PODCASTS

Lee Smith Delves Into the Method Behind Taji Ameen’s Madness

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.

Skate Newswire · Mission Statment Episode 15: Taji Ameen

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INTERVIEWS

Shecks Guests on the Latest ‘The Nine Club’ Episode

Pro skater Ryan Sheckler talks about growing up in Southern California, starting skateboarding at the tender age of two, his over two decades of career, and his personal struggles in the latest podcast episode of “The Nine Club”.

He also discusses starting his skateboarding company, the Sandlot Times, and the story behind the name.

The Nine Club is a skateboarding podcast started and hosted by professional skateboarder Chris Roberts in 2016. The show is co-hosted by Roger Bagley and Kelly Hart.

INTERVIEWS

Catch up with Lee Smith in the ‘The Nine Club Podcast’

If you follow Lee Smith on Instagram, you might have seen some of his artworks posted there. In this episode of The Nine Club Podcast, Smith talks about he got into art and how he relates it to learning skateboarding.

“You feel you’re really not good at it and you keep doing it and keep doing it. And then one day something in your brain clicks. And you’re like, I think I kinda figure it out.”

He also narrates growing up in San Francisco and meeting Karl Watson as a kid, moving to Barcelona, starting his own podcast Mission Statement, and more.

Watch the full interview above.

INTERVIEWS

It’s Official: Spencer Hamilton Announces NB# Deal

Spencer Hamilton has been prolific over the past year or so. His hard work has paid off in the form of signing a deal with NB#, which is revealed at the 55:04 mark of the latest episode of The Bunt.

I’ve been loving the Tiago. You know how it is. When you get to your 30s, your feet are bruised and battered. You need some protection. I don’t know how these kids skate in these thin-ass shoes. Ever since I’ve been skating the Tiagos, I’ve been feeling pretty good. Yeah, I just recently signed on with New Balance.

Good to hear that Spenny landed on his feet (pun intended) after the demise of Supra.