Aloe Blacc

Grammy-Nominated Artist Harnessing Creativity for Social Change

Topics: Entertainment, Music, Arts & Culture, Black History Month, Creativity, Philanthropy, Societal Issues

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Biography

Book Aloe Blacc, a Grammy-nominated artist, through The Keynote Curators.

Aloe Blacc, born Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III in Orange County, California, is a musician known for skillfully blending genres such as soul, R&B, hip-hop, and pop. Raised by Panamanian immigrant parents, he grew up surrounded by the vibrant sounds of salsa, merengue, and cumbia, which formed the musical foundation of his childhood and cultural identity. His journey into music began early—he started playing the trumpet and writing his first rap songs at the age of nine. His love for hip-hop deepened as he drew inspiration from socially conscious artists like KRS-One, whose messages resonated with Blacc’s emerging passion for using music as a force for positive change.

Aloe Blacc’s career took off when he formed the hip-hop duo Emanon with producer Exile in the 1990s. They toured Europe and released multiple albums together before Blacc transitioned to a solo career. During his college years, he further expanded his musical influences, discovering the emotional depth of artists like Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye, as well as folk-rock legends like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Kris Kristofferson. These diverse influences helped him transition from rapping to singing, which became a defining evolution in his musical career.

In 2006, Aloe Blacc signed with the independent label Stones Throw Records and released his debut solo album, Shine Through. While his debut received mixed reviews, his second album, Good Things (2010), propelled him into the international spotlight. The breakout single “I Need a Dollar” became a global hit, featured as the theme song for HBO’s How to Make It in America. The success of Good Things earned him critical acclaim, and the album was certified gold in several countries, solidifying his place as a rising star in the music industry.

In 2012, Aloe Blacc signed with XIX Recordings/Interscope Records, which marked a pivotal point in his career. He collaborated with notable producers, including Pharrell Williams, on his album Lift Your Spirit, which debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 in 2014 and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album. His collaboration with Avicii on the song “Wake Me Up” became a massive global hit, reaching #1 in over 100 countries.

Throughout his career, Aloe Blacc has remained committed to using his music as a tool for social change. He has said that after signing with a major label, he made a conscious decision to focus on creating music that could inspire positive shifts in people’s mindsets, especially in times of hardship. His lyrics often tackle themes of resilience, hope, and overcoming adversity, reflecting his deep-rooted belief in the power of music to bring about change.

In addition to his musical achievements, Blacc is also a philanthropist. He and his wife, Australian rapper Maya Jupiter, are actively involved in various charitable initiatives, with a focus on issues such as education, social justice, and immigrant rights.

Aloe Blacc’s versatility as an artist and his ability to seamlessly blend genres have made him a unique and influential voice in the music industry. His continued dedication to both his craft and his mission for social change has cemented his place as a leading figure in contemporary music. As he looks forward to releasing new material, his focus remains on creating music that not only entertains but also uplifts and inspires.

Aloe Blacc’s career, spanning nearly two decades, showcases a blend of socially conscious artistry and musical evolution that few artists achieve. His journey from hip-hop to soul and pop stardom, all while staying true to his values, reflects the depth of his talent and his vision for the future of music.