Charlie Ahearn, the director of the groundbreaking hip-hop movie “Wild Style,” recognized the need for a unique branding strategy to appeal to a world unaware of the cultural movement that was born in the South Bronx 50 years ago. In 1983, three graffiti artists took on the task of creating the “Wild Style” mural in Riverside Park, a brilliant example of guerrilla marketing that would later become the quintessential symbol of early hip-hop. Despite the presence of a police car just 100 feet away, Ahearn recalls the mural painting process being steeped in illegality, much like the rest of their endeavors in the film. Aaron “Sharp” Goodstone, a 17-year-old graffiti artist at the time, found the assignment to be relatively easy compared to his riskier escapades with spray paint. Painting on subway trains, which comprised their primary focus, was always illegal and extraordinarily perilous due to the 600 volts of electricity and the darkness of the tunnels. In contrast, this dusk-to-dawn mural project did not make him nervous.
Fast forward to today, and the iconic “Wild Style” logo created by Goodstone and his fellow graffiti artists, Zephyr and Revolt, will grace a limited edition New York Public Library card commemorating half a century of hip-hop culture. Fifty thousand of these special-edition cards will be made available, making the library the unexpected new venue for the pulsating energy of street beats. It is a celebration of an art form that DJ Kool Herc birthed on August 11, 1973, during his sister’s birthday party at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx. This special-edition library card not only pays homage to the cultural significance of hip-hop but also reflects the library’s connection to The Bronx, the birthplace of hip-hop.
The idea for “Wild Style” was first pitched by Fab 5 Freddy to Ahearn at the Times Square Show in June 1980. The exhibition, which showcased underground artists and marked the public debut of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work, was where the NY hip-hop legend explained his vision for the movie. Fab 5 Freddy, born Fred Brathwaite, wanted to challenge the negative portrayals of young black and Latin individuals prevalent at the time. He sought to showcase their creativity, even if it meant sometimes treading the line of legality. Ahearn took this idea and brought it to life as he wrote, directed, and produced “Wild Style.” The film not only put hip-hop’s four essential elements (MCing, DJing, graffiti art, and breakdancing) in the spotlight but also featured trailblazers such as Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, the Cold Crush Brothers, and the Rock Steady Crew.
Through careful casting, Ahearn ensured that the actors and featured individuals in the film played themselves and engaged in activities they were already associated with, giving “Wild Style” a narrative mixed with the authenticity of a documentary. Before its release in November 1983, the movie needed additional promotional efforts, which led to the creation of the “Wild Style” mural. Goodstone, Zephyr, and Revolt collaborated on the design, with Zephyr providing the preliminary sketch and Goodstone and Revolt adding the vibrant colors that brought it to life.
Fab 5 Freddy expresses his excitement about the special-edition library cards as a wonderful opportunity to give back to the institution that played a significant role in his childhood. As a kid, he frequented the library, fueling his curiosity and passion for reading. He hopes that the cards will have a similar impact on others. The New York Public Library will also be hosting a Hip-Hop 50 dance party on August 5th at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, further cementing its commitment to celebrating and embracing hip-hop culture.
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