The Illustrious Blacks

The Illustrious Blacks—a dynamic duo composed of Manchildblack and Monstah Black—are a married couple who fuse music, fashion, and performance art into a singular, Afro-futuristic spectacle. With a sound that seamlessly blends elements of disco, funk, house, and electronic soul, the pair create captivating sonic experiences anchored by their high-energy DJ sets and infectious original productions. Both accomplished artists in their own right, Manchildblack brings soulful vocals and DJ prowess, while Monstah Black offers boundary-pushing style and theatrical flair.

Formed in New York City, The Illustrious Blacks made their official debut with the 2017 EP "NeoAfro Futuristic Psychedelic Surrealistic Hippy," which quickly gained attention for its imaginative approach to production and unapologetically celebratory spirit. Since then, they have become fixtures in the global club and festival circuits, sharing lineups with icons like Grace Jones and serving up their unique blend of music and live performance everywhere from AFROPUNK to the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. The Illustrious Blacks are known not only for their infectious tracks—like “Revolutionary Love” and “Deluxe” —but also for their philosophy: they describe their mission as “to fuse music, fashion, and visuals into a transcendent experience that uplifts, empowers, and inspires.

” Through their electrifying DJ sets, genre-blurring original music, and futuristic aesthetic, The Illustrious Blacks continue to carve out space for empowerment, individuality, and the boundless creativity of Black artistry.