When I think about the term "I'm so Akron" many things comes to mind. If a person is truly from Akron then he or she have to really know the heartbeat and spirit of the community. Not only does the person that represent the "I'm so Akron" motto has to be from Akron but everyone has to concur the authenticity of the person. Well, when it comes to master barber and Akron legend Rodney (RP) Pryor just about everybody in the city concurs.
For the few that don't know, Rodney Pryor have been cutting hair and representing the city and culture for years. His ability to transcends the boundaries of one denominational thinking is evident by the way he conducts himself and business. As a master barber his influence and style have always been and still is relevant in today's market. He credits his longevity in the business as a direct result of respecting and connecting with people. Myself, I believe that Rodney's popularity and light-weight fame contributes to his consistent growth.
Recently I've had the pleasure to hang out with the legend himself and we "chopped it up" like we were (as he puts it) back in the beat-street days. One of the things that I didn't realize is how many people he has influenced in the hair cutting business. Also what I found out is he's very socially and culturally aware about the plight that our people face everyday. As with a few other barber's that I know Rodney utilizes his chair to elevate and educate the mindset of his crew and clients.
When I asked him about the recent shooting at his shop he was upfront and honest about the situation. One of the things that bothered him regarding the incident was people referring to his operation and shop as "ghetto". His exact words were " I'm in the business of cutting hair. Know matter if you buzz people in or have them knock on the door, you never know the issues a person may have with another dude-this situation could've happened anywhere and does". As a result of the incident Rodney plans on putting up surveillance cameras all around the shop. He said "that way no one would ever think about doing anything like that for a fear of being caught by the cameras".
I like the fact that he's taking precautions regarding the safety of his staff and clientele. Maybe this (new camera in the barbershop thing) will catch on and hopefully other independent business owners will follow suite. Just about everybody knows that Rodney cut not only Lebron James's hair but a host of other professional athletes. His resume and popularity speaks for itself and as he puts it "if you don't have anything good to say about someone-you shouldn't say anything at all". Wise words spoken from a wise brother who's really really "So Akron".
Remember all the changes that he made and continues to make to his shop is for the safety and piece of mind of his customers. So feel safe and check out RP's Blade Academy located at 515 W. Exchange St. or call (330)983-6888. If you're a barber looking for a chair give him a call. Until next time, have some fun and get something done.
-Hiram Akeem
PS, I had to do it. Enjoy my brotha
"JB and The Sensations Style"
