In a world where MCs are matinee idols, it's easy to forget that in its early days hip-hop was a three-headed beast, with rappers, B-boys and graffiti artists sharing equal billing. Tony Silver and Henry Chalfant's 1983 documentary focuses on artists such as Case, Seen and Iz the Wiz, their subway psychedelia and their battles with then-New York Mayor Ed Koch. In its two discs, Style Wars makes clear that these guerrilla artists gave hip-hop a visual element far more vibrant than…

"To some it's art. To most people it's a plague that never ends." And so director Tony Silver begins his stunning 1983 film of graffiti artists risking their lives to get fame by painting New York's subway. Apoplectic detectives, battling break dancers and the greatest rolling artworks of the twentieth century combine in multiple thrilling narratives for this essential hip-hop document. The second disc comes with rare photo galleries, interviews and a tribute to artist Dondi White.