplished, I have a lot of respect for those who work hard as an athlete! I think if more motivational material was produced we could progress more, not just as a sport, but as a lifestyle that turns more people on popularity wise! There are so many things our community has to offer: designers, film makers, business owners. All dedicated to a passion from the beginning! I would have never found my path, my life and aura, if it wasn’t for those damn skates! Believe in your lifestyle! And I will tell you what, I would do business with any self-incorporated rollerblader. I could honestly go on and on down the line of why things are great with people like us! Cheers!

Why is Sean Cullen a straight fucking G in the blade game?
Sean Sea! dn dn dn dn dn dn! A good guy! If I had a penny for every time I wanted to strangle him! One of the other main homies, killing all of your idols and shocking the masses! Sean Sea is a straight fuckin’ G! One of my favorite things to do is go skate bullets with him, ever since I was a shorty I looked up! He has created and thought me alot about who I am! Sean Sea, congrats on the new family! Let’s make angel dust!

Would you rather have genital herpes or go to prison for six months?
I do not even want to answer that shit! I definitely don’t want herpes, and jail sucks! Get in touch with OJ on this!

Who does your hair?
I’ve got my barber around the corner in the hood, but that’s gonna run about 13 dollar! Niggas mad ’cause I go to the barber shop, but they forget to get their hair cut!

What are your Top 5 jams to blade to?
jammin
I don’t know right now. I’ve been listening to alot of new disco lately! I’m always’ on something, I don’t really have a song I blade to! But always on the go with music! A lot of shit I like is incorporated in my projects, check em out! It’s all about good music! Check for the new VYLE music video me and GL Joe just did! That’s a hot track!

Who makes rollerblading look cooler, Bam Margera or Ryan Sheckler?
Neither of these guys makes rollerblading cool. I mean I like Bam and shit, but Ryan Sheckler is just gay! Thanks for that question Bistro!

Who is the first pro you ever skated with at Scrap skatepark?
I never used to go to Scrap a lot ’cause it was so far from my house, but the first pro I skated with at scrap was Ben Weis, another one of the main homies! I love this guy because he always had my back, he was always the coolest around. I used to hang out with him in Mankato when I was like 15 going on 23, crazy! Some of my most favorite moments came from experiences with Weis, man! I remember being in Alabama stranded with no money and Ben was the guy to buy me a bus ticket back to Chicago! This guy will make it happen no matter what! Much love!

If you had unlimited money and no girlfriend, realistically, how many prostitutes could you have intercourse with in Amsterdam in one day?
Never been out there! Bistro you know Paul John pimps everything! I’m not into prostitutes, not my styles! But realistically, if I had an endless count of money and no girlfriend I would definitely be pulling.

Why do you pull?
Pulling! Well, it’s hard being passionate 24 hours a day but it’s been an awesome year for me! Business is great and the people I work with are just as good at what they do! I am fortunate to have been blessed with a vision to stay focused and productive everyday! And I still get to rollerblade as much as possible. There is no better feeling to me than when I have my skates on. As of now I am in the position to produce as much pulling as i can, bigger ideas, projects, and more real talk then ever! Pull for what you know is best, do not let anyone tell you that it can’t be done. TCB and moving on to greener pastures!

Are you a chest?
CHESTFREE!

Holler:
Thank you for this opportunity. I would like to thank some people that have been good to me this year. A very special thanks to my girlfriend Joyce, my Mom, Collin Martin, Carlo Serran, Windy City Media, GL Joe, Ben Mollin, Geoff Acres and Razors, Dan Fabiano and Con Artist, Vic Melecio, Geraldo Izzigrizze, Joe Fields, and John Stevenson. Thank you.

Unexpectedly insightful questions © 2009 Tommy Boy
Photos © 2009 Collin Martin