THE ARCHITECT: BROOKLYN'S FINEST
INTERVIEW TERRELL “REALIFE” BLACK PHOTOS @VISIONTOINSPIRE
“Cars represent freedom and now freedom of expression.” - BROOKLYN’S FINEST
VALIDATED: For those who don’t know, you’re a member of the legendary Ruff Ryders. How did you make the transition from dj to car enthusiast to turning your passion for cars into a lucrative business?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: During our Ruff Ryder’s run we created “ruff Ryders lifestyles”... bikes, cars, clothes, etc.
VALIDATED: What’s the connection between hip-hop culture and custom cars?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: In my point of view the connection is hip hop is about having the best and being the best... flashy, fast cars are synonymous with “look at me”.
VALIDATED: Do you recall the first car you decided to customize? What was it and what modifications did you do?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: When I was 17 I bought an Acura legend coupe, I wanted a GS 400 after seeing Jay with his but it was not in my budget.
VALIDATED: What rides are in your car garage nowadays?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: I have an Audi RS7, Mercedes C Class coupe and will be picking up a Ferrari F12 in the new year.
VALIDATED: Which of those cars is your favorite at the moment?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: The audi, it’s at over 800 HP to the wheels and people love it all over the country.
VALIDATED: What major modifications have you done to it?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: $10k custom one of wrap, bigger turbos, custom exhaust, catless race downpipes, one off custom wheels, custom oil lines and turbo screens, custom tune... many, many other mods.
VALIDATED: I’m curious, do you still have the blue BMW coupe with the turntables in the trunk?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: I gave it to my nephew.
VALIDATED: Clutch Rally, what led you to start the company?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: I MET UP WITH guys At a stop for the Gold Rush Rally, Some had Rally experience, others was interested in starting their own. Since I’ve been doing rallies since the early 2000’s and even filmed a pilot for MTV 2 about them, I figured this would be a perfect opportunity to get back into the life.
The cost of rallies very from economical to upwards of $20k so we wanted to create an experience that gave the average person the most bang for their buck. We put on a few events but what I mainly wanted to do with the platform is to give back. We would take the cars and out on exhibitions at children’s hospitals, group homes and shelters. I have found over time that cars are the common denominator for ppl from all backgrounds and I wanted to make sure we did the right thing while continuing to inspire.
These days I only do select clutch events with my business partner and do most of the big rallies across the country like Corsa to represent Eurofed.
VALIDATED: What are the major services offered by Clutch Rally?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: When we do rallies, we hold exhibitions at children’s hospitals, group homes and shelters.
VALIDATED: With you having the custom shop Eurofed in Atlanta, Georgia and opening the Charlotte, North Carolina location earlier this year, what’s your reaction to the success of these shops?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: People want to be part of something big..., Eurofed is fast becoming the #1 European shop in the south east.
VALIDATED: Why do you think people are so attracted to automobiles?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: Cars represent freedom and now freedom of expression.
VALIDATED: Clutch TV, what can you tell us about it?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: Before covid we filmed all of our events, I have a first look option with NBCUniversal to produce content.
VALIDATED: What are a couple of the major events Clutch Rally has attended, participated in or hosted?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: Sema rally to Beverly Hills and shot a commercial on rodeo drive. Hosted a premier for the last fast and furious with regal cinemas.
VALIDATED: What can we expect from Clutch Rally in 2021?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: We (Eurofed) will sponsor Corsa Rally again and will have events throughout the U.S. including Hawaii... we will also have a European event.
VALIDATED: Where can our readers follow you and Clutch Rally on social media?
BROOKLYN’S FINEST: @eurofed and @brooklyns_finest_RS7 on Instagram.