When the Culture of Hip Hop Was Just Ten Years in the Making: A Visual Journey through the Blueprint of Hip Hop’s True Roots
Hip hop has been one of the most influential and dynamic cultural movements of the 20th century, and it all started in the South Bronx in the late 1970s. When hip hop first burst onto the scene, many dismissed it as a fad that would soon fade away. But as we know now, hip hop had staying power, and it has gone on to become one of the most important cultural movements in modern history.
One of the very first movies to capture the true essence of hip hop was Wild Style, directed by Charlie Ahearn and released in 1983. This groundbreaking film was a vivid reenactment of the introduction of hip hop to the world, and it quickly became a pop culture icon. For three weeks straight, Wild Style sold out at all screenings, breaking records and cementing its place in history.
Wild Style was not just a movie about hip hop; it was a movie that showcased all the different aspects of hip hop culture, including emceeing, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti. Ahearn, who was initially exposed to hip hop through graffiti in the late 70s, was approached by Fred “Fab 5 Freddy” Braithwaite about making a movie that would encompass all elements of hip hop. Ahearn, along with Braithwaite and legendary graffiti artist Lee Quinones, embarked on a journey to gather the individuals who would be the faces of this landmark film.
The movie features some of the most prolific pioneers from all aspects of hip hop, including the Cold Crush Brothers, Rock Steady Crew, and Grandmaster Flash. However, due to prior obligations, the Furious Five, Afrika Bambaataa, the New York City Breakers, The Treacherous Three, and female pioneer MC Sha Rock could not appear in the film. Nevertheless, Wild Style was a true historical account of how hip hop was introduced to mainstream America and the rest of the world.
Over 30 years later, Wild Style is still recognized as a pop culture icon and has been sampled on various classic hip hop albums. The film has been acknowledged for its influence on hip hop with a tribute at VH1’s Hip Hop Honors in 2007 and was voted one of the top ten rock n’ roll movies of all time by the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame.
In conclusion, Wild Style is more than just a movie; it is a visual journey through the blueprint of hip hop’s true roots. It captures the poverty and despair that existed in the South Bronx out of which the culture of hip hop emerged. And it showcases the true essence of hip hop, which has since gone on to become one of the most important cultural movements in modern history.
