Inside the crew redefining Atlanta skate culture through rhythm, performance, and unapologetic Southern style

Sick On Skates: Atlanta’s Soul on Wheels

When the lights dim and the bassline hits, Sick On Skates (SOS) takes the floor like a live soundtrack to Atlanta itself. The rhythm, precision, and poise are hypnotic. They’re not just skating—they’re teaching the city’s history through movement. Led by Tony L. Sailer and joined by Sideshow, TuTu, Taree808, Zuki Zy, and Spanky Luv, SOS embodies the beating heart of Atlanta’s skate culture.

“We represent rhythm skating, performance, brotherhood, and that Southern style built inside rinks long before social media,” says Sailer. “SOS isn’t about tricks—it’s about feeling, timing, confidence, and storytelling on wheels.”

The Birth of a Movement

Founded in 2009, SOS emerged in a moment when Atlanta’s rinks were still sacred spaces of self-expression. “Back then, skating was raw and earned,” recalls Sailer. “We didn’t plan to form a crew—we were already pushing each other. The name came naturally. People saw us hit the floor and said, ‘That’s Sick On Skates.’ It just fit.”

Each member brings distinct energy: Sideshow’s show-stopping creative flow, TuTu’s quick rhythm, Taree808’s cinematic precision, Zuki Zy’s edge, and Spanky Luv’s velvety, old-school smoothness. Together, their chemistry is unmistakable: Atlanta on wheels.

“‘Sick’ means undeniable,” Sailer smiles. “It means once you see it, you feel it. We don’t just skate—we live it.”

The Art in Motion

Every SOS performance is fueled by Atlanta’s musical heartbeat—hip-hop, Southern bounce, marching-band rhythm, and the swagger of Black dance traditions. Their movement translates sound into story.

“The music speaks first,” Sailer explains. “Every pocket, every break, every pause—it has to tell a story. Once we step on that floor, it stops being choreography. It becomes something lived.”

“We skate the way Atlanta speaks: smooth, bold, and unapologetic.”

Trade and Craft

The crew’s artistry quickly grew into opportunity. Their performances began appearing across the U.S.—from Juneteenth parades and World of Dance stages to multimedia collaborations with BET and VH1. “Once people started inviting us to perform and teach, I knew this had become something more than passion,” says Sailer. “It became purpose.”

Monday Move: The Lab on Wheels

Their cornerstone workshop, Monday Move, blends technique, rhythm, and confidence. “It’s foundation and freedom,” Sailer says. “When people leave, I want them to feel like they *belong* on the floor.” The class has inspired hundreds to reconnect with movement, joy, and community.

“Sustainability comes from authenticity,” Sailer adds. “We teach, build, and move with purpose.”

Community, Healing & Legacy

To SOS, skating is as much mental wellness as it is motion. “Skating clears the mind and resets the soul,” says Sailer. “It’s pure therapy—rhythm and breath working together.”

But beyond therapy, SOS holds history sacred. “Black Southern skate culture is creativity and resilience in motion,” Sailer emphasizes. “We’re not here to rebrand it—we’re here to honor it.” That mission drives every show, workshop, and collaboration.

“We skate for the ones who built this before us—for the real Atlanta.”

Atlanta Roots, Global Vision

Sailer sees Atlanta skate culture as a living legacy, bridging eras. “It’s the bright lights, the callouts, the bass that shakes the floor. It’s Old Atlanta and New Atlanta moving together. That’s us.”

Looking ahead, SOS plans to build a platform that merges performance art, stage production, and cultural education. From Atlanta to the world, their message stays the same: unity, rhythm, and truth in motion.

“Sick On Skates is culture in motion—rooted in Atlanta, built on unity, and dedicated to keeping the soul of skating alive.”

With Gratitude

Sick On Skates thanks everyone who fuels their journey: SK8_TL, the AJ Terrell Foundation, R&B artist Estelle, Ciara & Usher, Vertical Joes, Creshindo, and the broader Atlanta Dance & Skate Culture — Old Atlanta and New. Support from friends, family, and the rink community keeps the wheels in motion.

Learn more about the crew, classes, and upcoming events at https://sickonskatescrew.com/

Quick Skates with SOS

Who Tony would teach an SOS routine to: Usher, because he understands rhythm, movement, and Atlanta’s creative heartbeat.

Song that gets SOS moving: A classic ATL bounce record—you feel it instantly.

Favorite rinks: Golden Glide and Cascade.