NOC 167, born Melvin Samuels Jr., belongs to the second generation of Wild Style artists who brought letters to life with a sculptural grace and audacity. Born amidst the raw energy of the Bronx, he grew up surrounded by the neighborhood’s vibrant pulse, drawing his first inspirations from comic books and video games—colorful worlds that pushed him to reinvent lines and forms. From the beginning, his three-dimensional lettering exploded in vivid colors, animated by a rare fluidity, a dynamic breath that became a living signature in the urban landscape. Over two hundred subway cars bear his mark; each piece is a statement of style, a youthful cry in a city constantly in motion. And in Charlie Ahearn’s cult film Wild Style, his art finds its place on screen, vibrant, both familiar and timeless, connecting deeply with the roots of emerging graffiti culture. But NOC’s journey didn’t end with subway cars. As graffiti gained traction in the art world, he found his place in galleries alongside some of the greats. From the New Museum to the Fun Gallery, and even the Sidney Janis Gallery, his work represents a shift from asphalt to white walls, a transition where each line retains the soul of the streets. There, he joins fellow urban artists in a creative fervor that brings graffiti from the shadows into the spotlight. With his code-defying style and letters that twist and leap, NOC 167 has left an indelible mark. He remains a force, an inspiration for those who, even today, see every wall as a space of freedom, a breath of life. Portrait NOC167 at Bullet Space, 1994@A. Castrucci