All The Streets Are Silent: The Convergence of Hip Hop and Skateboarding

Meanwhile, skateboard culture also began to make its shift. And anybody who was a part of skater life during that time, the name Zoo York is well known. For those who aren’t in the know, Zoo York, which started as a New York graffiti crew, began adopting skating elements to their label and eventually became a small skateboarding company. After all the skaters left for California to pursue fame and fortune, the company eventually fizzled out. But in 93′ it was resurrected as a completely new skate brand, and from that point on, Zoo York has become synonymous with skating and New York. It wasn’t just a “skate shop.” It was a haven for all local skaters to congregate. And within a short time led to much bigger things for those involved.

“…perfectly [captures] the era being discussed.”

Throughout All The Streets Are Silent: The Convergence of Hip Hop and Skateboarding, we hear the stories from New York legends such as pro skater Jefferson Pang, hip hop legends Fred Brathwaite (Fab 5 Freddy) and Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.). Kids stars Rosario Dawson and Leo Fitzpatrick are also on hand to discuss how the merging of hip hop and the skateboarding scene influenced their formative teen years. The director talks to many more people, all of whom vividly paint the image of what the scene was and where it has gone since 1987. Elkin masterfully intercuts these interviews with footage or photos from the time, perfectly capturing the era being discussed.

Everyone who is familiar with my reviews knows I don’t tend to give a film a perfect score, but this is a rare exception. I loved everything about All The Streets Are Silent: The Convergence of Hip Hop and Skateboarding! This inside look into a time in counterculture that was unique, special, and will probably never happen again is well-crafted. The story is lively, and the mixing of music, skateboarding, interviews, and footage of the past is amazing. It doesn’t matter if you’re a “hip hop head,” a skater, or a stockbroker. You’ll be engaged from beginning to end. And maybe having lived some of this myself, I’m biased, but so what? It’s a damn good doc!

All The Streets Are Silent: The Convergence of Hip Hop and Skateboarding screened at the 2021 Tribeca Festival.