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Kareem Campbell

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Kareem Campbell
Personal information
Born (1973-11-14) November 14, 1973 (age 50)
Harlem, New York, U.S.
OccupationSkateboarder
Years active1989–present
Sport
CountryUnited States
SportSkateboarding
Turned pro1992

Kareem Campbell (born November 14, 1973) is an American professional skateboarder. He is known for popularizing the skateboard trick "The Ghetto Bird" which is a nollie hardflip late 180°.[1][2]

Skateboarding career

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Kareem Campbell was an innovative professional skateboarder in the 1990s. He was featured in the World Industries videos New World Order, 20 Shot Sequence, and Trilogy, which are regarded as classics to many skateboarders. He has been called the godfather of smooth street style.[3][4] He eventually went on to spawn another company of his own under the Dwindle Distribution umbrella, though he continued to ride for World Industries.[5] He also helped found Axion Shoes.[6] After Menace, he went on to create City Stars Skateboards also under the same Dwindle Distribution umbrella. He still operates City Star Skateboards to this day.[7][8]

Campbell rose to mainstream fame in 1999 following his inclusion as a playable character in the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater video game series. Tony Hawk also credited him with increasing skateboarding's standing in the Black community.[9] Campbell would later reprise his role in the 2020 remake of the first two games in the series.[10]

Throughout his career Kareem has been sponsored by World Industries, Axion Shoes, Nixon Watches, Alphanumeric Clothing and more.[11]

Personal life

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Campbell is from Harlem, New York, and moved with his family to Los Angeles in his early youth.[12]

Campbell now resides in Dallas, Texas and works in a variety of business ventures, notably real estate.[13] His nephew is professional skateboarder, musician, and Odd Future associate Na-kel Smith.[14]

References

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  1. ^ martinkus (October 14, 2006). "Kareem Campbell Ghetto Bird". Archived from the original on December 13, 2021 – via YouTube.
  2. ^ Juice Magazine (May 1, 2014). "Kareem Campbell Interview". Archived from the original on October 25, 2016. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
  3. ^ "Classics: Kareem Campbell's "Trilogy" Part". Thrasher. September 16, 2014. Archived from the original on October 8, 2017. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
  4. ^ "Muckmouth – Kareem Campbell kareem is featured in Tony Hawk video game as a playable character. Interview". October 9, 2013. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
  5. ^ "Menace Skateboards < Skately Library". skately.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  6. ^ "Axion Footwear < Skately Library". skately.com. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  7. ^ "Official City Stars Skateboarding website". Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
  8. ^ Kelly, Ben (October 13, 2009). "Profilin' With Neftalie Featuring Kareem Campbell". Transworld Skateboarding. Archived from the original on May 23, 2018. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
  9. ^ Cook, Forrest (January 6, 2021). "Skateboarding Legend Kareem Campbell Has Plenty to Say on His New Podcast". Dallas Observer. Archived from the original on May 12, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  10. ^ Stedman, Alex (June 23, 2020). "'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2' Remaster Reveals Pro Skaters Getting Added to the Roster". Variety. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  11. ^ "Kareem Campbell Profile < Skately Library". skately.com. Archived from the original on October 31, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  12. ^ Fitzgerald, Mike (November 29, 2021). "Kareem Campbell speaks on his legacy and longevity in skateboarding". Red Bull. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  13. ^ "Kareem Campbell". Juice Magazine. May 1, 2014. Archived from the original on June 30, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  14. ^ "Na-Kel Smith | The Nine Club With Chris Roberts – Episode 64". The Nine Club. September 18, 2017. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
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