I'm the thug life magician. AMA

Did you, in fact, choose the thug life? Or did it choose you?

I'd say it definitely chose me...

Can you please do a magic trick on John Cena where you disappear and leave him holding a card that says "you can't see me"?

haha that would be hilarious!

How much do you make?

im in college, so negative 35k a year

Do you, in fact, endorse the THUG LIFE?

Within reason haha

What's the hardest/worst thing about magic?

One of the hardest things is to get people to take it seriously at first. "Oh your a magician haha" Once people start to respect it and understand that It's giving me a lot of opportunity to see the world and have some amazing opportunities, it gets a lot better.

I have three cards in my hand: a Queen of Spades, Jason Blake's Rookie Card, and a coupon for $5 dollars off at H&M. What color is my hat?

blue, duh

What are some of your best memories from Tannen's Magic Camp?

The movie really does sum up the vibe of the camp, but one of the most unique things about the camp is how much of a family we were. Many of my best friends are from our days at the camp, and many of them are working full time in the entertainment industry. Magic Camp at the time was almost a factory that pumped out entertainment professionals!

Ever had a super hard crowd to please? How do you deal with hecklers?

It's all about not allowing to get them to bother you.

Hey Reuben, I'm the creator of the Thug Life Magic video. I'm so sorry for blowing up your spot! This is my first video and first post to reddit. I had no idea it would take off like this. I was watching the Magic Camp documentary a few weeks ago and that scene just cracked me up. I thought it would make a great thug life video. Did you plan that moment for the camera or was it just perfect timing? Anyway, I hope you are enjoying all of the attention and it helps to promote your magic!

Haha. Can you put my name and YouTube channel in the description?

Also thanks again for the press!

How long have you been practicing magic?

I've been interested in it since around 6 years old. Then I turned 12, I started really getting involved in the entertainment industry, performing in local competitions. It really blew up for me in college. After my freshman year, I travelled to England to represent the USA in the world championships of magic, and have had a blast over the last four years traveling the world performing while still being a full time college student!

What are you studying?

Electronic media / film

Seriously one of the funniest thug life's I've seen haha how did you get into magic?

I think I saw a magician as a kid and just wanted a new hobby. Turned out to be much more than that!

Did you know the camera was going to be there beforehand or did you see it and set up a trick quickly?

I honestly don't remember. It was so long ago.

What trick took you the longest to learn? How would you suggest someone who is interested in being a magician get started?

Anything that is sleight of hand related was the hardest to learn. Definitely check out Tannen's Magic Camp, or even go to a local magic shop. The community has always been very welcoming to budding young magicians.

Have you ever met NPH?

yes, but I doubt he remembers

What's the most thug thing you've ever done? Do yo have any pets that travel with you and are part of your act?

I'm a magician that's allergic to rabbits, so I choose to keep it in the hat.

Hi! There was a video posted of you doing an (awesome) dice and card trick on Italian TV. Not only does the trick rule, but you look decidedly cheery!

Being that a lot magicians, I guess especially more modern ones, go for stoic/pseudo-mystical deadpan schtick (David Blaine et al)* I thought it was pretty refreshing and fun to watch. Was this a conscious aesthetic decision or are you just a dude happy in your work?

*Not that there's anything wrong with that. And I'm also aware you look like a badass in the Thug Life vid too, obvs.

Thanks for the kind words! It's absolutely a conscious choice. I truly believe that the actual trick is a tiny part of the full performance. I like to have fun while performing and instead of intensifying my actions, I'd rather lighten the mood and allow my audience to relax and have fun watching.

Hey man,

Erik Casey here, no question, just wanted to say hey. Hope all is well in the thug world. You're killing it. What's the next convention you're hitting up?

Hey bud! Not sure yet

Dai Vernon or Criss Angel?

totally different people haha

What was the push that got you to start really taking magic seriously?

I competed at the world teen championships of magic when I was 15 in Las Vegas, and a lot of my idols were there sitting in the audience. It was pretty surreal for me, but that's definitely when I saw this more as a career than a hobby.

What's a good first trick to learn?

My first tricks were the magic coloring book and the zig-zag pencil

Why'd you change your hair? Any chance you'll bring back that glorious 'do?

probably not haha

What's the most important trait a magician can have?

Understanding that is 10% about the actual trick. The rest is about persona and entertainment value

How much magic does one need to learn before the thug life chooses them?

Apparently 8 years worth

Who do you look up to in your career?

Anyone who has been able to do what they love instead of selling out to make money.

Have you ever been to the famously exclusive Magic Castle? I've been there a few times.

Yeah! I performed there last April. What an awesome experience!

What's your favorite movie?

This year, Boyhood

What made you want to become a film major?

I love the entertainment industry, and I've always had a passion for movies. Both my parents were very involved in the entertainment industry growing up.

Where is the best place in the world that you have visited?

That's a tough one. Croatia is beautiful, Budapest is so alive, but I personally loved going to Asia. Either South Korea or China.

What's your favourite flavour of ice cream?

Mint chocolate chip

Given that you go to UC, I hope you're talking about Graeter's. Otherwise you're doing it wrong.

Yes I am!

How did you begin your career?

A combination of meeting the right people and getting really lucky with some awesome opportunities.

You're a film major? What do you shoot on?

Quite a few types of cameras. Only digital so far unfortunately. I haven't has the opportunity to shoot on film.

What is the best magic movie?

Also, any advice to the childrens on the thug life?

I'm a big fan of the prestige.

Tell us about that scene. How far in advance did you plan that trick? Was it spur of the moment, or something you had been planning for the camera?

Not sure haha. I was a silly kid

is your name Reuben Moreland?

Yes