My Place: Mykki Blanco

From his adoptive home in Portugal’s sun-soaked capital city of Lisbon, American rapper, poet and activist Mykki Blanco—one of pop’s best contemporary auteurs—is feeling green fingered. Surrounded by a small jungle of indoor plants, the performer-turned-musician opens up to long-term NOWNESS director Barbara Anastacio about writing, love, and horticulture, and on the simple rituals and routines that make a house a home. Born as Michael David Quattlebaum Jr. in 1986, ‘Mykki Blanco’ began life as an internet persona, but quickly evolved their identity into a musical and performance art work that drew variously on influences including Lil’ Kim, Jean Cocteau, Marilyn Manson and Anaïs Nin. Blanco’s resulting musical and artistic identity shares strong associations with the radical queercore movement founded by American filmmaker Bruce LaBruce. As Blanco himself has said, “You can’t tag me as the rapping transvestite. I’m from a punk and Riot Grrrl background.” Anastacio had expected to encounter Blanco the persona, the force behind "powerfully aggressive and legendary performances," but was instead welcomed "by an incredibly warm and joyous" person, where "the Riot Grrl was now a very happy man enchanted with his boyfriend, his cat and his plants. He feels grounded and at home." The pair would travel outside of Blanco's apartment, to Suntan—a tiny Portuguese eatery serving fusion ramen, which the outsider musician described as their "second home." Comforts and routines bely the impassioned bravura of hip-hop's great powerhouse.

In June 2015, the prolific creator—who has penned poetry and toured with the likes of Basement Jaxx—announced via his Facebook page that they have been HIV positive since 2011. Concerned that this revelation would be ruinous to their career, the outpouring of positive reactions following this announcement convinced Blanco to continue their important and genre-shattering work.

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[laseulequimai]

Mykki Blanco looks so happy and content, it's a breath of fresh air. Love his place!

[Gabriel-udhu]

Personally this video makes me really happy because i don't see black gay boys (like me) in stable relationships so often. It gives me hope of finding someone to be happy with in a cozy flat. 💕

[Capgungoesbang]

“I love looking at my vintage chocolate box” I feel that, haha.

[akualikewater]

I love the color scheme of the living room, ivory, dusty blue and the green from the plants is all very calming .

[guidoguarnieri]

It's profoundly meaningful and powerful when he shows his HIV medication.

[yb]

I remember watching a video of him at home, from when he first got famous. He looks so much happier and in a better place right now. I'm so happy for him.

[charlottelemay]

"there comes a point in adult life where you don't have to take it anymore" oh you look so happy. longue vie!

[leglismedia-yenapus]

I saw Mykki's performance once in Vietnam few years ago and I crazy love him. He's purely talented and very kind, very humble! Big respect!

[jasonallen]

Holy shit. Even though it sucks that I havent heard any new music from him recently, its dope seeing him genuinely happy with his life.

[candaceswart]

His space and his energy had me smiling through the whole video

[sgarinortiz]

I love these videos so much, they make me cry tears of joy

[Isabella-ijmb]

So cute omg. Love Lisbon, love matcha, love family life, love how happy they are ugh this made me so happy. Love Mykki Blanco

[indiald]

Smiling from ear to ear on a soulful Sunday!!

[latricewashington]

I was like, these are so short! but I kinda like the edited, succinctness of it

[arlinejernigan]

What a wonderful guy!!!! Made me smile :)

[hoitomoto]

LIVED IN GERMANY AND THE STATES AND LISBON IS MY CHOSEN HOME...this City is magical

[JuLee]

I love Portugal so much I named my dog Lisbon.. Unfortunately I can't move there but try to go as often as poss. Nice home!

[chainsawteddybear]

Still as beautiful and blissful as always

[monkiboi]

Wow this is my favorite series and I love Mykki for sharing.

[GG-ynjw]

I've subscribed to nowness, and I love love your video and your apartment and your just beautiful inside and out!💗 I have a sibling who is part of the LGBT community, and I support her always. Wishing you much health and happiness!🙏Though I don't know you, but isn't sending someone love, peace and light a universal language?💖❤💛🧡💚💙💜