Many would argue that Zoo York’s Mixtape is the most iconic skate video to ever come out of New York City. More than just a collection of tricks, Mixtape captured the raw energy, unique vibe, and attitude of the city. Set to a soundtrack of ’90s hip-hop legends like Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, and Wu-Tang Clan, the video showcased skaters navigating the urban landscape in a way that felt both authentic and revolutionary.
The creative force behind Zoo York, Eli Morgan Gesner, masterfully filmed Mixtape, seamlessly blending freestyle skateboarding with the sounds of the streets. However, the story behind Zoo York and this era is more complex than a simple convergence of skate and hip-hop culture. The documentary All the Streets Are Silent, directed by Jeremy Elkin, delves into this period, revealing the unseen forces that shaped the culture.
Narrated by Eli and featuring a score by Large Professor, the film explores how, in the late 80s and early 90s, Manhattan’s exclusive clubs began to look to the burgeoning skate scene, particularly figures like Gesner, for a taste of coolness. As hip-hop was largely absent from these Manhattan clubs, Gesner and his crew took it upon themselves to introduce rap music to these venues. Simultaneously, they brought their gritty skate friends, graffiti artists, and other creatives through the back door, granting them free access and drinks, further solidifying their cool factor.
These parties acted as a melting pot, bringing together hip-hop and skateboarding, and amplifying the unique aspects of NYC’s skateboarding scene. It was a stark contrast to the California skate image that had dominated for decades, and it ultimately reshaped the downtown party scene in a way that continues to resonate today. Jacob Consenstein captured the energy of the film’s premiere, with photos showcasing both the iconic figures of the time and the new generation who owe them a debt. Eli also provided some commentary, which offer more context and insights into the people and stories behind All the Streets Are Silent.
Ron Hunter, older brother of Harold Hunter, pictured at the premiere of "All the Streets Are Silent"
Here’s Ron Hunter, Harold Hunter’s older brother. I’ve known Ron since his days as a young rollerblader in NYC. Ron occupies a strange space in my mind because he’s someone I know so much about, yet haven’t spent a lot of personal time with. For nearly twenty years, Harold Hunter would come to Zoo York to complain about Ron. We were essentially Harold’s therapists at the old Zoo York headquarters. To be clear, Harold loved Ron like a real brother. However, seeing Ron’s face instantly triggers memories of Harold complaining: “Damn man! Ron made me take the garbage out!” or “Damn Man! Ron ate all my Chinese Food!”. I appreciate Harold for making me love Ron; he’s a great guy.
Yuki Watanabe, who first paid Eli Morgan Gesner to be creative, at the "All the Streets Are Silent" premiere
Yuki Watanabe was the first individual to pay me to be creative, to push the boundaries and to act like a crazy person professionally. I’ve held other jobs before Yuki, working at skate shops and design firms and had already been paid for art but Yuki was the first to pay me weekly to develop and execute crazy ideas. I was able to do this alongside my best friend, Beasley. Nothing will ever measure up to being a wild teenager, having the coolest guy from Japan fund all the crazy ideas that Beasley and I could dream up. All hail Yuki!
Seven Strong and Troy Gipson at the premiere of "All the Streets Are Silent"
This is Seven Strong and Troy Gipson. They were probably the two best looking people at the premiere (aside from Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany). Being a 50 year old, I had to check these two out on Instagram. Unsurprisingly, they are both skateboarders and incredibly skilled. Seven Strong’s name perfectly suits him; he skates with the style of seven men. Troy Gipson skates with a Spiderman-like agility. His catch is unbelievable. For someone like me, who comes from an era where we were trying to figure out how to ollie, it’s amazing to see what the next generation is capable of.
Clayton Patterson, the Santa Claus of the LES, at the premiere
Clayton Patterson is not only the Santa Claus of the Lower East Side, but also of using his old-school video camera to capture police misconduct. His work, while sadly commonplace today, was revolutionary in the 1980s. He’s always seen with his camera and his signature, handmade Clayton hat. At the premiere he was rocking a new cornrow style Bo Derek beard, the first time I have seen the lower half of Clayton’s face since the 1980s.
Bill Strobeck and Patrick O'mara at the premiere of "All the Streets Are Silent"
Bill Strobeck is known for discovering the zoom-in/zoom-out feature while recording on the HPX camera. Bill is also known for taking portraits of people standing in front of a photo of the wall they’re standing in front of, which is very meta. Bill’s a genius. His sidekick is Patrick O’mara, a skilled young skater from LA known for his back 360s.
Sue Kwon, photographer, at the premiere
Sue Kwon has captured every iconic rapper over the past three decades. Her books, Rap Is Risen and Street Level, are essential parts of my personal collection. Do yourself a favor and check out her books; she’s that good.
Kool Keith, rapper, at the premiere of "All the Streets Are Silent"
Growing up, Kool Keith was by far my favorite rapper. He took rap to a place beyond the norm. With his group Ultramagnetic MCs, Keith revolutionized everything for me, showing that rap could be abstract art. Black Elvis, Godfather Don, Poppa Large, and Dr. Octagon are all Kool Keith aliases. I’ve always been in awe of Keith and was blown away when he attended our premiere. It was a life dream realized. He then showed up for the Q&A the following night. And then for the next night too. Three nights in a row. Friends come and go, but Kool Keith is forever.
Kunle F Martins Jr., artist, at the premiere of "All the Streets Are Silent"
Mr. Kunle F Martins Jr. is one of the bravest men I have had the privilege to know and work with. He’s an incredibly gifted artist, and I’m lucky to call him a friend. As you can see from his pearl eyeglass strap, he won’t hesitate to knock you out if you act dumb. You might think that Rembrandt Pussyhorse is just a random Supreme tee graphic, but it’s one of my favorite albums. It’s the second studio album by the Butthole Surfers (1986), and you need to listen to it now on YouTube.
Dave Ortiz at the premiere of "All the Streets Are Silent"
This is Dave Ortiz, my Chewbacca. Dave has been by my side since the days of Club Mars. He was our “Mr. Everything” at Zoo York and went on to start Dave’s Quality Meat. There is no way to express how much I love this guy. I’ve watched him transform from an awe-inspiring wild man into an inspirational zen adult. AND he designed the Nike Air Max 90 Bacons! Unbelievable.
Noelle Scalla, owner of Cafe Belle, at the premiere of "All the Streets Are Silent"
If you listened to my 17 hour-long episode of The Nine Club, you might remember my grandfather’s old saying: “How did the girl who got fat from eating too much cake lose all the weight? She got a job at the cake factory.” This concept is embodied by Noelle Scalla. She and her family own Cafe Belle on Mulberry Street. For over 70 years, her family has made the most amazing Italian pastries, cookies, and cakes. And look at her; she’s clearly tired of eating her delicious rainbow cookies (my favorite). My Grandfather was always right.
Ben Kadow, skateboarder, at the premiere of "All the Streets Are Silent"
This is Ben Kadow. And I’m envious of him. I started skating in 1982, had a lot of fun, got full-page photos in Thrasher, Power Edge, and Transworld, and some video clips here and there. It wasn’t a complete failure, but I had to work hard for it. Ben Kadow is so incredibly skilled at skateboarding that it makes me jealous. If someone yelled, “Holy shit! There’s a 40-foot live crocodile crossing Orchard Street!”, Ben would just reply, “Cool, I’m going to the Bodega anyway,” and then boardslide the crocodile going eighty miles per hour, hop off, and get a bacon, egg, and cheese.
The documentary All the Streets Are Silent offers a unique look into the convergence of hip-hop and skateboarding in New York City during a pivotal period. The film, through personal stories and historical context, reveals the intricate relationships and cultural shifts that shaped the downtown scene. It’s more than just a skate film; it’s a historical document that illustrates how creativity, rebellion, and a shared love of music and skateboarding can forge a lasting cultural impact.
PRE-ORDER ON ITUNES HERE
Intro: Anthony Pappalardo
Captions by: Eli Morgan Gesner
Photos by: Jacob Consenstein
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