We had the pleasure of interviewing BLKBOK over Zoom video.

Neoclassical pianist and Detroit native BLKBOK is set to soundtrack this year’s Juneteenth celebrations with the deluxe version of his debut album 'Black Book'. Arriving on June 17 via icons+giants, ‘Black Book DLUX’ is a timely natural continuation of BLKBOK’s critically-acclaimed debut as a composer, reflecting on pertinent social issues, with counterpoints, and sustaining a dialogue through his thought-provoking pieces. The package includes 11 new interstitial poems woven throughout the album, written and narrated by award-winning Jamaican poet Lauren Delapenha. Additionally, it features two new powerful singles “Kendrick + Karine” and “Forgotten Girls.”

While touring the world as a pianist or musical director with the likes of Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Timbaland and John Mayer, BLKBOK spent his private time composing his own original material, music that was inspired by his love of hip-hop and classical music. When the pandemic set in and touring came to a halt, he finalized these compositions which led to getting signed by icons+giants/WMG and releasing his first body of solo work, last year’s ‘Black Book.’ BLKBOK was inspired to create ‘Black Book’ as a tribute to the movie ‘Green Book’ and the courageous story of pianist/composer Don Shirley, whose trailblazing spirit helped open the door for black classical pianists of which there remains too few. The largely instrumental album features a standout vocal collaboration with Hamilton’s Tony and Grammy Award-winning Renée Elise Goldsberry on “My Life.” Provocative singles like “George Floyd and the Struggle for Equality,” “November 7th 2020” and “Michelle’s First Day At The White House” offer listeners unique perspectives of the social climate that we live in, and an opportunity to hear BLKBOK’s reflections of the world through the keys of the piano.

Since releasing his debut album, BLKBOK has taken to social media weekly, while developing new work in real-time and challenging the way we listen to classical music. A 21st century black pianist equally infatuated with rappers like Busta Rhymes and The Notorious B.I.G., as well as the classical greats like Debussy, Mozart, and Bach, BLKBOK has gone viral on TikTok with his riveting neoclassical TikTok covers of Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar. On Instagram, he hosts a monthly “What's Goin' On” social series, where he develops new songs related to current cultural milestones and events, and offers an open forum for fans to share their feelings and discuss social issues.

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