Anderson .Paak
Biography
Brandon Paak Anderson, known professionally as Anderson .Paak, is an American singer, rapper, drummer, and record producer from Oxnard, California. Born on February 8, 1986, he is of African American and Korean heritage. His early life was marked by hardship; at age seven, he witnessed his estranged father attack his mother and his father was subsequently incarcerated. Later, his mother was also incarcerated for financial crimes. Paak's musical journey began with playing drums at his church as a teenager. Early in his career, he experienced homelessness with his wife and young son after losing his job at a marijuana farm.
Career Beginnings
Initially performing under the stage name Breezy Lovejoy, Paak released his debut mixtape, O.B.E. Vol. 1, in 2012. He gained valuable experience as a drummer for "American Idol" contestant Haley Reinhart. Adopting the name Anderson .Paak, he released his debut studio album, Venice, in 2014. His career gained significant momentum after he was featured on six songs on Dr. Dre's 2015 album, Compton. This collaboration led to him signing with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment.
Solo Success
Paak's second album, Malibu (2016), received critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album. This was followed by Oxnard in 2018 and Ventura in 2019. He has won multiple Grammy Awards, including for the song "Bubblin," the album Ventura (Best R&B Album), and the song "Come Home" (Best R&B Performance).
Collaborative Projects
NxWorries
In 2015, Paak formed the duo NxWorries with producer Knxwledge. They are signed to Stones Throw Records and released their debut album, Yes Lawd!, in 2016. Their second album, Why Lawd?, was released in 2024 and features collaborations with artists like H.E.R., Thundercat, and Snoop Dogg.
The Free Nationals
Paak is frequently accompanied by his band, The Free Nationals, who provide instrumentation and backing vocals. The band, consisting of José Ríos, Ron "T.Nava" Avant, Kelsey Gonzalez, and Callum Connor, has been instrumental in Paak's live performances, including their acclaimed NPR Tiny Desk Concert in 2016. The Free Nationals have also released their own self-titled debut album.
Silk Sonic
In 2021, Paak formed the superduo Silk Sonic with fellow artist Bruno Mars. Their debut single, "Leave the Door Open," became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Their album, An Evening with Silk Sonic, was released in November 2021 and pays homage to 1970s R&B and soul.