Wild Style is a 1983 hip hop film produced by Charlie Ahearn. Released theatrically in 1983 by First Run Features and later re-released for home video by Rhino Home Video, it is regarded as the first hip hop motion picture. Wild Style takes place in early ’80s New York and centers around graffiti artist Zoro (played by Lee Quiñones) and his encounters with an uptown journalist named Virginia (played by Patti Astor). More so than its story, however, the film is notable for featuring several prominent figures from early hip hop culture such as Busy Bee Starski, Fab Five Freddy, The Cold Crush Brothers, and Grandmaster Flash. Throughout the movie there are scenes depicting activities common in the early days of hip hop. These include MCing, turntablism, graffiti, and B-boying. The film demonstrates the interconnections between music, dance, and art in the development of hip hop culture.
