Bobbito García, a native New Yorker, has left an indelible mark on various urban movements, showcasing his versatility as a creative force.
During the 1990s, García, alongside his partner Stretch, co-hosted the iconic "Stretch and Bobbito" program on WKCR, offering a platform to emerging artists such as Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang, Jay-Z, Eminem, and the Fugees. The program's impact was significant, with total record sales exceeding 300 million for the artists who premiered on their show. The Source Magazine recognized their efforts, voting "Stretch and Bobbito" as "The Best Hip Hop Radio Show of All Time" in 1998.
García's passion for sneakers is well-documented, and he is often credited as the progenitor of sneaker journalism. His seminal Source article "Confessions of a Sneaker Addict" was published in 1990, and in 2003, he released his critically acclaimed book "Where'd You Get Those? NYC's Sneaker Culture: 1960-1987" through Testify Books.
In 2005, García hosted ESPN's "It's The Shoes" series, making it the first show of its kind in broadcasting history. As a former professional basketball player in Puerto Rico, García has also appeared in the groundbreaking Nike "Freestyle" commercial. The brand released seven co-designed Air Force 1 sneakers bearing his name in 2007.
García's talents extend beyond his work in hip-hop and sneakers. He is a world-renowned DJ, having spun World, Soul, and Jazz music at esteemed venues such as Lincoln Center, Central Park SummerStage, and the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. His voice has also been featured in EA Sports' popular NBA Street video game.
