While thousands of San Franciscans were disappointed to miss the Olympic torch relay last week, SF Weekly managed to catch up with the torch — or Flame, as the aspiring rapper is known to his friends — at SFO before getting on the plane for Buenos Aires and listening to Jay-Z on his iPod.
SF Weekly: When did you find out the route had been changed?
Flame: When did I find out? I was the one who came up with the idea, yo. I was like, “I am not gonna let all those nasty Dalai Lama–lovin' fools get all up in my shit.” Hey, I don't know where Richard Gere's hand has been, know what I'm sayin'? And did you see what the Brits did to me? A no-shower-takin' motherfucka just ran up and tried to snuff me out! I wasn't gonna put up with that shit again, ya feel me?
SF Weekly: So it was your idea to hide out in the warehouse after the opening ceremony?
Flame: Yup. They took me over there and I just chilled while they ran the other torch around. After a little bit, who do I see? My boy Gavin. He walks on up to me with this big ol' stoopid grin and reaches in his suit pocket. Boy pulls out a Swisher blunt! Gavin may have stopped drinkin', but he still smokes up. He's on that — whatcha call it — oh yeah, the “marijuana maintenance program.” Let me tell you, your mayor knows how to score some stinky ol' buds. That shit had me lit up!
SF Weekly: So to speak (cough). Anyway, how do you feel about China's treatment of Tibet?
Flame: Frankly, I think they've been way too nice. Every time I look up, there's the Dalai Lama hangin' out with some movie star and not his bald homeboys. Dude must have a million frequent-flyer miles. But I gotta say: Mr. Lama, get yourself some new duds. Those colored robes is bright, but the look is old as a prophet.
SF Weekly: What's next for you — I mean, what do you do after the Olympics?
Flame: Well, I'm very musical, ya feel me? Got me a little crew, All Torched Up; might tour some. Thinkin' about startin' my own label, know what I'm sayin'? If that doesn't work out, I also make some amazing aromatherapy candles I could sell on eBay. But we mogul-in' up in the meantime, feel me? Keep it real, Frisco. We out — but not extinguished.
