MQ, also known as MKUE or MQUE, is a legendary graffiti writer who came up in New York City’s Manhattan and Queens graffiti scenes of the 1980s. Affiliated with the DMS crew—an iconic collective intertwined with the city’s hardcore music culture—MQ began writing in the early 1980s. Following the decline of subway train graffiti in 1989, he played a pivotal role in cementing graffiti’s presence in the streets, from bridges to roll down gates; helping to redefine what “all city” could mean in a post-transit era.

While widely respected for his stamp-like throw-up style, MQ is perhaps even more notorious for his hyper-aggressive approach to sticker bombing. His sticker campaigns have resulted in the printing of thousands of custom vinyl stickers with his moniker. MQ turned the simple sticker into a global calling card: Tokyo, Paris, Berlin, Mexico City, and more—traveling with suitcases full of stickers when crossing borders. 

His presence in Japan has been particularly impactful, where he’s developed strong ties with the local graffiti scene over the decades. MQ is closely associated with 246 crew, a legendary Tokyo-based graffiti collective named after Route 246, a major highway artery that cuts through the heart of the city. 

MQ’s influence extends beyond graffiti; he has ventured into tattooing and has been featured in various art exhibitions. Despite his ventures into galleries and other art forms, he remains deeply connected to a traditional approach to street-graffiti. 

MKUE is featured in Issue 10 of Living Proof Magazine. Now available on our Patreon and Online Shop.