As part of the Black History Month programme, Liverpool Hip Hop Festival and Metal are proud to present a special screening of Style Wars at Edge Hill train station, Liverpool.
Lauded as the definitive Hip Hop documentary of its era, 1983s Style Wars became iconic for capturing the moment the graffiti scene rose in prominence before becoming an international phenomenon. The film follows early-days graffiti writers from the streets of New York into their homes and meeting their families, alongside interviews with ‘talking heads’ authority figures such as spokespeople from the mayor’s office.
Style Wars helped to put Hip Hop on the map – not just as an emerging style of music in rap but as a multi-faceted bi-product of, and response, to inner city life in the late 20th century. Hip Hop has of course become appreciated since the 1980s as potentially the USA’s most valuable cultural export, in Style Wars we see a flash back to when breakdancing, beatboxing, basketball and of course the act of painting on subway trains were all part of a vibrant, wholly new creative-artistic-expressive spectrum that was largely lumped together as criminal activity. Misunderstood by wider society, and certainly not part of mainstream cultural conversations, over time this film can be seen as partly helping to correct those misconceptions about graffiti – and Hip Hop at large. Listen out for the classic one-liners and snippets of dialogue that have made their way into rap music samples since the film’s initial release (hint: ‘King of Style’)!
Come along for a celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop, with additional activities hosted by Liverpool rap music’s finest Nikki Blaze and Tony Broke to accompany the screening.
This event is suitable for audience members aged 16+. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm film start time. Style Wars running time is 1hr 9min and you can find Metal at the first set of double yellow doors on your right as you arrive at Platform 1 in Edge Hill station.
Metal will aim to accommodate walk-ups on the night where possible, however, space is limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Please also be aware they do not have central heating so wrapping up in warm layers is encouraged. Some blankets and hot drinks will be provided free of charge (donations are welcome though).
Style Wars film screening forms part of Metal Liverpool’s Black History Month programme. For more information, please visit their project page.
Event Date: Thursday 19th October 2023
Categories: Black History Month
