When Detroit artists need visuals with movement, energy, and originality, Ilajide is the type of performer who makes every frame come alive. For this Auxiliary Cinema production, Brandon Damon shot, edited, and directed the music video for “Slide”, bringing the song’s momentum to life inside an unexpected but perfect location—The Great Skate in Roseville, Michigan.

Ilajide, formerly of Detroit’s celebrated group Clear Soul Forces, continues to carry the torch with his own evolving sound and undeniable stage presence. Anyone familiar with his catalog knows he performs with intensity, charisma, and rhythm that naturally translates to camera. If you haven’t yet, go check out Pocket Jams 2 Deluxe Version—a project well worth the listen.

For the “Slide” video, the skating rink was rented out specifically for the shoot—and for a little fun along the way. The challenge? Capturing everything in just an hour and a half. With limited time and a moving environment, the production became a fast-paced test of instinct, adaptability, and creativity.

Brandon Damon also brought new tools into the mix that day, experimenting with fresh gear and techniques. The video was filmed using an anamorphic lens, creating a wider cinematic look with added character and texture. To manage the fully manual lens setup while in motion, Brandon used a DJI Focus Pro kit, allowing wireless focus control during fast-moving shots around the rink.

And yes—some of the footage was captured while skating.

Not only skating, but skating backwards with a full camera rig to track Ilajide in motion. Once the momentum on skates started, the flow of the shoot took over. Camera movement, music, and the energy of the rink all synced together to create dynamic visuals that feel alive and in the moment.

No production is ever perfect, and Brandon is the first to admit there were ideas left on the table—like setting up a classic Soul Train line with the extras for even more crowd interaction. But that honesty is part of the craft. Sometimes music videos are about solving problems in real time, capturing what you can, and trusting the moment.

What came out of the session was a fun, energetic visual that matches Ilajide’s personality and performance style. Add in some creative effects in post-production, and “Slide” became another strong collaboration between two Detroit creatives who know how to make things happen.

From the stage to the rink, Ilajide continues to prove he’s one of the city’s most versatile talents—and Brandon Damon continues pushing Auxiliary Cinema into new spaces with every project, not doing too many things the same, from video to video. GO GET PACKET JAMS NOW!!