Aloe Blacc is an award-winning rapper, singer-songwriter, and prominent figure in the music industry. He pursued linguistics and psychology at the University of Southern California before embarking on his musical career. Blacc's portfolio ranges from his early involvement in the hip-hop duo Emanon to his solo career defined by chart-topping hits such as "I Need a Dollar," "The Man," and a collaboration on Avicii's single "Wake Me Up," which topped the charts in 103 countries.
Raised by Panamanian immigrants in Southern California, Blacc grew up around the sounds of salsa, merengue, and cumbia. He initially developed his own taste by throwing himself into hip-hop before trying out his soulful voice to other ends. Across three albums, his sound evolved and grew, finding a pocket that reflects the long and beautiful history of American soul with timeless, descriptive songwriting that speaks to the broad range of human experience, from platonic love to love for humanity, from politics to aspiration. Versatile and compassionate, his songwriting is classic in a way that makes categorization irrelevant. Blacc’s lyrics have been paired with dance music and country; always to stirring effect.
“Rather than being defined by a genre, my music follows a theme I call A.I.M.: affirmation, inspiration, and motivation,” he explains. Beloved hits like “I Need a Dollar,” “The Man,” and “Wake Me Up,” with Avicii, may not fall under the same musical umbrella, but they’re united by how they make the listener feel. That’s Blacc’s wheelhouse, the place where he excels. “After so many opportunities to talk about my music and not feel comfortable saying, ‘I’m a pop artist’ or ‘I’m a folk artist,’ I had this realization. My songwriting genre is thematic.”
In the years since launching the album "Lift Your Spirit," Blacc spent time working on an even dearer project: his family. "All Love Everything," his most recent album, is his first collection of material written as a father, a journey that’s expanded Blacc's already heartfelt artistic palette. “Becoming a father made me want to share those experiences in music,” he says, admitting it’s a challenge to translate such a powerful thing into lyrics and melody. But the listeners who have followed Blacc over the course of his career know that his facility with language and sound is deep; if anyone was up to the task, it’s him.
In addition to his solo work, Blacc has collaborated with notable artists like Avicii, Pharrell Williams, and Tiesto, and joined the music project Roseaux. His career has also expanded beyond music with appearances on television shows such as "Glastonbury," "The Falls Festival," "Dancing with the Stars," and "The Bachelor". His ability to engage audiences earned him a spot on The Masked Singer as the "Mushroom" in 2020, and he stepped onto the WrestleMania 31 stage in 2015 to perform "America the Beautiful." Adding to his credits, Blacc has received recognition from prestigious award bodies, including a Brit Award and a Grammy Award. He also uses his platform to make a positive impact, actively participating in the charity Malaria No More.
Recent releases include a collaboration with singer/songwriter ZZ Ward, “Tin Cups” followed by “Free”, which was also written and produced by Blacc for the CNN political commentator Van Jones’ documentary ‘The First Step’, on his criminal justice reform journey to pass the First Step Act, which led to the release of thousands of citizens who have paid their debt to society.
This year celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the global hit "Wake Me Up," an anthem of our generation, co-written and performed by Aloe Blacc. The track's collaboration with the late Avicii resulted in groundbreaking fusion that broke EDM boundaries. In commemorating this milestone, Blacc remembers the power of music to unite and uplift, while also committing to a world where mental health is valued and supported.
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