Book Aloe Blacc through The Keynote Curators

Biography

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.

Contact us for Aloe Blacc fees and availability

Read More

Videos

For Meeting Planners

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.

  • 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

Blog Posts

Negotiation Is the Most Analog Skill Leaders Can’t Outsource

Negotiation Is the Most Analog Skill Leaders Can’t Outsource

Negotiation is still a human skill. Here's why the most analog part of work matters more as AI takes over the rest.

Read More
Why High Performers Fall Into the When-Then Trap (and How to Escape It)

Why High Performers Fall Into the When-Then Trap (and How to Escape It)

High performers often delay their own well-being for "someday." Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe explains why, and what to do instead.

Read More
Business Culture Is Built in Small Moments, with Chris Dyer

Business Culture Is Built in Small Moments, with Chris Dyer

Chris Dyer explains how everyday leadership moments shape business culture, trust, and whether employees choose to stay.

Read More
25th Anniversary of 9/11

25th Anniversary of 9/11

Twenty-five years is a strange distance. It’s long enough for 9/11 to start sounding like history to people who weren’t alive for it, and close enough that many of us can still say exactly where...

Read More
Why Remote Work Is Quietly Breaking Your Team’s Ability to Innovate

Why Remote Work Is Quietly Breaking Your Team’s Ability to Innovate

Shawn Kanungo explains why remote work quietly damages innovation, even when it boosts individual productivity. Here's the real cost.

Read More
Networking Redefined: Eat, Drink, and Succeed, with Laura Schwartz

Networking Redefined: Eat, Drink, and Succeed, with Laura Schwartz

Laura Schwartz reveals what real networking looks like: service, presence, and community over status and self-interest.

Read More
Toxic Workplace Culture Starts Quietly and Grows in Silence

Toxic Workplace Culture Starts Quietly and Grows in Silence

A toxic workplace rarely starts with cruelty. It starts with silence. Here's how leaders can spot it early and build real trust instead.

Read More
How to Design Events People Actually Remember with Carrie Davenport

How to Design Events People Actually Remember with Carrie Davenport

Carrie Davenport on why great events are built on human connection, not just agendas. Lessons for event planners, leaders, and teams.

Read More