By Amanda Moses
K-Pop star Black On burst into the New York City scene for the first stop in his USA Luv tour like a Macy’s firework during the Fourth of July weekend.
Akin to Katy Perry’s hit “Firework,” Black On ignited the Cutting Room’s stage on July 6th in K-Town with a bright, bold, and majestic performance. For fans—which he affectionately calls his angels—this concert was an experience unlike any other due to Black On’s ability to connect with them on a deeper level. While some artists treat their admirers as acquaintances and hold them at arm’s length, Black On is the opposite. He embraces them with love, kindness and a playfulness that creates an environment that fosters an everlasting friendship.
It is no wonder why Black On aptly named it the “Luv Tour” because that is exactly what he showed to his angles both on and off the stage. As the doors to the Cutting Room opened at 6pm, and VIP angles entered the venue for the meet-and-greet segment along with sound check, Black On smiled brightly welcoming them. He sat at a table with a single candle on it in the center of the venue’s performance hall, beneath dimly lit chandeliers and the wooden carvings that give the Cutting Room its classic rock appearance. Like a romantic dinner for two, Black On greeted each fan individually, grinning as he held their hands while they talked about anything and everything.
Some brought tokens of their affection, candy, handmade jewelry, drawings, and even a customized blanket with pictures of Black On. In return, Black On graciously accepted their gifts and love letters, telling them how precious they are to him. The intimacy of this experience was only the cherry on top of an unforgettable night.
Toshi along with a group of talented dancers opened up the show, displaying a flair that helped energize the audience like a delicious appetizer before the main tantalizing course.
For Toshi, a Queens native, Black On is his mentor who offers much-needed advice in the music industry. Together both men have worked together over five times, and with each performance their bonds grow stronger as they learn about each other’s cultures.
After about an hour performing, Toshi bid the audience adieu and the man of the evening sauntered on stage wearing leather pants and a leather jacket adorn with sapphire crystals with a hungry intensity in his eyes. He was ready to take on the world with his music.
With cartoon-esque imagery playing in the background on a projector, Black On swayed his hips with fervorous precision to the rhythm of his songs—many of which he wrote and produced. The concert was more than a display of his musical repertoire as both a singer and rapper. It was a passionate display of affection for his fans. A thank you for their unyielding support and a promise to them that he will continue to work hard.
Although this promise was not uttered out loud, it was showcased by the sheer intensity and intimacy that evening in the Cutting Room where Black On gladly welcomed the grasping hands of his adoring fans, cupping his cheeks and caressing his arms. He accepted all parts of their love and poured it right back to them with each song.
There are K-Pop concerts filled with cute hearts and catchy tunes, and then there is Black On’s magnificent performance that could only be described as an artistic love letter for his angels.
For fans who missed Black On in New York, his next appearance will be in St. Paul, MN on July 12th and then Las Vegas on July 17th.
Photos by Amanda Moses
