“Under the FUBU is a guru, that's untapped
Want to be in the rap race but ain't ran one lap.
Ran so far from the streets that you can't come back.
You tripping with nowhere to unpack, forgot that.”
Above are lyrics from the rap artist Common from his song “6th Sense” that was released in 1999. This is one of many examples of how the urban clothing brand FUBU represents more than just items you buy from stores. FUBU, which means For Us By Us, has grown into an international mainstay and is looking to regain footing stateside.
One of the creators of the clothing line, J. Alexander Martin, recently visited Fort Lauderdale and mingled with other entrepreneurs and business people at an after-five mixer organized by the South Florida Black Professionals (SFBP).
“I was asked to come down to speak about entrepreneurship. I want to help create more FUBUs in the world,” said Martin.
The mixer, held May 22 at the Ocean Manor hotel, was a joint project between SFBP and the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC). “We are about promoting professional relationships. NBCC found us, expressed mutual interest and proposed the idea of J’s visit, and it was a match made in heaven,” said Ken Burrough, CEO of SFBP. Martin’s speech happened early in the mixer. It was brief but it was about him being here, open to any questions and helping local business owners find their way. “I haven't seen so many entrepreneurs in one room. When I asked how many entrepreneurs are here and mostly everyone raised their hand that was really impressive,” said Martin.
Martin along with his partners, Keith Perrin Carlton Brown and Daymond John, launched FUBU back in 1992. Based out of Hollis, Queens, New York, John mortgaged his home for $100,000. He used that money to turn that space to a factory to make the clothes. In 1996, FUBU got an investment from Samsung America’s textile division based off an ad seen in the New York Times. After that, the brand gained popularity by having artists wear the clothes in the music videos. Brand Nubian, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes & Ol Dirty Bastard were the first bunch to wear FUBU. In 1998, FUBU peaked, earning about $350 million in worldwide sales. By 2003, the company started focusing overseas. In 2010, the company renamed itself FB legacy. Currently Martin serves on the board of the national black chamber. Besides FUBU, Martin spends his time mentoring entrepreneurs, since he believes time is the best thing you can give to others.
“Hopefully the more entrepreneurs I help today will turn around and join the local NBCC chapter and the national chapter,” said Martin.
Winston Lee, an attendee at the mixer, is launching a line of leather accessories called Cuffed Design at the end of May. Lee pulled great tidbits of information from Martin after speaking with him one on one.
“He has a lot of insight that felt personal. He said to me its not going to come overnight. You need to grind and build it one brick at a time,” said Lee. Martin will be back in South Florida for the NBCC national conference, scheduled for Aug. 5-8 at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood. After that, Martin wants to focus on restarting FUBU. According to Martin, he and the other three founders are busy with other projects so they are currently on a hiatus from FUBU.
“We are bigger overseas like Korea, Japan and Germany. We are positioning ourselves to go all in to re-launch the brand,” said Martin.
Source:
http://miamitimesonline.com/news/2015/may/27/fubu-re-launch/
