From Run Athletics to Blackthumb: Rasheed Young’s Journey of ImpactI’m

In this episode of The Living Room Podcast, we sit down with Rasheed Young — Queens native, cultural strategist, and former president of Run Athletics. In 1998, Rasheed co-founded the streetwear brand Cash is King, using his deep roots in hip-hop to build cultural momentum. A pivotal connection with Rev Run of Run-DMC led to the creation of Run Athletics, where Rasheed’s leadership helped launch Pastry Footwear with Vanessa and Angela Simmons. The brand quickly exploded into a $60 million enterprise, fueled by the popularity of MTV’s Run’s House and Young’s vision for merging fashion with culture.

 

But Rasheed’s story doesn’t stop there.

 

Today, he’s deeply committed to mentorship and social impact. Through programs aimed at stopping gun violence, Rasheed is helping young people rethink their value and purpose. One of his latest ventures, Blackthumb, places greenhouses on top of public schools — teaching kids how to plant, nurture, and grow life. His philosophy is simple but profound: “If you can teach a child how to nurture life, they’ll think twice before ever taking one.”

 

We speak on the importance of knowing your worth, the impact of the rooms you’re in, and how legacy is built not just by what you achieve, but by what you give back.