Wild Style 40th Anniversary
The National Hip-Hop Museum is set to pay tribute to the groundbreaking Hip-Hop film, Wild Style, on its 40th anniversary with a special event in New York City this June.
Taking place at Zero Space in Brooklyn on Sunday, June 11, from noon to 6 p.m., the NHHM will join forces with the Five Points Festival for this exciting occasion. Throughout the day, attendees can witness live graffiti painting by Kevin “Scene” Lewis, and DJs Tony Crush, Grand Wizzard Theodore, and Kevie Kev Rockwell will spin classic Hip-Hop breaks from the Wild Style era. Additionally, the NHHM will present a live streamed podcast via Rock The Bells.
Jay Quan, a writer for Rock The Bells and historian at the NHHM, emphasizes the importance of honoring Charlie Ahearn and the cast of Hip-Hop’s first feature film on its 40th anniversary. “We are extremely excited about this event!” he exclaims.
In addition to the performances and festivities, the NHHM will showcase a hand-drawn animation slide from the movie’s intro by Zephyr and Revolt, generously donated by Charlie Ahearn. Other notable exhibits include the original amphitheater flyer from 1980, a rare Italian 1984 Wild Style movie poster, and vintage articles from the movie’s original premiere.
Hip-Hop Hall Of Fame Introductions
The highlight of the celebration will be the induction of Wild Style director Charlie Ahearn and cast members, such as Grandmaster Caz & The Cold Crush Brothers, Grand Wizzard Theodore & The Fantastic 5, Patti Astor, and breakdance icon Crazy Legs, into the NHHM’s Hall of Fame.
Throughout the weekend, the NHHM will also feature a retrospective of rare and vintage hip-hop toys from 1984 to the present. A pop-up retail store will be available, offering a wide range of rare, exclusive, vintage, and one-of-a-kind toys and apparel for purchase from The Hip-Hop Shop, the museum’s retail arm. Exciting items include the EL DA SENSEI Official Artifacts graffiti train, J Dilla Donuts White Shirt action figure, Ghostface Killah action figure, The Warriors boxed set, and Wu-Tang Enter The Wu-Tang Records Are Forever Crate, among many others.
Josh Kimberg, one of the founders of Five Points Festival, expresses his excitement about hosting the National Hip-Hop Museum’s Induction ceremony this year. Recognizing the deep connection between hip-hop and designer toys, he believes it’s time to honor their shared legacy on this anniversary.
Tickets for the event are available here.
Check out some old behind-the-scenes images from the Wild Style movie set right here.
