For BMX rider Nigel Sylvester, the music has to be right at all times. No matter where he is—surveying the best spots in Paris or the Dominican Republic, or cruising around his hometown of Queens, New York where he knows every last ledge—the tunes are always there and in large supply.
Nigel occupies a space that bridges action sports and pop culture like no other rider today. He’s slowly become the most recognizable professional in the BMX world, revolutionizing the sport simply by staying true to his style and convictions.
From partnering with Pharrell on their Brooklyn Machine Works line of bikes, to his many endorsements that include Nike and G-Shock, it’s not hard to see why Nigel has been so successful at bringing his fresh perspective to the masses. Nigel says it’s all about setting himself apart. “I just want to give people access into my world, show them what I’m about.” And the music that inspires him is a big part of that. In fact, he talks about music with the same level of passion with which he talks about his career. “Music is at the heart and soul of what I do,” he says. “I don’t ride without it.”
So what’s he listening to these days?
Nigel compiled a list of ten songs that moved him this year, and what makes them so great. From Adele to Drake and Erykah Badu, it’s a diverse list, and some of his favorites might surprise.
