If you haven’t taken notice of Carl Aikens’s rising star over the past year, then you haven’t been paying attention. The Chicago-by-way-of-Santa Clarita native has been getting a ton of coverage since transplanting to Brooklyn last summer. He linked up with Naquan Rollings of Gang Corp fame, and dropped a heavy clip that firmly planted him on our collective radar. This was followed up with his Chocolate introduction in January, and more footage in the brand’s T.O.N.Y. tour video shortly after. Aikens is clearly emerging as one of the prominent figures of skateboarding’s next generation; so we wanted to take the opportunity to document his story during his ascent. He rolled through our studio last week for an in-depth conversation with Lee that covers his history, come-up, current events, future plans, and much more. Get familiar with this legend in the making via the latest episode of Mission Statement. There’s no doubt that we’ll be seeing much more of him in the years to come. 

Mission Statement

Mission Statement Episode 18: Carl Aikens

William Strobeck, known simply as Bill by those closest to him, is this generation’s Spike Jonze. In 2014, he singlehandedly changed the direction of modern skate videos with the release of “cherry”. It was the first full-length from both Strobeck and Supreme, and had a similar impact to Jonze and Mark Gonzales’s Video Days when that debuted in 1991.“cherry” introduced the world to a group of skaters that would go on to become icons. At the time, most videos felt like blockbuster movies that were far removed from the D.I.Y. spirit that birthed them. With street life vignettes that feel like you are watching the sessions live, Strobeck brought back an aesthetic that was lost sometime during the transition from standard to high definition. It had clearly been missed.Bill’s trajectory was foreshadowed over a decade earlier. Before Tyshawn Jones, Na-Kel Smith, and “BLESSED”, there was Anthony Pappalardo, Brian Wenning, and Photosynthesis. He cut his teeth during the Josh Kalis and Stevie Williams era at Love Park. And his footage helped craft the Sovereign Sect’s look during its golden age. With that sort of pedigree, no one should be surprised by what Strobeck would go on to accomplish after. But Bill didn’t get to where he is today without a little bit of luck. His Alien Workshop years were the start of an ongoing collaboration with Jason Dill. This friendship has landed him in “the right place at the right time” at multiple points during his career. The connection with Dill and a breakup with a longtime girlfriend were responsible for transplanting Strobeck to New York in 2002 after a seven-year stint in Philly. And N.Y.C. would prove to be a key element in the progression of his craft. There were still shades of the old New York during those initial post-911 years. Bill, Dill, Chloë Sevigny, Ben Cho, Leo Fitzpatrick, Dash Snow, the Razo brothers, etcetera’s gallivanting between Max Fish, Sway, and The Hole is well-documented in the archives of Patrick O’Dell’s Epicly Later’d blog. They seemed to be the heirs apparent of the Downtown scene created by Warhol, Basquiat, Futura, Jim Jarmusch, Debbie Harry, and the rest of the legendary denizens of ‘80s L.E.S. Mingling with artists, designers, actors, and fashionistas allowed Strobeck to further develop his eye for what’s cool. This influence is highly visible in his output over the past six years. Instead of just showcasing tricks, Strobeck creates a mood through providing a glimpse into his subjects’ lifestyles. It’s more in line with what Larry Clark and Mathieu Kassovitz did with KIDS and La Haine, respectively, than a traditional skate video. And it works so seamlessly with Supreme’s branding that it's hard to imagine anyone else making its films. Currently, you’d be hard-pressed to watch one of the dozens of skate edits that are released weekly and find one that doesn’t borrow a little (or a lot) from Strobeck’s work. If those that shape the culture is the underlying theme of Mission Statement, there isn’t a more fitting guest for our 2020 season premiere.

Mission Statement Episode 17: William Strobeck Part 2

Mission Statement Episode 17: William Strobeck Part 1

 Danny Supa could be a poster boy for New York’s golden era. He’s a native of the Bronx, and came up under the tutelage of Vinny Ponte and Ryan Hickey. By the time he reached his teens, he was already skating for Zoo York. His part in Mixtape is still one of the most beloved of its era. Like many of his contemporaries, Supa got to experience the extreme highs and lows that accompanied the skate lifestyle during those wonder years. His crowing achievement is probably being a part of the original Nike SB roster, and getting a signature Dunk colorway that is still one of the most coveted of all time. He also earned serious coin from his other sponsors, which included Red Bull and Stussy before signing the equivalent of a 360 deal with Zoo around the time that it moved under the lucrative Ecko umbrella. But with the money came the partying. Supa admittedly lost some years in the bottle, and burned a few bridges along the way. That journey took him from New York to Los Angeles and back while he bounced around from Zoo to Stereo, and later Boulevard before ultimately finding himself without a board with his name on it. When his pro journey ended, Supa took up residency as an employee at the New York Diamond store; where he worked up until recently. Ready to make a change, he walked way from the world of retail to start a skate school, and pass on his decades of experience to the next generation. Lee Smith gets an insider’s perspective on all of this and more in Episode 16 of Mission Statement.

Mission Statement Episode 16: Danny Supa

 Taji Ameen is a product of New York. Originally from Hell’s Kitchen, he discovered skateboarding around the turn of the century during the era when Harold Hunter was still the face of Zoo. The city infamously makes kids grow up fast. This could explain why Taji is considered an O.G. despite being just shy of 30. While it would be a stretch to say that he was on the trajectory to becoming a pro; Taji definitely got his fair share of coverage in his early teen years. But his true calling would prove to be behind the camera. Tajcam made its way from a personal YouTube channel to Vice. This is largely due to an internship that eventually matured into a staff position with the media giant roughly five years ago. Taji has worked as a camera operator and on-air talent on various projects ever since. At this point, it’s safe to say that you’ve likely seen his work. One Star Reviews has consistently racked up millions of views since it made its debut in 2018. He’s smoked weed with Waka Flocka in Amsterdam, and worked as an intern on fetish porn sets. Clearly, Taji is carrying the torch for Gonzo journalism at its most fringe. And people seem to love it. While his comedic timing is resonating with the world outside of our little bubble, Taji continues to cater to the core with Can You Skate It? It’s a nice little crossover series that can be appreciated by a wider audience. And you have to admire the fact that he’s consistently pushing skate content between all of his other projects. If you want to know more, Lee Smith delves into the method behind Taji’s madness in Episode 15 of Mission Statement. It’s definitely good for a laugh or three.

Mission Statment Episode 15: Taji Ameen

 Rick McCrank has an unlikely success story. It begins in Ottawa in the ‘80s. The timing and location don’t provide a clearly visible path to skateboarding superstardom. The culture was still in its infancy; and Ottawa might as well have been Mars in terms of getting on anyone’s radar during those wonder years before the invention of the World Wide Web. His circumstances would shape McCrank’s approach to his craft. He spent years paying no attention to any sort of skate media, and subsequently developed a style that was uninfluenced by the trends of the day. This made him an outlier for much of his early career. He was known as the ramp guy in his hometown. He turned pro for a snowboard bolt company called Cherry Bombs. And he was the guy that showed up to pro contests doing switch behihanas over the pyramid. Rick Howard would rename the trick a cherry bomb as a result. McCrank overcame those early indiscretions, and went on to have a 24 years and counting professional career with a resume of sponsors that includes: Plan B, Birdhouse, éS, Girl, and Lakai. And he managed to do so without switching up his style of skating or image in the process. It’s an untouchable legacy that will intertwine McCrank’s name with skateboarding for decades to come. But the story doesn’t end there. 17 years ago, McCrank cofounded Antisocial with Michelle Pezel. The shop has become an internationally known hub for the Vancouver scene, and influenced generations of skaters in the city that McCrank would make his home. Its grassroots approach of community first and profit second is something that’s becoming increasingly rare. McCrank and Pezel’s dedication to Antisocial, and its core principals, speak volumes about their passion and integrity. Clearly an ambassador based on the previously mentioned accolades, the title took on a more literal definition several years ago with the introduction of McCrank’s work with Viceland on Abandoned and Post Radical. His television series are bridging the gap between our subculture and a more mainstream audience in a very unique and positive way. The true impact won’t be measurable until the not-so-distant future when pros start mentioning these shows as their introduction to skateboarding. While Post Radical won’t be returning, another season of Abandoned has been greenlit. So expect more of Crankers on the small screen in 2020, and hopefully beyond. Outside of that, McCrank is gearing up for a trip to Australia to give Melbourne a try for a few months, and preparing to start work on his next video part now that he’s recovered from a foot injury. After a two month hiatus, Lee Smith returns to Mona Liza studio to get the full story in Episode 14 of Mission Statement. 

Mission Statement Episode 14: Rick McCrank

 From his skateboarding to his clothing, Scott Johnston has always been known for being flawless. His nickname is Mr. Clean for a good reason. When you take a step back and look at S.J.’s career on a whole, the same can be said. Scott’s original stomping grounds are sacred in skateboarding. A Maryland native, he grew up as a local at Washington D.C.’s Pulaski in the era when Sean Sheffey was the OG, and Pepe Martinez and Andy Stone were just cutting their teeth. Scott rose to prominence alongside these East Coast legends, and eventually took a chance on heading west to San Francisco. In S.F., S.J. got down with the infamous EMB Crew despite being a self described suburbanite. That’s impressive in and of itself considering this was during the time when people would get chased out by the locals for practically nothing. The connections that Scott made in San Francisco would shape the rest of his career in terms of sponsors and locations. S.J.’s skate resume is thorough. After turning pro for Think in the ‘90s, he rode for Mad Circle, DC Shoes, Chocolate, Stussy, and Lakai during the times when each of these brands were at their peak. And from San Francisco, he would sample New York for a stint before landing in L.A. where he would finish out his time as a professional alongside many of his S.F. era peers before transitioning into his next phase in life. When it was time to retire his board, Scott took on a new challenge of learning how to design shoes. He mastered the fundamentals at Lakai, where he served as Design Director for about five years before making the jump to adidas where he’s currently the Design Director for its skate program. Lee Smith gets up close and personal with his Embarco compatriot in Episode 13 of Mission Statement to find out how Mr. Clean perfectly navigated his way from top pro to top designer.

Mission Statement Episode 13: Scott Johnston

 German Nieves is one of the people that bridges the gap between East Coast skateboarding’s golden era and current renaissance. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Nieves was barely a teenager when he began venturing into New York City, and discovered the Brooklyn Banks. He was instantly enamored. The Banks and NYC would become his stomping grounds during the ‘90s when he would run into the city’s icons in the streets on any given day. After a chance meeting with Julio De La Cruz at Astor Place, Nieves literally got picked up by the Neighborhood team and went on a tour that landed him in San Diego. This was the start of sponsored skateboarding for him. He would make his way to Los Angeles during his stint in Cali, and spend some time as a Venice Beach and Santa Monica local. He eventually made his way back to Jersey. But enticed by cheap rent and a healthy skate scene, Nieves soon relocated to Philly where he remained for about five years. During this time, he got to witness Love Park’s heyday firsthand before returning to Jersey once again to work at Division East. It was through his work as a buyer that he first connected with 10 Deep. He would go on to develop its skate program, and a visual style for media presentation that continues to be prevalent in his work today. The culmination of this journey is Paterson League. Nieves launched the brand a few years ago; and it’s been steadily gaining influence ever since. Paterson is a unique blend of skateboarding, tennis, and Nieves’s personal aesthetic, and one of the more unique brands currently registering on the apparel landscape. When he’s not developing Paterson, Germ gives back to the local skate community in New York through his work as the Creative Director of the Harold Hunter Foundation. This allows him the opportunity to help honor the legacy of one of the people that influenced him during his formative years while expressing his creativity.  Lee Smith delves into this classic East Coast tale in its entirety during Episode 12 of Mission Statement. 

Mission Statement Episode 12: German Nieves

 Yaje Popson played at Tompkins Square Park as a little kid before honing his skills there as an adolescent. During his formative years, he developed a spontaneity with his skating that can only be achieved through growing up pushing through traffic. He had already shut down much of the city, and was a step away from riding for Chocolate; when he injured his knee circa 2011. This resulted in a trip to Brazil for surgery.   Yaje traveled through South America during his recovery, and discovered gardening, cooking, and Ayahuasca. Upon returning to New York rejuvenated around 2014, he began filming what would become his part in DANY [2016]. The comeback was spectacular; and he’s put out several parts since. In the process, Yaje has emerged as one of the cornerstones of the current generation of Alien Workshop and the newly-reformed Sovereign Sect.   If the criteria for being considered a legend is being remembered for your craft, Yaje has likely achieved that status already. But beyond the flips and grinds, he has a great story of self discovery and overcoming mental and physical adversity to realize his full potential. Lee Smith takes a deep dive into Yaje’s narrative in Episode 11 of Mission Statement.

Mission Statement Episode 11: Yaje Popson

 Brian Lotti helped lay the groundwork for modern street skating. From bigspins to frontside bluntslide kickflip out, tricks that Lotti innovated are now staples of most pros’ repertoires. Aside from his technical prowess, he’s also remembered for his impeccable style. In many ways, Lotti was the prototype for the modern pro nearly 30 years ago. Given his giant contribution to the culture, you would think that he would remain in skateboarding forever. This is not the case. Lotti currently works as a fine artist in Brooklyn, and has little to no involvement in the industry. Lee Smith sits down for an in-depth conversation with one of skateboarding’s most respected figures to get the full story on how his creativity took him from street skating pioneer to accomplished painter in Episode 10 of Mission Statement. 

Mission Statement Episode 10: Brian Lotti

 Over the past 12 years, Alex Olson has gone from being the new kid on the block to one of the most influential in our culture. His skateboarding speaks for itself. Beyond that, and perhaps more interesting, is the success that he’s had with his Bianca Chandôn and 917 brands. Olson seems to navigate the world in a different way than the typical pro. He isn’t scared to go on creative tangents in the realms of photography, music, and fashion, and is “woke” to the point of practicing daily meditation and adopting a plant-based diet. Packaged together, all of this makes for the most layered guest that we’ve had to date. Lee Smith peels back a few of them in the latest episode of Mission Statement. 

Mission Statement Episode 09: Alex Olson - Part 1

Mission Statement Episode 09: Alex Olson - Part 2

 Jahmal Williams embodies skateboarding in its purest form. The Boston native discovered his craft almost by accident in the ‘80s. Since then, he has compiled a body of work that’s a testament to his personal style and creativity. The culmination of this journey is Hopps—Williams’s skate company that was founded roughly 10 years ago. The brand pulls from street culture, fine art, jazz music, and the urban landscape to create an unfiltered look at the intersection between skateboarding and these key elements of modern society. Lee Smith sits down for a lengthy conversation with the East Coast legend that explores his life experiences and the evolution of his creative process in Mission Statement Episode 08.

Mission Statement Episode 08: Jahmal Williams - Part 2

Mission Statement Episode 08: Jahmal Williams - Part 1

 Alexis Sablone came up with PJ Ladd, Jereme Rogers, and Ryan Gallant through the Coliseum video in 2002, and skated for The Firm and éS  during her early career. She walked away from sponsored skateboarding to go to college before reemerging on the contest circuit several years later, and ultimately winning three X Games Gold Medals to date. Sablone used her contest earnings to get her masters in architecture from MIT. From there, she turned pro for WKND, designed a skateable sculpture in Malmö, and is that newest addition to the Converse CONS team. Lee Smith gets the lowdown on how she’s accomplished so much in such a short period of time in Mission Statement 07. 

Mission Statement Episode 07: Alexis Sablone

Filmed on location at Mona Liza Studio in Brooklyn, Mission Statement is a monthly podcast hosted by Lee Smith that delves into the various cultural elements of skateboarding.

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Mission Statement

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