Aloe Blacc: The Soulful Voice of Modern Pop

Aloe Blacc is an American singer, songwriter, and rapper whose soul-infused pop anthems have achieved global commercial success. Hailing from Southern California, his career reached a stratospheric level with the multi-platinum single "Wake Me Up," a collaboration with Swedish DJ Avicii that dominated charts worldwide in 2013.

Early career

Born Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III in 1979, Aloe Blacc began his musical journey in the late 1990s as one-half of the hip-hop duo Emanon alongside producer Exile. His early work was rooted in underground hip-hop, with the pair releasing independent projects throughout the 2000s. Blacc's solo shift toward soul and folk began with his 2006 album "Shine Through" on Stones Throw Records, showcasing his evolving vocal style.

Breakthrough

Aloe Blacc's mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2010 with the single "I Need a Dollar," the theme song for the HBO series "How to Make It in America." The track became an international hit, propelling his major-label debut album, "Good Things," on Interscope Records to gold certification in the United Kingdom. This success firmly established him as a compelling new voice in soul-pop.

Key tracks

I Need a Dollar — This soulful anthem served as his global breakout hit, capturing the economic anxiety of the era and topping charts across Europe.

Wake Me Up — His vocal feature on Avicii's folk-house fusion track became a cultural phenomenon, reaching number one in over 20 countries and achieving diamond certification in several markets.

The Man — The lead single from his 2013 album "Lift Your Spirit" sampled Elton John's "Your Song" and earned Blacc a platinum record in the United States.

Brooklyn in the Summer — This 2018 single marked a return to his soul roots, offering a smooth, nostalgic ode to his adopted hometown.

Following his explosive success, Blacc released the album "Lift Your Spirit" in 2013, which debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart and was certified gold. He has since collaborated with a diverse range of artists, from producer David Guetta to Latin star David Bisbal, and has been an advocate for artists' rights and music education. His later work includes the 2020 album "All Love Everything," which further refined his blend of personal songwriting and polished soul-pop production.

Fans of Aloe Blacc's uplifting soul and pop craftsmanship may also enjoy the music of John Legend for his similar blend of piano-driven soul and pop appeal. The retro-inspired sound of Leon Bridges offers a complementary take on classic soul aesthetics. Listeners might also appreciate the heartfelt songwriting of Andra Day, who carries a powerful vocal presence in modern R&B. The genre-blending pop approach of Portugal. The Man, though more rock-oriented, shares a similar knack for crafting anthemic, socially-conscious hits.

Aloe Blacc's catalog receives regular airplay on a variety of radio formats featured on this website, including mainstream pop stations, adult contemporary channels, and dedicated soul music streams. His timeless hits and newer releases maintain a strong presence across our network's online radio stations.

Listeners can discover the soulful pop music of Aloe Blacc by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com, where his defining hits and latest tracks are featured in regular rotation.