DGK DIRTY GHETTO KIDS FROM PHILADELPHIA

To truly understand the philosophy behind DGK Skateboards, you have to start by getting to know its legendary founder, Stevie Williams. Stevie was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States of America.

The young skater began to improve day by day. Before long, Stevie Williams found himself among the city’s top skateboarders.

Stevie Williams was already a champion by the age of 8, when he started skating with the first skateboards available to him.

By the age of 12, he was already part of a skate crew made up of friends like Jeff Pang and other riders from Element Skateboards.

Stevie Williams’s group of skaters was already known at the time as DGK Skateboards, short for “Dirty Ghetto Kids.” Stevie Williams was part of the Element Skateboards team, where he made his debut with a part in the video “Fine Artist Vol. 1.”

Little Stevie Williams was called “Lil’ Stevie,” and his part was filmed entirely in his hometown. The young skater already had a clear vision of his future, and at the age of 14, he moved to California.

STEVIE WILLIAMS FROM PENNSYLVANIA TO CALIFORNIA

Once he arrived in California, the still-teenage skater continued to make steady progress and became increasingly influential in the rapidly evolving world of skateboarding.

Hip-hop culture became increasingly present in skateboarding from 1995 onward. Many brands emerged with a new, increasingly underground and hip-hop-inspired philosophy, and Stevie Williams was the perfect person and skater for this new-school brand movement taking root in the U.S.

For Stevie Williams, an adventure began with the brands “Zoo York” and “Chocolate,” where he appeared in promotional videos. Additionally, DC Shoes decided to feature Stevie Williams as their flagship skater. DC released the Stevie Williams model onto the market, and for the Philadelphia skater, a glorious era of sponsorships and success began.

Between 2003 and 2004, Williams began his venture into the skateboarding business with his two friends, Eli Sotto and Troy Morgan, founding the legendary distribution company “Kayo Corp.” Shortly after the company was founded, several promotional videos paved the way for Kayo Distribution in the market.

THE BIRTH OF KAYO DISTRIBUTION AND THE BRAND

In 2006, the distribution company launched its own brands: DGK, Organika, Expedition, and Gold. From that moment on, DGK (“dirty ghetto kids”) was officially born, marking the start of Stevie Williams’ all-encompassing business venture.

In 2006, the pro skater opened a skate shop named “L&K Limited” in Oceanside, California, alongside his friend Nick Lockman, and later a second shop called “Sk8tique” in Atlanta, Georgia.

Both stores were stocked with DGK merchandise, Kayo Distribution products, and other select brands. The future looked very promising for DGK Skateboards.

After leaving DC Shoes, DGK launched a collaborative line with “Reebok.” Unfortunately, this collaboration did not end well, and for several years, the skater found himself without a real shoe sponsor.

Later, Williams collaborated with the shoe brand Supra Footwear, releasing his pro model in 2014.

The “DGK” brand continued to grow, and in 2011 it began building its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, featuring a massive skatepark inside called “Da Playground,” where all team members could be filmed.

The skatepark was also open to the local skateboarding community. This project allowed the brand to further establish itself in the global market.

Then came the success of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. This success brought Stevie Williams and DGK Skateboards widespread fame thanks to the video game that was a global sensation.

DGK AND THE BRAND’S CONTINUING SUCCESS

In 2012, the DGK brand was named Best Team and won the “Transworld Skateboard Magazine” award. The video created by Stevie Williams, “Blood Money,” conveyed how united the team was and made skateboarding seem natural and fun.

Following the video’s release in those years, the fame of the DGK team and its products was established worldwide. Today, the brand produces skateboards of the highest quality alongside a truly special and unique clothing line.

The DGK brand has always been involved in charitable work to support those less fortunate. In this case, Stevie Williams is always at the forefront with the foundation created by his mother, named “Save a Heart, Save a Mind.”

This association was founded by Susan Williams, the skater’s mother. To this day, the association is dedicated to assisting young skaters at various skateparks across California.

Young people who cannot afford to buy a board. The association aims to get them off the streets, trying to set them on the right path by using skateboarding as a means of socializing. A chance at a fresh start for these less fortunate young people facing difficult living conditions.

Later, the brand itself will launch a second association, again with the noble goal of helping others. The entire team actively supports the charitable projects promoted by the brand.

Thanks to his character, the Philadelphia skater has always known how to navigate the scene with great intelligence. Stevie has earned the trust and respect of everyone in the skateboarding business. Stevie Williams has always been a role model for all young skaters.

THE DGK SKATEBOARDS PHILOSOPHY AND THE TEAM TODAY

The team consists of Stevie Williams, Josh Kalis, Chaz Ortiz, Boo Johnson, John Shanahan, Dane Vaughn, Marquise Henry, and Dwayne Fagundes.

In an interview, Stevie Williams states that his greatest inspirations have been five legends, with Rodney Mullen at the top of the list for his contribution to skateboarding and its evolution.

In second place comes Daewon Song, followed by Guy Mariano and the legendary Henry Sanchez.

DGK is definitely a state of mind and a legendary brand that has shaped the history of skateboarding. Its unique products are exclusive and come straight from the streets, just as its creators do.

The philosophy has remained the same for many years at DGK. The brand’s legacy shows no signs of stopping. If you want to stay updated on the brand, we invite you to follow their official Instagram page.

If you want advice on how to choose your DGK skateboard, read our articles in our skate dictionary. Alternatively, you can email us or call our customer service. We’ll provide all the answers and advice you need to make the right purchase.

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