The Role of Music in BMX Culture: Playlists from Pro Riders

BMX riders don’t just move to the rhythm of their own tricks—they move to the beat of their music. From blasting speakers at the skatepark to slipping in earbuds for solo sessions, music is as much a part of BMX as the bikes themselves. It’s not just background noise; it fuels the ride, shapes the style, and turns a regular session into something electric.

For pro riders, music isn’t just a way to hype up. It’s a personal soundtrack that sets the tone for their performance. Whether it’s the gritty aggression of punk, the steady flow of hip-hop, or the mind-bending soundscapes of electronic beats, every rider has a sound that pushes them forward. But what makes a BMX playlist truly great? And how do pro riders choose their go-to tracks? Let’s jump into the beats behind the BMX scene.

Music as the Heartbeat of BMX

BMX isn’t just a sport—it’s an expression. And just like any form of expression, it needs the right soundtrack. Music and riding go hand in hand, shaping everything from style to mindset.

Soundtracks That Match the Tricks

Every trick has a feel to it. A massive air demands something anthemic. A techy street line pairs well with a beat that’s crisp and controlled. Riders don’t just listen to anything; they pick tracks that match the energy of their riding style.

• Big airs and flowy park runs – High-energy punk or fast-paced rock
• Street technical tricks – Boom-bap hip-hop or lo-fi beats
• Fast downhill or trails – Drum and bass or electronic bangers
• Relaxed sessions and creative riding – Indie, jazz, or psychedelic tunes

A smooth tailwhip or a clean feeble grind lands differently when the right track is playing. It’s not just about getting pumped—it’s about syncing up with the music, feeling the rhythm in the ride itself.

Headphones or Speakers?

This one splits riders right down the middle. Some swear by blasting tunes from a speaker in a backpack or from the sidelines, letting everyone vibe together. Others prefer the isolation of earbuds, getting lost in their own world.

• Speakers bring the crew together – A shared experience, like a skatepark jam session
• Headphones create a personal zone – No distractions, just you, your bike, and the music
• No music at all? – Some riders prefer the raw sound of pegs hitting rails, tires gripping concrete, and the cheers of their crew

There’s no right answer—just whatever makes the ride better.

Pro Riders and Their Go-To Tracks

Every pro has that one track (or twenty) that just hits right. Their playlists are a mix of old-school classics and fresh underground gems. Let’s take a look at what fuels some of BMX’s biggest names.

Hip-Hop Heads

Hip-hop and BMX have been tight for decades. The smooth flow of beats mirrors the smooth flow of a good session.

• Chad Kerley – Classic Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, plus some J. Cole for good measure
• Garrett Reynolds – A mix of underground rap and raw 90s East Coast vibes
• Nigel Sylvester – Jay-Z, Kanye, and some heavy-hitting drill beats

The connection is real—BMX is all about style, just like hip-hop. Both are about creativity, confidence, and pushing boundaries.

Punk and Rock Riders

Some BMX riders feed off raw energy, and nothing delivers that like punk and rock. The fast tempos and aggressive sound match the adrenaline rush of a big drop or a full-speed gap.

• Dennis Enarson – Bad Religion, The Misfits, and some classic Metallica
• Matt Ray – Blink-182, Rise Against, and everything in between
• Corey Walsh – Anything loud, fast, and rebellious

This isn’t just about music—it’s about attitude. BMX is about pushing limits, and punk has always been about breaking rules. The two go hand in hand.

Electronic Vibes

For some, BMX is almost meditative. The repetition of tricks, the rhythm of a session—it all lines up with electronic music. The build-ups, the drops, the endless flow—it’s a perfect match.

• Devon Smillie – Chillwave and synth-heavy beats that match his smooth style
• Kriss Kyle – Experimental sounds with unexpected twists, just like his riding
• Bruno Hoffmann – European techno and deep house for an underground feel

It’s not just about the beat—it’s about the atmosphere. Some riders need that futuristic, spaced-out sound to keep them locked into the session.

BMX Edits and the Power of Soundtracks

The right song can make a BMX edit legendary. It’s why riders spend hours picking the perfect track for their video parts. The beat needs to hit at the right moment, the drop needs to sync up with the banger trick, and the vibe has to match the personality of the rider.

How Riders Pick Their Edit Songs

• Matching the riding style – Fast-paced riding needs an energetic track, while stylish technical riding pairs well with laid-back beats
• Avoiding overused tracks – No one wants to hear the same song in ten different edits
• Keeping it timeless – A good BMX edit should hold up for years, so the music choice matters

A great example? The classic Dave Mirra Miracle Boy soundtrack. Still hits hard decades later. Or Garrett Reynolds’ Deadline part—the perfect balance of aggression and control, made even better by a killer music choice.

Underground vs. Mainstream

BMX has always been about keeping it raw. While mainstream music finds its way in, the heart of BMX playlists lies in underground tracks. Riders dig deep for hidden gems—songs that feel like they were made just for them.

• Hip-hop heads look for undiscovered rappers with fresh flows
• Punk fans want that raw, unpolished sound that feels real
• Electronic riders look for deep cuts that haven’t been played out

Final Thoughts

Music and BMX aren’t just connected—they fuel each other. The right track turns a good session into an unforgettable one. It brings energy, sets the tone, and sometimes, even dictates the tricks. Whether it’s through headphones, speakers, or blasting from a car parked near the spot, music is always there, shaping the ride.

Next time you’re out riding, take a second to listen—really listen—to the music. Let it guide the flow, sync with the rhythm, and push you to go bigger, smoother, and better. Because BMX isn’t just about what you do on the bike—it’s about how it feels. And music makes that feeling even stronger.