Winston-Salem Unveils New Mural Celebrating Local Musician

July 18, 2023

Winston-Salem unveiled a new mural by Scott Nurkin celebrating local musician 9th Wonder.

Renowned artist Scott Nurkin, a North Carolina native, has completed his latest masterpiece in downtown Winston-Salem. The mural, located on the corner of 6th and Liberty Street, pays tribute to the influential local musician Patrick Douthit, more commonly known as 9th Wonder.

Nurkin’s passion for showcasing North Carolina musicians began in 2006 with his first mural inside Pepper’s Pizza of Chapel Hill. This inspired him to launch the North Carolina Musicians Mural Project, an ongoing endeavor to paint murals of iconic musicians in their birthplaces across the state. The Winston-Salem mural is Nurkin’s 19th creation as part of this project.

Born and raised in Winston-Salem, 9th Wonder has made significant contributions to hip hop as a respected producer. Collaborating with industry heavyweights like Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, and Erykah Badu, his work has shaped the contemporary hip-hop sound. Nurkin describes 9th Wonder’s impact on music as “immeasurable” and “the real deal.”

The journey to bring this stunning mural to Winston-Salem began a year ago when Nurkin and his partner, Greg, engaged in discussions with the city. The process involved multiple visits to find the perfect location, ultimately settling on the wall at 6th and Liberty Streets. Over a span of 5 days, Nurkin meticulously painted the mural, capturing the essence of 9th Wonder’s musical legacy.

Funding for this impressive artwork was provided by the City of Winston-Salem and brought to life by the Public Art Commission. Excitingly, the city is also seeking a talented artist to create an upcoming mural honoring the “5” Royales, another renowned music group originating from Winston-Salem. Applications are currently being accepted for this opportunity.