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.

Book Aloe Blacc, a Grammy-nominated artist, through The Keynote Curators. Contact us for fees and availability. 

Read More

Videos

Aloe Blacc performs No Doubt’s ‘Don’t Speak’ live on TODAY

Aloe Blacc - I Count On Me (Official Music Video)

Aloe Blacc - All Love Everything (Official Music Video)

Aloe Blacc - My Way (Official Music Video)

Aloe Blacc - I Do (Official Music Video)

Request Availability

Blog Posts

Creativity Keynote Speaker Abigail Posner on Humanity First

Creativity keynote speaker Abigail Posner reveals how curiosity, data, and humanity unlock real innovation.

Read More

Psychological Safety Keynote Speakers Who Transform Workplace Culture

Psychological safety determines how fast truth moves at work. Here's what it really means and who to bring to the room.

Read More

Giving Effective Feedback Without Sounding Mean

Learn how communication expert Sarita Maybin teaches leaders to give effective and meaningful feedback without sounding harsh using simple, powerful phrases.

Read More

Magic Card Trick by Jon Dorenbos You Have To See to Believe

Jon Dorenbos performs a jaw-dropping magic card trick that reveals how misdirection, preparation, and mindset create unforgettable moments.

Read More

Courage in Leadership That Turns Fear into Purpose and Action, with Julian Pistone

Discover how courage in leadership transforms fear into purpose and action, with insights from keynote speaker Julian Pistone.

Read More

Positivity at Work Is a Trust Signal, Not a Mood

Positivity at work isn't a mood: it's a trust signal. Here's how to build the conditions where hope is rational and progress is real in your workplace.

Read More

Related Entertainment Speakers

Get in TouchContact US

Fill out the form so we can best understand your needs.

A representative from The Keynote Curators will reach out to you.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Fill out the form so we can best understand your needs.
    A representative from The Keynote Curators will reach out to you.

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is hidden when viewing the form