Part performance artist, part rapper, and part boundary-defying voice of the zeitgeist, Mykki Blanco plays by her own rules. She stretches the gender binary, redefines what it means to be a musician in the Internet age, and produces darkly surreal hip-hop. She dips into a wide range of sounds and styles in videos like the Francesco Carrozzini-directed ‘Wavvy,’ and the powerful punk of records like Gay Dog Food. In only a few years, Blanco’s commanding aesthetic and unique sound have earned her a dedicated gaggle of hardcore fans. Blanco took some time out of her whirlwind schedule to fill out our i-Deal questionnaire, and give us the scoop on her goals, favorite artists and idea of a perfect date.
i-Deal Breakfast
Dim Sum, at the rooftop pool at the W hotel in Hong Kong, shrimp dumplings, shumai and scallop cake.
i-Deal Playlist
Right now: Connan Mockasin, Yo Gotti, Nico.
i-Deal Mode of transport
I live on airplanes but lately i’ve gotten into boats.
i-Deal Outfit
Boxers as shorts.
i-Deal Night Out
Parties that start in hotel suites and end swimming in oceans.
i-Deal Vacation
Vietnam – it’s the most lawless place i’ve ever been.
i-Deal Date
A smart, big, handsome, freaky, artsy man.
i-Deal Pet
A little dog that doesn’t bark.
i-Deal Home
Penthouse in LA, 2-bedroom in NYC, studio in Paris, studio in Berlin.
i-Deal Future
Something with happiness and positivity involved. A hubby and kids would be nice too. Step my game up. Get better at anything I think i’m already good at. Live up to my creative potential and don’t just settle for what I have now. I can be better and I’m going to be better.
mykkiblancoworld.com
Credits
Text Alex Chapman
Photography Bruno Staub
Hair Tetsuya at De Facto Inc
Make -up Stevie Huynh at D+V Management
Photography assistant Andrew Beardsworth
Production Andrea Jackson at De Facto Inc
[Photo originally published in The Collectors Issue, No. 328, Winter 2013]