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917 is such a joke and shell of its former self at this point. I'd wager most of that footy was Wheatley, which begs the question of whether he even hangs with Logan or Johnny anymore, it doesn't sound like it. Dude's been ex-communicated from the crew that gave his brand credibility and respect.
I never have and never will fuck with 917—editing Nik Stain footage to fucking Millencolin is worthy of the death penalty—but AO most definitely did not need a single person to give him credibility or respect. It’s actually the exact opposite, he gave all of those dudes shine and careers. It’s probably good for all parties involved that they parted ways.
to say alex gave all of those dudes careers and shine implies they'd still be unknown without him. the johnny wilson crew already had a solid following pre-917 (most of those guys were already on nike) and alex gave all those guys a bigger platform but he also co-opted them to give people a reason to give a shit about his brand, which hadn't done anything yet (and hasn't done anything of worth since they left). whether or not their careers would be in the same place is up for speculation (especially given their ties with supreme and nike) but i think it's a huge stretch to say that all of those guys owe their careers to alex
forgot to add: enjoy AO's skating but this footage was mid
Max Palmer is gods gift to skateboarding as far as I’m concerned but again, these dudes had zero career in skating (ie earning a living wage) prior to 917. Where do you think the vast majority of the Supreme and Nike connections came from? Alex already had Bianca, Nike, Supreme, and was on Girl prior, the most notoriously difficult team to ever get on. That’s not to say that the 917 team didn’t help, of fucking course they did and now they’re crushing it and it’s sick, but AO was that stepping stone, it’s not even a question.
Cyrus: living in New York, being close with Quartersnacks and the Nike rep, almost going pro for Polar
Max: being a part of the Cyrus + Max duo, also living in new york and being close with Quartersnacks and the Nike rep
Vince: got on Supreme through the Blobys connection before he got on 917
Nik: a little tenuous, but might have gotten on Supreme through the Johnny Wilson connection, 917 definitely kick-started his career though
Aidan: was on Supreme before 917
yeah, being on a cool brand helped lots of the teamriders (Nik and Hugo especially), and it was definitely a stepping stone, but i don't think their entire careers hinged on riding for Alex Olson's brand, especially given Alex himself is clearly the least successful thing about 917