Hardbody’s latest full length video “OD” came out this week, and as a skateboarding outlet who posts an impressively small amount of actual skateboarding, I thought I’d talk about it.
Off rip, it’s lovely to see VX1000 footage of New York City again. While the masses have transitioned to HD, filmmaker Emilio Cuilan‘s continued embrace of VX1000 doesn’t seem to be shaken. In a long tradition of grainy, grungy NYC videos, it looks like Hardbody will continue to carry the torch.
Not unlike Lurk NYC, Bronze, and even Emilio’s own early offering Dany, this video champions one thing: community. While set in one of the most transient cities in America, the core of OD’s roster are far from green transplants.
Also, unlike other crews or scenes that heavily base inclusion on skill level, “OD” highlights one-off personalities and some of the homies that hang around but aren’t producing bangers for a living. It may not be current, high level insanity 100% of the time, but to quote the title, those videos can feel OD. I found this refreshing.
That’s not to say this video didn’t have its fair share of “Holy shits.” In fact, it only took a minute fifteen for that to happen. I’m looking at you Antonio. I’m also looking at Javaris Williams, Brandon Scott James and OG Josh Velez, three skaters that really stood out to me in this video. How the hell’d you pull all that off in chunky Jordans, Josh?
It was great to see some footage from Genesis Evans and Chachi Maserati, two skaters I thoroughly enjoy from a style perspective but are fairly elusive in front of the camera. This goes back to the community and how the right project/filmer can make magical things happen.
In that same vein, we have to talk about Kevin Tierney’s opening part. There’s not many others as ingrained in NYC skateboarding as this guy, and if you look back to 2009s “Zoo York’s State of Mind” it’s hard to believe he’s still at it. And that’s not to mention a broken knee and leg in his past.
The last skater that I would be remiss not talking about is Antonio Durao. Not only did he do two NBDs at pyramid ledges, he took his patented frontside flip late foot down an even bigger set and did a breathtaking big heel at Brooklyn Banks that shut down IG.
Listen, I know it’s early and SOTY is just a ploy bought by whatever shoe sponsor feels like shelling out the most cash, but Antonio has my vote. Also, shameless plug, but check out our interview with Antonio. It has got some great stories that just might reveal how he unlocked his one of a kind style.
Thank you Emilio for not only filming and putting out an amazing video but giving NYC a new staple brand to get behind. Down below you can find some of my favorite moments, time-coded for your viewing pleasure.
HIGHLIGHTS
1:15 First “Holy Shit” moment.
3:41 KT dropping a phat switch boneless, one of the hardest tricks to make look good switch or reggy.
5:41 Ross B back to back with Antonio. Must be a good feeling.
13:00 The legendary P-Tricky cameo.
14:09 This is what I consider breaking the 4th wall in skate videos. Singing along to the video’s music.
15:55 I love how NYC this clip is. Scaffolding everywhere, dark, beautifully filmed. Nice one Coles.
23:42 Uhhhhh… What’s Clive Dixon doing here? Hey, I’m not mad at it.
24:26 Has Gonz narrated a book yet? If not, he should.
28:00 Love the Rocky moment. Wish we could have seen some meat locker boxing too.
29:42 Amongst a relaxed, marathon Turtle part, this clip got me. Why is the board so small? Are those 80s era wheels?
33:04 Let’s talk about Keith Denley. Not only did man’s unlock perfect body posture on a skateboard, but this clip is 10/10.
35:57 If Beatrice knows one thing, it’s how to keep things consistent.
37:32 I’m not sure how, but they matched Max Palmer’s style with a song.
38:45 One of the most stylish grabs I’ve seen in a while. Thank you Karim.
42:05 Second “Holy Shit” moment.
42:52 Hey Hjalte, solo part coming or what?
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