Let’s back up a few years. How did you get into sneaker collecting as a hobby turned profession?

I'd have to back it up about…17 years for this one! Skateboarding was my vehicle to sneakers, music, art and clothing. Speaking of sneakers, I was interested in skating in different shoes and that led me one day to one day realize that I have a “collection of sneakers”...and here we are now.

Between designing many highly coveted sneakers for Nike, Atmos and Adidas (to name a few of the brands) and running and managing your vintage sneaker and clothing store Round 2 with 7 locations, curious when you find time to sleep. Where do you find what seems like a limitless amount of creative inspiration?

Luckily I don’t need much sleep so that’s a plus! I think I can attribute my openness to the friends I grew up with. We’re a super diverse group that took the time to learn about each other’s interests and I think that led us all to fall in love with so many things; cars, clothes, art, music and different sports from all over the world.

What is the origin story of Round 2 and where did the name come from?

Myself, Chris Russow and Luke Fracher were doing allot of collecting and selling to friends in Richmond, VA. We wanted to turn it into a business and wanted another way to say second hand or used without immediately thinking thrift store… so Round Two was fitting based on different meanings.

Tell us a little bit about the Vote Forward Air Max Day contest and where you drew design inspiration from for the Nike Air Max 97/1.

Feels like ages ago to be honest, I think that contest and opportunity taught me allot of things especially how to bring an idea to life through a product. I continued to learn up to this very day and just like every project, as far as my inspiration it comes from Nature and the things around me.

What’s the one album you couldn’t live without?

Neighborhood Watch, Dilated Peoples

Favorite sneaker in your collection?

The ones I’m wearing right now, the SW Orketro by Adidas. These drop January 23, 2023!

How did the collaboration with Nickelodeon and Rakeem Miles come to be?

That’s all Rakeem honestly, he’s a magnet for amazing opportunities. I think when you get us together we’re some type of super power!

Capsule 1 features Spongebob Squarepants and The Angry Beavers, what excites you about this first drop and partnership with Urban Outfitters?

This gets me excited because I have nostalgic ties to both Urban Outfitters and Nickelodeon. I grew I up watching these shows and continue to watch them with my children. I also remember my first time going to an Urban Outfitters in Washington, DC and we thought we found the “secret spot”. From that moment on it was a staple stop on our skate trips to grab something fresh to wear back at school.

In addition to the SpongeBob + Angry Beavers Exclusive Collection by Rakeem Miles, there will be two other capsule drops from Round 2 x Nickelodeon available exclusively at UO launching this spring and summer. Without giving away too many details, what can we look forward to in the next drops?

I'll just say we're going to keep digging into our childhood memories and bringing back the shows we know and love!

What inspired you to start making music and creating your apparel brand Action Figure Miles?

Pharrell Williams and Nigo inspired me to get into fashion. As a kid I was a huge fan of Billionaire Boy’s Club and Icecream. I was inspired to make music because of my Uncle who was a gospel rapper and when I was growing up, I would travel with him to churches to MC for him. I loved it so much that I started making my own music. He helped me write and produce my first song at 11 years old. Ever since then, I’ve been making music.

Not only are you a musician and designer, but you’ve guest starred on two Adult Swim shows and you're writing, directing, executive producing, and acting on your own animated TV show Action Figure Miles. Do you have a favorite cartoon or cartoon character?

Yes! I love the Boondocks, that’s my all time favorite cartoon. My favorite character from the boondocks is Riley.

What excites you most about teaming up with Round Two and Nickelodeon for this collection?

I grew up on Nickelodeon and have always loved the aesthetic and animation of the various shows created by Nick. The network has been a huge inspiration to why I’m currently working on an animated show with the executive producer, writer, actor Carl Jones of Boondocks and Black Dynamite on my own TV show set to be sold in 2023. As far as RoundTwo, I’ve always been a huge fan of Sean, he’s a big inspiration to me, so I’m excited to be able to work with the Round Two team on this project.

Can you tell us more about the design process for the collection and which piece is your favorite?

I worked with my graphic designer Ray to reimagine Spongebob and Angry Beavers and incorporate them into the Get Me Out The Woods world as much as possible. It took us a few months to nail down the style we wanted to go in but Ray always comes through with creating something amazing. Once we figured out the style we were satisfied with, everything clicked and we just started knocking out the rest of the art within a week to send into Nickelodeon for approvals. I really love the Spongebob graphic on the purple long sleeve T-shirt and the Angry Beavers art on the white short sleeve t shirt. Those are my favorite pieces.

Where can our community learn more about your work and stay up to date on the latest Action Figure Miles news?

My Instagram @RakeemMilesRaps is the best way to stay up to date, or my twitter @RakeemMiles