Rewind: 5 Videos of 2024 I’m still Watching
With 2024 coming to a close, it forces one to go back through the year and examine all the great things that occurred in their lives, or in this case, great videos. There were plenty of great drops throughout this year, with an array of fantastic solo parts, tour clips, and even Vice’s new series,
Let It Kill You, of which I’m particularly obsessed with. But because there are so many releases throughout the year, from both teams and individual directors, there are some that get pushed to the side, lost in the digital shuffle.
Sure, we all know some of the larger releases that were permanently branded into our Instagram feed this year, like Dickies’ Honeymoon and New Balance’s released, Intervals. So to celebrate another great year of releases, here are 5 videos that deserve more recognition and multiple views, excluding previously covered videos like Repeat Entertainment’s Oops, Less Than
Local’s Yummy Times, and Corporate Skateboard’s Leave. All of which should also be viewed immediately and frequently.
Enjoy and get hype.
Paul Young: Down By Law
For many this might be an obvious choice, and rightfully so. Created by Paul Young, Down By Law is a street skating East coast gem lathered in old school hip hop and a chorus of clacking external basement doors. This is the kind of video fans watch wide-eyed and cynics stay silent during. There is a grit to this footage not seen elsewhere this year. Clips splashed with a faded paint and orange-rusted rails add to the authentic pure skate-nature of this cut. Arguably, this might have some of the best editing seen all year, with song choices perfectly fitting each part, and a fitting amount of B-roll and day-in-the-life clips to provide a sense of community.
If you’re thinking to yourself, what’s an East Coast video without lines and effortless manuals?
Don’t worry there’s plenty in there to satisfy.
Curb Junkies: Slappy Club
If you couldn’t tell by the title, yes it’s straight curbs. I’ll admit, I was late to Curb Junkies, having only started watching their videos this year. But immediately I’ve found myself salivating at the thought of a new release, soaking in every second of this fantastic curb appeal. And Slappy
Club is no exception. Not only do I find myself constantly amazed at what is being accomplished on curbs, but marvel at the various ages, styles, and locations that make up this collection. The video itself is set up almost as an extended friends part, with some dedicated sections for both individual skaters and crews like the talented Chris Flores and the Slappyboyz. If you find yourself constantly rewatching episodes of Curb Warz, this is a video for you.
Hardbody Skateboarding: OD
A hidden pleasure with street skating is not just how one interacts with the landscape, but with the people in it. When I watched Hardbody Skateboarding’s OD, filmed and edited my Emilio
Cuilan, it felt like the early days skating with friends. Running around the neighborhoods with a camera, having laughs and skating as hard as we could.
Though, at least speaking for myself, I was never shredding nearly as well as the riders featured here.
The relatable nature is only one reason why I found myself attracted to this video. I loved seeing the mixture of sunshine and nocturnal footage, basking in the duel personalities of the city and those that are one with it. These riders weren’t just lurking in cities in search of spots. The world was their spot. Anything goes. The public were the ones out of place.
Closer Skateboard Magazine X Black Label: Jason Adams 50 Years to Life
There were some fantastic solo parts this year. But when I first viewed Jason Adams 50 Years to Life at Closer Magazine’s two-year anniversary party back in August, it really grabbed hold of me. Admittedly, I’m already mesmerized by Jason “The Kid” Adams’ skating. 50 Years to Life opens beautifully with a great narration by Adams, describing perfectly that this is not a fad for our past, but a culture that we sit with into our future.
The raw intensity Adams displays while ripping through his lines, make it seem as though he could burst into flames at any moment. Whatever anger he’s got pent up, this is where it’s coming out. Every turn of the wheel comes with The Kid’s power and emotion, giving all his energy to show whatever blood he spills, skating will be there to pick him up, dust him off, and refuel him for whatever life throws at him next.
Blockhead Skateboards: Heads Up!
Every single time I watch this video there is one word that comes to mind; fun. Blockhead Skateboards’ Heads Up! is fifty-four minutes of pure skateboard excitement in the most accessible and easy-going way. That’s not to say it’s simple tricks and a relaxed demeanor. It displays a wide range of styles and tricks from riders I’m proud to say are older than your average pros. A point that is extremely inspiring to the likes of both me and the other who wish to continue our passions as we gracefully age.Well, as graceful as we can be with the slams our bodies have taken.
A perfect example comes in the first few seconds of the video, where Blockhead Dave’s extended hillside 50-50 instantly sets the mood. This video breathes skate culture. With skits, laughs, and even cameos by some recognizable of faces, Heads Up! should be a must watch.
