"As he searches for his own promised land, Manchildblack might be on the road to delivering us all."
- Jason King (Freelance writer for Vibe Magazine & Village Voice/Artistic Director of The Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at Tisch School of the Arts, NYU).
A proponent of what he calls "Raw Soul"- an amalgamation of Funk/Rock/Hip-Hop and R&B, Manchildblack brings to the music world uplifting and socially conscious lyrics, a bohemian sense of style, and a warm and inviting spirit that illuminates every stage he graces. Like his idols Stevie, Donny, Marvin and Gil, Manchildblack is on a mission to heal, educate and elevate audiences through inspirational songs of life, love and self-discovery.
The name Manchild may conjure up memories of Claude Brown's searing novel, Manchild in the Promised Land, but it has quite a different history for the man himself. "I was born Derek Deeocie Gentry," Manchild confesses "but a Rastaman I knew during my time in D.C. would call me 'Manchild.' He never explained why, but when I started doing music I decided the name fit who I was musically and epitomized what I was singing about. For me, the name represents the three constants in my life - I will always be a man, I will always be a child of God and I will always be black. Everything else about me may change but those aspects will always remain." Although the name (all one word) has no immediate relationship to Claude Brown's book, the similarities are there. The classic 1965 novel offered truthful evidence of what it meant to survive as a black man in a complex, troubling society. In the same vein, many of Manchildblack's original songs, most of which are co-written by guitarist Shelton Garner, also comment on the plight of African-Americans, shedding new light on problems of self-esteem, masculinity, and racism, among other topics.
A native New Yorker, Manchildblack didn't just emerge as a recording artist overnight. Fed on a steadfast diet of his parent's music, including the songs of Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke, Manchild always knew he was destined to be a performer. "I never wanted to do anything else", he professes, "I was a shy and quiet kid so writing and performing was my outlet." After briefly attending Howard University in Washington D.C. as a drama major, Manchild purchased a one-way Greyhound ticket back to NYC to "do it on a bigger scale." In the Big Apple, he began to build his acting résumé, appearing in shows like the world premiere of the Richard Adler and Bill C. Davis musical Off-Key at the George Street Playhouse and even on the now defunct crime series on the A&E Network, 100 Centre Street. More recently, he received critical raves as Racine in Carl Hancock Rux's Asphalt which featured music by Toshi Reagon and DJ Spooky.
Although much of Manchild's artistic work had occurred in the theater, the unexpected passing of his father several years ago caused him to change direction and make a more decided move toward first love, music. Just as the Neo-Soul movement was starting to take baby steps, Manchild launched the band Urban Folklore along with writing and performing partner Nzinga. Tuned into the same philosophical frequency, the soulful duo co-wrote and performed Hip-Hop Soul music for eager audiences generating a cult following around the city. While gigging at popular local venues like SOB's and CB's Gallery alongside other emerging artists like John Legend and Res, Urban Folklore attempted to get signed and went though a rough phase of management deals. After a few years, the duo disbanded and Manchild left Urban Folklore for greener pastures. "I was beginning to write material that was more introspective and not necessarily appropriate for the group," he explains.
The audience reaction to his solo debut a month later convinced him that he had made the right decision. "That night I knew that I was finally doing what I was supposed to be doing and reaching people the way I knew I should be reaching them," Manchild states. "I felt like I was home."
As time moved on, Manchild found himself perfecting his incredible live stage persona all over NYC. He performed to packed audiences at such notable venues as Blue Note, BAM Cafe, Joe's Pub, Sugar Bar, Symphony Space and even Central Park Summerstage, where he shared the stage with Vernon Reid, Corey Glover, Caron Wheeler and the Black Rock Coalition.
In 2006, Manchildblack was signed to legendary record label West End Records, releasing the critically acclaimed Awake in a Dream EP. Included on the release was the melodic ode to his father "To the Sky." The video for the song received frequent airplay on the BET J network introducing Manchild's music and style to the masses. Also, on the EP was the dance floor filler "Rain," which found itself on the play lists of such internationally respected DJs as Louie Vega, Gilles Peterson, Bobbito Garcia and Rich Medina. His journey into the dance music realm inspired him to become instrumental in producing two notable New York nightlife events. ALMA NYC, the monthly Neo-Brazilian Fusion party, has been widely praised for its high energy and percussive grooves. He later teamed with Global Soul DJ/producer Ian Friday to create the bi-weekly event, Libation. The party has become a hugely popular destination for all lovers of Soulful Dance Music and is instrumental in burgeoning the Global Soul musical movement, featuring guest DJs and performers including Osunlade, DJ Spinna, Karizma, Wunmi and Stephanie McKay. "Doing parties is just an extension of what I do musically. The music played and vibe created is meant to make people feel good - and that's the same reason I do music."
In mid 2008, Manchildblack will release his brand new and much anticipated My Mind’s I EP which will be the pre-cursor to his long awaited first full length album. "For me, this album is a collection of songs that tell the story of my life up till now. It's a reflection of everything I've learned, seen, heard and felt." "Outtasight," the album’s thumping opening track is a ‘funkdafied’ introduction to the Manchildblack sound. The mid-tempo groove "Heavy" showcases Manchild's rich and resonant baritone and centers around his observations about the issue of racism still plaguing our society. "There's an energy of change happening in the world right now," Manchild states. "Events are occurring to make us examine ourselves and if we don't take this opportunity to handle our dirty laundry from the past were going to be forever stuck there." The aggressive Hip-Hop/Rock anthem "Ascension" is a wake up call to the masses to rise up and claim their life. "I wrote that song for my own selfish reasons," he laughs, " I needed something that was going to motivate me to keep moving forward with my dreams and not let anyone or anything deter me, so that's a song I keep in my head on a daily basis." The uplifting "Wordz" with its catchy hook, bright horns and funky vocoder is a track that professes both spiritual and romantic love. "In essence all of my songs are about some form of love or another, whether it be spiritual, romantic or self love".
From singer/songwriter to recording artist to taste-maker to clothing designer of the "Black like Jesus" t-shirt line, Manchildblack is this generation’s true renaissance man. His music and mission are both clear and powerful and is now resonating with audiences around the world. "This is about more than me, it's about a movement and I plan to be one of the leaders in the forefront of the change that's coming".
Thank you so much for your words on Wednesday, I never take such a respect for granted. I am so grateful to you for that and wish that i would've been in it because of this. I have been blessed to finally travel to other countries to "share" and spread GOD through dance...I hope all those that I respect as my TRUE friends will support me in my missions abroad. I always am at any of your events in spirit my brotha, just know that....even if you can't see me, my energy is there.
MAnchild! Long time ago to hear something from you, hope you..re well? Miss something about you, see that you release Magic! do you know more for an Vinyl release?? love it ma Man! Cheers...............wish ya all the best!
Hey ..Brotha!!."Manchildblack .. how are you doing and happy new year to a new friend really love the voice and "sound so keep in touch...peace and Blessing always
