Music Dec 28th 2012  

This video is directed by Mitch Moore, a New York based director and photographer. Mykki Blanco is a New York based rapper and the performer in Join My Militia (Nas Gave Me a Perm). Both artists seem to be using the body as a surface for a codified language, and both seem to inscribe revolt against the traditionally accepted norms for body etiquette onto it. That is hardly a coincidence, as some of the previous videos directed by Mitch Moore are reminiscent of this underlying notion (namely those for Ssion and ‘Stitches’ by Hood by Air).

Mykki Blanco raps on the streets, in the subways and in the clubs, about gender identity, politics and power. His lyrics are raunchy and direct, as if he attempts to expunge insincerity with a torch. Together with other openly queer artists such as Zebra Katz, Syd the Kyd, Cakes da Killa, and many others – Mykki Blanco is currently emerging on the public eye’s radar. For a traditionally heteronormative genre, hip-hop seems to finally be loosening up to a wave of successful queer rappers. However, not all that glitters is gold. While his contemporaries might be lulled into toning down their language in order to gain recognition of a wider audiences, Mykki Blanco’s language and attitude is uncompromised, showing no fear when it comes to questions of art and acceptance.

 

For more on Mykki Blanco, check out: mykkiblancoworld.com

Also check out his work on: Soundcloud // Facebook//@MykkiBlanco

 

Mykki Blanco – Join My Militia (Nas Gave Me A Perm) (Produced By Arca)

 

Directed & edited/color Correction by: Mitch Moore//Produced By: Sara Eklund//Director of Photography: Max Lakner//Assistant Camera: Jake Moore//Gaffers: Jake Moore / Pablo Tapia-Pla //Art Director – Luke Green//Assistant Art Director – Chuka Chukuma//Costumes – Luis De Los Santos//DIT – Joe Felong//Transportation and Legal Negotiation – Hannah Daly / Thurmon Green//Starring (in order of appearance): Taurean La Charles, Alan Yuch, Ben Rosenberg, Olivia Henry

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@MykkiBlanco @mitch____moore @arca1000000