While movies with hip-hop artists and hip-hop themes is now common place, it was a series of 80′s movies that paved the way for the current success that the combination of hip-hop and movies have enjoyed. WoooHa, Inc. takes a look at the top 5 Hip-hop movie from the 80′s that paved the way for today…

5. The Last Dragon (1985) – While not necessarily a hip-hop movie, The Last Dragon was the first movie to infuse hip-hop culture within a martial arts story. The result was a rousing success as the movie grossed over $30 million (that’s big in 80′s standards) on a $10 million budget. Along the way, The Last Dragon became a cultural movie icon to the hip-hop community.

4. Style Wars (1983) - The first introspective on the world of graffiti artists and hip-hop culture from the beginning in the streets of New York. Includes one of the first filmed battles of the Rock Steady Crew. Even today, Style Wars is used as the go-to video for a history on graffiti art.

3. Beat Street (1984)- While Breakin’ was known for its exploitation of early hip-hop in the 80′s, Beat Street stood a little closer to the roots putting real b-boy culture on the map and proving that hip-hop films could make it in mainstream film culture.

2. Krush Groove (1985) – One of the most iconic hip-hop movies in history, Krush Groove features a who’s-who of 80′s hip-hop and R&B stars including LL Cool J, The Beastie Boys, The Fat Boys, Run DMC and New Edition. The trailer captures vintage 80′s hip-hop when it was all about the music and fun.

1. Wild Style (1983) – Wild Style paved the way for mainstream hip-hop movies like Breakin’, Beat Street and Krush Groove. Considered a documentary on the four elements of hip-hop, the movie follows famed graffiti artist Lee Quinones and features hip-hop founders such as Grand Master Flash, Rock Steady Crew, Cold Crush Brothers and Fab Five Freddy.