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Trending in Aloe Blacc’s World

Crazy

Single2022

Story

Quick Facts

Born
1979

From
United States of America

Journey

Aloe Blacc, born Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III in Laguna Hills, California, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer whose work spans soul, R&B, hip-hop, and pop. Raised by Panamanian immigrants in Southern California, he grew up surrounded by Latin music, soul records, and hip-hop culture, influences that shaped a musical identity rooted in both classic songwriting and contemporary rhythm. Blacc began his career in the 1990s as one half of the underground hip-hop duo Emanon while studying linguistics and psychology at the University of Southern California. His early recordings focused on rap, but he gradually moved toward singing and live instrumentation, developing the warm baritone voice that would become his signature. In 2006, he released his debut solo album “Shine Through” on Stones Throw Records, introducing a sound that combined soul, folk, jazz, and hip-hop. International recognition arrived with “I Need a Dollar” (2010), a global hit that brought him to a much wider audience. His second album, “Good Things,” further established him as a major contemporary soul artist. Blacc achieved worldwide success through his collaboration with Swedish producer Avicii on “Wake Me Up” (2013), one of the best-selling digital singles of its era. He followed that breakthrough with “Lift Your Spirit” (2014), which included the hit “The Man.” His catalogue later expanded with projects such as “All Love Everything” (2020), reflecting a continued emphasis on optimism, family, and social connection. Known for pairing soulful vocal delivery with sharp rap sensibility, Blacc has collaborated with artists including Avicii, Fashawn, CRFT, and Sir Veterano. Releases such as “Crazy” and “Castle,” issued during 2021–2022 through BeatCurve and Fresh Yard Records, demonstrate his continued creative activity across contemporary soul and pop formats. Blacc has received Grammy Award nominations and international recognition for both his recordings and songwriting. Beyond music, he has devoted significant time to family life, philanthropy, arts education, and advocacy for fair compensation for songwriters and musicians. That commitment to community has become an important part of his public identity, shaping how audiences view both the artist and the person behind the name.