Born in hip-hop's cradle, the South Bronx, Cope2 began writing graffiti in the late 1970s under the wing of his cousin "Chico 80."

For three decades now, Cope2 has spread his distinct "wildstyle" graffiti across the globe - hitting city streets and gallery walls with equal power. 2011 has been a big year for the legendary artist. Solo exhibitions at the Maximillian Gallery in Los Angeles and TT-Underground Gallery in New York City complimented inclusion in The (S) Files Biennial at the El Museo Del Barrio (and a smattering of other smaller group shows). Despite a busy show schedule, Cope also managed to produce bangers at this years Art Basel Miami, working alongside LA's Buff Monster.

The successes of 2011 come from a career balancing commercial, gallery, and street art. After initial sales through Christie's, Cope2 garnered significant corporate work. Most famously, he produced a mural on behalf of Time Magazine in 2005 (allegedly making $20,000). Later, he worked includes collaborations with Converse and adidas. By the end of the 2000s, Cope2 was a regular feature in art galleries around the world, mounting solo shows in Brooklyn, Chicago, and Tokyo.

Today is Cope2's birthday. And, in that spirit we honor his life's work by looking at highlights from a career that has blossomed from trademark bubble letters to raw abstract masterpieces that fetch impressive prices at auction. In particular, we share the moments where Cope2's art has permeated mass culture from album covers to video games. Continue on for a review of Cope2's illustrious career.