How to freely distort text like a single object

[Jacob5C04]

I've attached a photo of an example of what I want to do. Basically, I want to know how I can distort a block of text into the shape shown represented by black rectangles. Can't seem to get it to work with the transform tool.

[SJRiegel · Accepted solution]

Make sure your black shape is above your text in the layers pallet, then chose Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Top Object. (My result is shown above the parts)

[Jacob5C04]

That is exactly what I needed. Thanks so much SJRiegel!