Jia Lissa
The Illustrious Blacks, the dynamic Brooklyn-based duo comprising Black! (formerly Manchildblack) and Monstah Black, continue to redefine the landscape of electronic music and performance art. Far from being merely a DJ act, they embody a vibrant ethos of liberation, freedom, and togetherness, expressed through their distinctive "Afro-Electro-Disco-Space-Punk" aesthetic and uplifting house-infused sound. DJ Mag recently visited the couple at their surprisingly serene Brooklyn residence, located in the working-class neighborhood of Little Haiti, offering a glimpse into the domestic life behind their intergalactic stage presence.
The Illustrious Aesthetic: Beyond the Stage
For anyone familiar with The Illustrious Blacks, their public persona is synonymous with high-octane flamboyance and meticulously crafted imagery. Their live sets are a spectacle of vibrant energy, where music, fashion, and performance art converge in a flamboyant exuberance that is both old-school house and cutting-edge concept. The duo’s impeccable styling, drawing from club kid culture, Afrofuturism, and intergalactic glamazon aesthetics, ensures they are a truly unforgettable sight. This public resplendence, however, contrasts markedly with their private abode. Their row house on a quiet street in Little Haiti presents a picture of conventional comfort: a plant-filled, warm, and cozy sanctuary, even during a frigid winter. The only discernible eccentricities are subtle, such as a bedroom partially adorned with foil, serving as playful punctuation to their domestic tranquility.
Despite the understated home environment, the duo maintains their characteristic sartorial flair. During the visit, Black! and Monstah Black were observed in flowing robes, magnificent footwear, and elaborate headgear, later changing into striking black-and-white animal-print pants and tops emblazoned with "Suck My Disco," a nod to one of their prominent releases. This unwavering commitment to their visual identity, even in privacy, suggests that their "Afro-Electro-Disco-Space-Punk" description is not merely a stage persona but an intrinsic part of who they are, reflecting a deeply ingrained philosophy that permeates all aspects of their lives.
Musical Philosophy: Liberation and Radical Joy
The Illustrious Blacks’ artistic output is a multifaceted fusion, encompassing elements of dance, DJ culture, performance art, fashion, and theatricality. Black! meticulously crafts the sonic journey from the decks, while Monstah Black commands the microphone, weaving narratives through spoken word, chants, readings, and storytelling. This hybrid live-DJ format allows for a theatrical arc from beginning to end, creating an immersive experience for their audience.
Central to their artistic mission is the concept of "liberation." Black! articulates this core principle, stating, "The thread that Monstah and I have always had creatively is that our work is always about liberation. That is the through-line of what we do — and that’s really the through-line of what house music is, right? It’s about liberation. It’s about freedom and coming together." This perspective firmly roots their work within the historical and cultural lineage of house music, which emerged from Black, queer, and marginalized communities as a sanctuary for self-expression and collective transcendence.
Their music, characterized by its uplifting spirit and infectious energy, consistently delivers this message of positivity. Tracks like "Mind Expansion," a collaboration with South African-born, Berlin-based artist Floyd Lavine, exemplify their sound: a squiggly disco and funk-tinged houser that is both slinky and chugging. The harmonized lyrics, such as "the time is now for a change," subtly advocate for a shift towards a more positive and inclusive world, without explicitly dictating the terms of that change.
Monstah Black further expands on their philosophy with the concept of "radical joy." In a world often designed to push individuals down, Monstah explains that "the sense of joy itself is activism." The act of gathering in communal settings to dance to good music, elevating collective vibrations, becomes an act of defiance and empowerment. This radical joy, they believe, can foster a greater appreciation for humanity, transcending the divisions often perpetuated by societal structures.
A Journey of Two Artists: Origins and Evolution
The individual journeys of Black! and Monstah Black provided fertile ground for their collaborative artistry. Black! was born in New York City, spending formative years in Maryland and Washington, D.C., before attending the historically Black Howard University, where he pursued musical theatre. His return to New York in the mid-1990s marked a period of immersion in acting and theatre, coupled with nights spent dancing to house music.
Monstah Black’s origins are rooted just outside Williamsburg, Virginia, a region steeped in colonial history. Despite this seemingly unlikely backdrop, Monstah developed their "alternative wings" in proximity to larger cities like Richmond, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. Their academic path led them to Virginia Commonwealth University, where they earned a BFA in choreography and performance, followed by an MFA in New Media Art and Performance from Long Island University. This diverse educational background in performance, experimental dance, and new media art laid the foundation for Monstah’s unique contribution to The Illustrious Blacks.
The pivotal meeting of Black! and Monstah occurred in Washington, D.C., at a dance club featuring the legendary local house DJ, Sam "The Man" Burns. Both individuals, initially shy and dancing separately, found themselves drawn to each other, dancing until the club lights came on. This chance encounter, characterized by an undeniable connection, foreshadowed their future partnership. Their first official date further solidified their bond, revealing a shared appreciation for diverse cultural icons ranging from Grace Jones and Prince to Barry Manilow and the director John Waters, whose embrace of absurdity resonated deeply with Monstah Black.
Forging an Identity: From Friendship to "Illustrious"
Following Black!’s return to New York and Monstah’s subsequent move to the city, their friendship evolved into a profound personal and artistic partnership. Black!’s initial burnout from the club scene was reignited by Monstah’s vibrant energy, leading him to promote parties and eventually take up DJing as a hobby. This period of renewed engagement with nightlife culture, particularly at iconic alt-clubbing institutions like Jackie 60 and soul-drenched events like Body & Soul, was crucial for their artistic development.
The moniker "The Illustrious Blacks" emerged organically, bestowed upon them by a friend who observed the magnetic attention they garnered simply by being together. "There they go, the illustrious blacks," their friend remarked one night, a phrase that immediately resonated with the duo as a powerful descriptor of their collective aura.
Their musical act, however, took time to fully crystallize. Early experiments included "politically-driven bands" and a "flippant pop act" called Chocolate Factory, where Black! DJed and Monstah performed with an MC-505 Groovebox sequencer. While fun, these initial ventures lacked the authenticity and depth they sought. This realization led to a pivotal shift towards creating music that genuinely reflected their artistic identities and messages. The result was their debut single, "Black Like Jesus," released in 2016 as part of their EP, Neo Afro Futuristic Psychedelic Surrealistic Hippy on Concierge Records.
"Black Like Jesus" was a supremely catchy track, blending electroclash sensibilities with profound lyrical content. It challenged conventional narratives and celebrated identity, with lyrics proclaiming, "Words they say we need to communicate: Take a moment to swallow some of these: colonial, Victorian, superior, entitled, African, Cuban, indigenous." This release marked a turning point, shining a spotlight on the duo and initiating a steady stream of performance invitations and critical acclaim.
Impact and Influence: Voices of the Scene
The Illustrious Blacks have not only created a unique artistic space but have also garnered significant respect within the house music community and beyond. Their collaborations with established figures underscore their growing influence. Tedd Patterson, a venerated statesman of the house music circuit, collaborated with the duo on the track "Let The Music Set You Free," which premiered on DJ Mag’s website in 2024. Patterson, who became captivated by The Illustrious Blacks during lockdown, praises their authenticity and fierce live performances. "They own their fabulousness, they own their Blackness, they own their illustriousness. It’s unapologetic — and it doesn’t owe any apologies, because it brings love and it brings togetherness. It promotes good vibes. It promotes joy." This sentiment encapsulates the profound impact their work has on audiences, offering a powerful antidote to negativity.
Their commitment to uplifting vibrations resonates with a broader movement of Black DJs and artists who use their platforms to spread hope and joy. Black! himself acknowledges this shared mission, citing contemporaries like Honey Dijon, Kevin Aviance, Rimarkable, and Tedd Patterson as fellow practitioners of this vital form of musical activism. This collective effort underscores the enduring power of house music as a conduit for social and emotional liberation.
Global Stages and Future Horizons
Now settled in Little Haiti for nearly four years, the duo has gradually woven themselves into the fabric of their community. Despite initial curiosities from neighbors about their distinctive style, they are now recognized and welcomed, a testament to their genuine presence. Their home life, complemented by a rare New York City back garden and interactions with neighborhood animals, offers a peaceful counterpoint to their global touring schedule.
The Illustrious Blacks are increasingly visible on international stages. They have become regulars at Glitterbox, gracing the decks at Hï Ibiza, a dream venue for them. Their experiences in Ibiza, where audiences deeply connect with and sing along to their music, signify a new level of recognition and success. They have also embarked on high-profile tours, including opening for their idol, Grace Jones, in Australia, a clear indicator of their expanding reach and influence.
The future holds a busy slate for Black! and Monstah Black. New music is on the horizon, including the forthcoming single "Wake Up" on Soul Clap Records, produced by Taylor Bense and featuring remixes from Tedd Patterson and Dan Azzo. Beyond the club circuit, the duo is poised to expand their artistic endeavors into theatrical productions. This summer, they are scheduled to perform at Lincoln Center, a prestigious New York cultural institution. A full-length off-Broadway show, "Beyond The Stardust," is slated for September at The Flea, a downtown theatre known for its focus on experimental work by Black, brown, and queer artists. This immersive production, based on their original music, represents a significant step in their artistic evolution, fusing nightlife culture with theatre and performance art. Precursor performances, such as one with a live band at Joe’s Pub, are building anticipation for this ambitious undertaking.
The Enduring Message: Revolutionary Love
For Black! and Monstah Black, the essence of their journey lies not solely in their growing success but in the profound emotional connection they forge with their audience. They receive messages from individuals expressing how seeing them as a Black queer couple, openly sharing their experiences, has deeply impacted them. This exchange of shared "radical joy" is what makes their work truly worthwhile.
An early release, the 2018 track "Revolutionary Love," serves as a personal blueprint for their artistic and relational philosophy. Its lyrics, "Revolutionary love / we live the hype life / with every flash of the strobe light / we are stars / get out the way / can’t dim our shine," encapsulate their unapologetic self-expression and the unyielding radiance they bring to the world. As they continue to push boundaries and expand their artistic horizons, The Illustrious Blacks remain a beacon of joy, liberation, and revolutionary love, their shine destined to illuminate stages and hearts for years to come.
