Phase 2: The Innovator Behind Bubble Letter Graffiti on the NYC Subway

What is Phase 2 known for?

Phase 2 is best known for creating bubble lettering, also known as “softies,” which became one of the most influential styles in early NYC subway graffiti.

Who was Phase 2?

Phase 2, born Michael Lawrence Marrow in the Bronx, was one of the most innovative graffiti artists of the 1970s. His work focused on transforming the structure of letters themselves.

What are bubble letters?

Bubble letters are:

• Rounded

• Soft-edged

• Inflated in appearance

They made graffiti more visually distinctive and allowed writers to develop recognizable styles.

Why Phase 2 matters

Phase 2 helped move graffiti from simple name writing into stylized design. His work showed that the form of the letters could be just as important as the name itself.

Influence on the NYC subway scene

As train taggers adopted bubble letters, subway cars became more visually dynamic. This marked a shift toward more expressive and artistic graffiti across the system.

Legacy

Phase 2’s innovations influenced generations of graffiti artists and extended into broader hip-hop culture through design work and visual identity.

FAQ

What did Phase 2 invent?

He is widely credited with creating bubble letter graffiti.

Why is Phase 2 important to train taggers?

Because he transformed how graffiti letters were designed and recognized.