Hip-hop’s beginnings are remarkably precise. The genre originated from a breakbeat set played by the Bronx disc jockey DJ Kool Herc, and that set laid the foundation for the punchy, rhythmic beats that MCs would soon begin to rap over. From this singular instance of sonic experimentation grew not just a musical style but a cultural spirit. Telling the story of a group of graffiti artists interacting with New York City and its vertical surfaces, the 1983 movie Wild Style acutely captures the development of the hip-hop ethos. Today the film is appreciated as a historical documentary rather than a narrative. Featuring Grandmaster Flash, Fab Five Freddy, Lady Pink, and The Cold Crush Brothers, Wild Style presents the music, art, personalities, and social realities of hip-hop’s early days. The exhibition “Wild Style 40” honors 40 years of Wild Style’s influence, and displays graffiti art and music from the movie. —Jack Sullivan