Your Favorite Artist’s Favorite Artist with Anderson .Paak

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Your Favorite Artist’s Favorite Artist with Anderson .Paak"

Podcast: Baby, This is Keke Palmer
Host: Keke Palmer
Guest: Anderson .Paak
Release Date: January 6, 2026

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Main Theme

This spirited episode sees singer-actress Keke Palmer sit down with Grammy-winner Anderson .Paak for a vibrant, personal, and humorous conversation. Centered on creativity, reinvention, musical heritage, family, and the evolving landscape of artistry, the discussion digs into Anderson’s approach to music, his new creative ventures in fashion and filmmaking, his experience as a father, and the insights he’s gained from collaborating with legends. The episode offers plenty of laughter, rich music talk, candid moments, and ends with a throwback hip-hop game that showcases their mutual love for Black culture and history.

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Key Topics & Insights

1. Anderson’s Uniqueness and Influence

• Anderson has long stood out by blending genres, bringing “fun” and live instrumental energy back to contemporary music, and creating a distinct brand with fashion and authenticity.
• Reflects on early challenges being “different” and how being true to himself became his greatest asset.
  • “I was always trying to do that even when I had nothing...I always wanted to have my own individual swag and do something that different people didn’t have.” (13:58)

2. Childhood, Family, and Fatherhood

• Grew up deeply influenced by church, family, and music, trying to offer the same to his kids.
• Discusses homeschooling his children, the struggle of letting them find their path, and how his teenage son is now making music on his own terms.
  • “When I was doing that, he kind of just backed off…once I backed up off him...he started playing drums by himself.” (09:03)

3. Creative Process and Collaboration

• Believes chemistry is key in collaborations—prefers real, non-transactional relationships for making enduring music.
  • “If some people are really shy and they want me to take the lead, I’m down to do that…I’m a team player, so it’s good.” (22:11)
• Sets the vibe in the studio with candles, fun, and open conversation.
• Recaps his Mariah Carey collaboration—how a FaceTime led to a genuine musical relationship.
  • “She’s such an amazing writer… so many jokes, so much fun.” (25:23)

4. Approach to Reinvention

• Advocates for learning new things (like DJing), remaining a “learner, not a know-it-all,” and drawing inspiration from outside the studio.
  • “Sometimes it’s not fun for me anymore to be in a studio with no windows and try to pull a song from thin air. Sometimes I need to… start from the ground up on something else.” (26:19)
• Credits competition and mutual inspiration with Bruno Mars for stretching creatively during Silk Sonic era (27:28).

5. Navigating Industry Trends and Hitmaking

• Values originality over trend-chasing, but understands the balance between art and the business of hit-making.
  • “You have to consider things, what the climate, what’s going on…where do you want to take your company, where you want your business.” (30:09)
• Believes true hits come from authentic creative excitement (goosebumps, feeling, and belief), though hard work and sometimes luck play a big part (33:17).

6. Genre-Blending and Musical Joy

• Anderson’s music merges gospel, soul, funk, hip-hop, R&B, and rock—driven by fun, humor, pain, and unbridled creativity.
  • “I’m just doing me…when I’m producing, I’m having so much fun. I want to make something now that is exciting to me.” (36:21)
• Enjoys seeing live instrumentation return and is pushing boundaries with his new production team, NWI Instruments (38:47).

7. Legacy, AI, and Artistic Value

• Addresses his tattoo: an instruction not to release unfinished or posthumous works—emphasizing consent and artistic intent.
• Skeptical about AI music, believing a real human connection will always hold more value.
  • “There’s no getting around it. We’re gonna make this here like the caviar…” (46:05)
• Urges artists to own their brand, diversify skills, and resist undervaluing themselves to digital platforms.

8. Giving Back: The Brandon Anderson Foundation

• Created to provide music exposure and resources for underserved youth, running free concerts (“Pack House in the Park”) that bring major artists to local families.
  • “I truly believe that without being exposed to [music]…I could have been exposed to something else that influenced me in an early age. So that’s what I wanted to do with my foundation.” (48:08)

9. Directorial Debut: “K-Pop” The Movie

• Talks about “K-Pop,” a family comedy film exploring the meeting of cultures and generations, inspired by his son and made during the pandemic.
  • “He inspired me to write a script, and my whole house at the time was obsessed with K Pop…” (52:01)

10. Game Segment – Hip Hop “Quotables”

• Keke and Anderson go head-to-head in a competitive and playful hip-hop trivia game, showing off their knowledge of rap lyrics, moments, and Black music history. Laughter, stress, and deep-cut references abound.
  • “Real Gs move in silence like lasagna.” (Lil Wayne, 57:02)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being a trendsetter vs. chasing trends:
  “I don’t care what they’re doing…I don’t really wanna know what my peers are doing…you gotta tap in, but…” (29:28)

• On musical legacy and refusing posthumous releases:
  “…please don’t get egregious. Don’t start dipping into the voice notes and getting Diplo to remix it and catering on remix.” (43:10)

• On AI and the irreplaceable value of live art:
  “As an artist, I think it’s important to still have something you can just do…you don’t need wifi to capture people’s attention and keep them captivated.” (44:42)

• Closing affirmation:
  “I’m the ecosystem.” (Keke Palmer, 47:32)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:21] - Anderson .Paak joins, mutual praise, and playful banter
• [04:51] - Discussion on live music, instrumentation, and influences
• [07:01] - Anderson on opening his club “Andy's” and wellness routines
• [08:01] - Fatherhood, homeschooling, and nurturing kids’ individuality
• [12:09] - “Favorite artist’s favorite artist” & creative pressure
• [15:55] - Meeting Dr. Dre, joining Compton album
• [17:58] - How career changed after Dre; industry experiences
• [22:11] - Collaboration chemistry and studio energy
• [23:54] - Collab with Mariah Carey and songwriting process
• [26:19] - Thoughts on reinvention and learning new crafts
• [36:21] - On genre-blending and musical joy
• [38:16] - Shoutouts to Jane Hancock collab, Snoop Dogg, new production team
• [42:22] - Tattoo about posthumous releases & legacy
• [46:05] - Deep dive on AI, streaming, and value of live art
• [48:03] - The Brandon Anderson Foundation’s mission and events
• [51:11] - Directorial debut: “K-Pop” with his son
• [54:05] - Hip-hop “Quotables” game segment

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Overall Tone

Energetic, funny, honest, and deeply rooted in Black creative excellence and culture. The episode balances wisdom, humility, and pure fun—a testament to Anderson .Paak’s multi-hyphenate appeal and Keke Palmer’s gift for connection.

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Takeaway

This episode is a masterclass in embracing multi-dimensional artistry, prioritizing joy and authenticity, and leaving a legacy rooted not just in talent but in genuine connection and community. Both Anderson and Keke exemplify how reinvention, vulnerability, and groundedness can fuel an artist’s journey for the long run.

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Recommended For:
Fans of music, culture, and purposeful creativity—and anyone who appreciates authentic, joy-filled conversations about art, legacy, and living with intention.

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For updates and behind-the-scenes, follow Baby, This is Keke Palmer on Instagram and TikTok.

Transcript

[A]

From the stage to the screen, Anderson Paak is one of one Grammy winner, director, fashion risk taker, and certified trendsetter. He's carved out a lane all on his own, blending sounds, flipping styles, and keeping it fun every step of the way. Whether he's tearing it up with silk Sonic or stepping out in his silk suit and loafers, Anderson doesn't chase the moment. He he makes it. Today we're talking about his latest music, his directorial debut, and how fatherhood, fashion, and reinvention are shaping this next chapter. And yes, we're getting into the Mariah Carey of it all too. So let's get into it. Baby, this is Keke Palmer. No matter what we doin in the car Just chillin pop on Amazon music Sit back and listen Life, love, sex, science covering it all especially the bad Cause money always falls no matter what it is we gon make it make sense nothing else will do but kick it with the homies and kids you a drink and a snack you enjoy and get into the vibe that only you know it's your girl this is, this is Kiki, baby. This is Kiki Palmer. Yeah. Ah. Season two of Baby this is Keke Palmer is a wrap. And baby, what a ride. We're taking a little break to cook up what's next for season three. And trust me, we've got some fire in the works and I cannot wait to share with y' all soon. But first, a big thank you for watching, listening, sharing, and showing up every week. From Shelly and Alandria to Usher, Lizzo, and the one and only Mariah Carey, the incredible conversations, the laughs, the honesty. Ooh, the moments. Every episode has been pure joy and I hope you've loved them as much as I have. If you've missed a few, don't worry. This is your cue to catch up. Check out the episodes you might have missed on YouTube and make sure to follow our new Baby this is Keke Palmer. Instagram and TikTok for updates and a few surprises while we're away. We'll be back in 2026. Bigger, better and bolder than ever. I love y' all so much. Stay tuned because baby, this is Keke Palmer. And we're just getting started. Anderson Paak. Welcome to Baby this is Keke Palmer.

[B]

It's an honor and a pleasure.

[A]

You know, I always see you out and we always dancing and cutting up somewhere. So it's good to sit down and talk with you.

[B]

It's amazing and I'm so proud. Look at this. This is beautiful. You got budget okay.

[A]

Come on, bud.

[B]

It feels like it. You know what I'm saying? I'm seeing money, you know, so.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I'm so happy for you. And this is so, like, such a pleasure to be able to, like, sit down with you. I always see you having fun, and you're someone that I really look up to and, like, so proud and to see, like, how versatile you are and smart, funny, and you just been killing it for years.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

And so humble. And I don't know, I'm just really. It's just. It's a big honor and a big pleasure to be here.

[A]

Anderson. It takes one to know one. I mean, you do everything under the sun. You need to sit down and teach me how to play some of these instruments.

[B]

Anything you want. Anything you want.

[A]

So you did the pre show pull up questionnaire. I love doing this with my guests. Cause it just, you know, lets me get into the mind of you. So today I'm giving you said superstar period with a side of sparkle.

[B]

You feel me?

[A]

And you know, I'm mad because I was thinking to myself, like, should I wear this sparkly dress? I'm like, anderson coming. I know he gonna come with the fashion. And I feel that you've upstaged me.

[B]

I'm glad you didn't do it to yourself. Cause I think you're perfect. Where you at? You know I'm hotter than a labubu.

[A]

Oh, my God. The little boo boo's done taking over.

[B]

I'm telling you now, child.

[A]

And the hair, the bob is bobbing stiff. Wear.

[B]

I mean, okay, you got your angles right. And what's the ETA on that tequila?

[A]

I love a drink. We do need a bar up in here.

[B]

Just a little sip.

[A]

Okay, Today's mood, in one word, is yes, Lord. Period. What's yes, Lord to you?

[B]

Yes, Lord.

[A]

We in church.

[B]

I mean, I grew up in church. Me too. Me too. I take the church with me. You know, even, you know that I'm older now and, you know, go all over the world, but I'm still a church kid at heart, so that's where it comes from. And you know, it's just like. It's just the best expression for any situation.

[A]

It's not on you, it's in you.

[B]

Yeah, that's right.

[A]

Okay, what did you listen to? On the right here? E, W and F. Now put me on.

[B]

What's the E, W That's more commonly known as earth, wind and fire.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Yes.

[B]

You feel me?

[A]

And we're earth and air. Right here.

[B]

Because you're an Aquarius. In Virgo.

[A]

In Virgo. We just need a little fire.

[B]

Something right there.

[A]

Yes. Okay. So which what era of Earth, Wind and Fire were you listening to?

[B]

I was listening to the 70s stuff, so I think it was like. It was on the radio when I was pulling up, so I think it was fantasy that I was playing.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Such an incredible group.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And I feel like we don't. I mean, like. I mean, obviously, with Silk, Sonic, y' all gave us a taste of what it feels like having something like that in this era, but I feel like it's so different. I don't know if it's. Cause people don't do live instrumentation.

[B]

People don't have fun no more. They don't dress. They don't like, you know, like, where is this at?

[A]

Perform.

[B]

Yeah, perform. And you see how tight them outfits was and the crazy feathers. And there's 30 people on stage all rocking and playing instruments. And I don't know, like, I miss that part in R and B music and hip hop and the whole genre. I think, like, people having fun, people being rock stars and, you know, showing out and playing instruments and seeing bands. Seeing black bands.

[A]

Yes. Yes.

[B]

Love to see that. More of that.

[A]

Me, too. We definitely thank you for being able to give us some of that. So I gotta highlight that because, like, you give us what we can from that. Okay. What's your zodiac sign? Obviously, I said Aquarius, but you don't know your moon and your rising.

[B]

Or do you? Actually, I do. It's funny you should assume, but I actually do. I found out that I am two Capricorn and an Aquarius. Yeah. And I had no clue.

[A]

And I'm like, that's a very level, chilled person that has great direction.

[B]

And I can't stand Capricorns usually, and. But I'm usually surrounded by a lot. And one of my best friends is a Capricorn. And I'm like, wow, that's amazing. Like, makes not a lot of sense at first, but now I think about it, I was like, okay, Capricorn is good with money.

[A]

I'm saying good with money. Very ambitious. I definitely feel that you're that.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So it actually does make a lot of sense.

[B]

It does.

[A]

Okay. What is the most unexpected thing on your talent, writer?

[B]

A framed photo of James Brown.

[A]

So you gotta have that everywhere to go.

[B]

Anywhere I go. Yeah.

[A]

Now, what is it about you and James?

[B]

He's kind of like my fairy Godfather of Soul. You know what I'm Saying, he's right. He looking over me. Yes. Watch out now, Jack.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. James. I wonder what it would have been like to have an evening with James.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

He probably would have took us up and everywhere. We would have been at the club Andy.

[B]

He would have put some cash on him. We would have got some whiskey somewhere. We would have been up to the morning just.

[A]

And a whole bunch of.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

You know that.

[B]

Come on, now.

[A]

Okay. Yes.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And that last screenshot on your phone. No deleting. Show me. I feel like this might be some freak. I'm scared.

[B]

Yeah. That's why I just. Yeah. It was a Bible scripture. Yeah, let's go with that.

[A]

It was a Bible scripture.

[B]

Jesus wept, y' all know.

[A]

And then you gave me your autograph. That's the best. Come on. I'm keeping this forever, and I'm selling it.

[B]

You usually charge for that, so. That's exactly.

[A]

Yes. Well, how are you? How you doing? I know. You were telling me you just opened up your club.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Andy's in West Hollywood.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Live music.

[B]

Before I was up, I didn't sleep, and I just came straight from the club to here.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

You know, I'm in the same suit, you know, changes for you to be.

[A]

Able to pop up.

[B]

That's right. I've been doing the IVs.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

I don't know what the hell is in them pouches. It could be Mountain Dew for all I know.

[A]

But I trust.

[B]

But I'm paying a thousand dollars a pop, man.

[A]

Me, too. I trust it with my life. But every time after, I don't know if I revealed.

[B]

I want to take the pouch and test it and figure out what is. Cause it could be turkey neck broth for all I know.

[A]

Turkey neck broth.

[B]

That's what it kind of looks like.

[A]

Tasty.

[B]

Yeah. Little Gwynne. Mix it with some dressing. No. I don't know what the hell's in there, but I'm trying to do everything I can. I'm getting old. Pushing 40, man.

[A]

We do got to start thinking about our health. I'm definitely on that same tip. And you've been everywhere. You've been doing a lot. I mean, you were on stage at BET Awards, touring for no Worries. Your album, Wild, A new song with my girl Mariah. I mean, did you get a chance to do anything fun with your kids? Or. What was the most exciting part about all this?

[B]

Man, the best thing to do with the kids after doing all that is Just being able to sit down and watch movies with them, talk to them, bug em. You know, I take the friend. My son is 14 now, and my youngest one is 8.

[A]

A teenager.

[B]

Yeah, I got a teenager. And now he has friends and I take him out. You know, we just go, like, go eat, go just chill, just do regular stuff. Go try to go take him shopping. You know, I like going and getting him fresh. He's just starting high school now.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

He's been homeschooled since he was 6. So he begged us to go to school finally. And now we don't got no one to watch his little brother, and we got no one to help us with the TVs and stuff. But he gotta go to school at some point and. And I'm really excited for him. He's playing instruments now and we just jam out. I try to. We watch like, music documentaries and stuff. And he's all into making beats and I'm just like, in awe, you know, My little one is killing. He's singing all the time. And they're both just like. I'm just. I'm in awe of both of them.

[A]

I was literally gonna ask how you feel about them wanting to get into music, but it seems like they already are into it.

[B]

I tried to force it for a long time, you know, I tried to. You go and play drums, you go now getting choreo. I had him and everything. You know what I'm saying? Steady, kinky. Now I'm a go lady. And in my oldest, he. When I was doing that, he kind of just backed off. Like, he's like, oh, no, I want to play baseball. I'm like, what? All these damn drum lessons and drum sets. I done got you all this stuff and now you want to play baseball. So we going to the baseball games. He's striking out, and we got to still be supportive.

[A]

And.

[B]

And then once I backed up off him, I, you know, I started coming around and he was just playing drums by himself. And then all of a sudden, he started playing guitar and bass and stuff that I can't even play. And I think you kind of just have to let them find their way.

[A]

I love that. Cause I do want my son to be into entertainment. But I'm taking this note from you that maybe I should just act like it ain't nothing and see if he finds his way to it.

[B]

That worked for me.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, I had to kind of just let him find it and just give him suggestions here and there.

[A]

Now you say he was homeschooled for six years. I love hearing this because I. I think about this with my son a lot as well. I think part of it is me being like, I want him to be able to be with me. So obviously if he's homeschooled, we can be together more. But I mean, what made you ultimately.

[B]

Decide that we just couldn't wake up early? None of us are morning people. And then I was always traveling and so they kept calling like, he's showing up late. And, you know, and I was like, let's just keep him here with us and figure. Figure it out. And you know, also too, like, exactly. Like, I don't trust nobody around my kids and I'm very protective. And that's all I think about. Like, oh, man, what's going on? And you know, every day something else in the news. So I love that he was able to stay in the house with us for those years and he could be around my sisters and their kids and cousins and family's so important for us. And I have such a big family full of women and they're always around in the house helping out. Everyone's helping with each other's kids. And he got that, you know, like first. And then, you know, he has his church friends, you know, so that's how I grew up too, know, with going to church and I had the kids in church that I was cool with and that was like our little community. And so he has the same thing. And now he can make his debut, his high school debut. And, you know, he could do his four years and he'll be fresh, you know.

[A]

Now your eight year old, did he do homeschooling too?

[B]

He spoiled as hell and he was just born into money. So I don't know. I really, I want the best, but I don't know, it's like he, he just started like walking on his own because he's been carried around all over everyone. Just like he's like, feet barely touch the ground. And he's also, he's like a model. He just looks, you know, oh my God, the kid is like a little doll. So he's a mama's boy. They're both mama's boys. And he has the most beautiful voice, but he's like very much into his own thing, independent. If he's, you know, seen his brother doing it, he wants to do something completely opposite.

[A]

And so I like, that's just like my little sister.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Now you're one of those creatives that people say like, literally, you're your Favorite artist. Favorite artist. How does that impact your creativity? Or does it ever feel like pressure knowing that people look to you? Even everybody's favorites looking to you?

[B]

I think it's. I'm. I'm humbled, and it's. It's awesome to hear that, because when I was coming up, that's really all I cared about was, like, the respect of people that I looked up to. And I was always thinking, like, okay, like, I'm inspired by them, but how can I do this different, do it my own way? And, you know, individuals like, you know, Andre 3000, Lauryn Hill, and of course, like, Michael and Stevie and D', Angelo, the list goes on and on. But these guys were people, Prince people that, you know, honed in on their own thing, and I think it inspired lots of generations. So to be one of those people or people to say that, it makes me feel like I'm getting old. But also I'm very happy that I'm able to be within this industry this long where people. I'm seeing now, like, the effect that someone like me that wanted to push playing an instrument. And it wasn't always so, like, you know, was anything that it was trendy or people kind of almost were confused, like, what are you doing? Like, in. Especially in R and B, if you can't. If you weren't Chris Brown or if you weren't, like, Tangella or like, they didn't really know what to do. So I'm coming in playing drums, and I want to look different and just being me and being an individual, and that wasn't always, like, the most trendiest thing and popular thing. And to see that now, people have come around to that, and that void has been filled now with other people that are coming and playing. I think it's awesome, and I'm humbled.

[A]

Yeah. And I think it's the consistency of seeing you be able to do that and take up space in these ways, especially when we talk about R and B and the expectations people have for black men and what it should look like. So, I mean, that consistency over time, I think people start to realize, like, no, no, he's not. That. He's not this. He's Anderson Paak.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Was there a moment for you that you felt like you saw that or even now, is it still something that you're like, okay, I don't know, or.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, I was always trying to do that even when I had nothing. Like, I was always. I wasn't concerned about trying to fit in or anything like that. I always wanted to have own individual swag and do something that different people didn't have. If I couldn't afford it, I was trying to go to the thrift store and, like, okay, I can afford this. This is going to be my swag for the whole year. I might be in this denim jacket and you doing this. And I would try to do something that would keep me. Keep it, like, oh, that's only him. And so. And I'm coming up in la and everybody does something, and everyone's talented or maybe they don't have talent, but sometimes people just got more style or more drive, more hustle. So you always doing stuff to be, like, stand out in this, like, sea of endless sea of, like, artists and managers and all these people. And you want just people to be like, oh, no. I remember him like, yes, that's. That boy came through with the bob and the boots, and. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

Yes. Something that's original.

[B]

No, you know, it's just, like, just having fun. And so I think, you know, when by the time I got signed to Dr. Dre, like, this is 2015, I was. I had really wasn't thinking about getting signed anymore. I kind of thought that I had missed that boat. I was in my 30. Like, 30 or something, and I was like, that's not happening. So, you know, instead of me trying to chase that, I'm just gonna really try to hone in on being, you know, something so unique, something so, like, undeniable. That's me. That I can do that. You know, everyone's gonna be able to, like, see that, and I'll be able to garner my own fan base without a label and stuff like that. And when I got into Dre, I was so confident in what I could do, that I think that he really respected that and loved that. And I wasn't someone that came in and was like, okay, I'm gonna write for you and just try to fit in or do something that you can do. I'm someone that's gonna do Anderson Paak and what I can do. And I think he loved that. And that's when I really, really felt like, oh, wow. Like, this is paying off now.

[A]

Yeah. And somebody's seeing me, and it's like, one of the main people that you. That you know to be seen by. Tell me about how y' all met in that relationship and what you kind of learned from him, you know, through working with him.

[B]

Man, the biggest thing I learned was, you know, just take every opportunity. Like, it's your. You know, like, it could be your last one and. Cause I honestly, I didn't think I was gonna meet him. I almost didn't do the session because I came up writing in la and, you know, everyone was like, once a week, you always get a call about Detox. You're writing for Dre and doing all that stuff, and he became like a mythical creature at one point. I didn't think I was gonna meet him or anything. I was like, he's. That ain't never happening, you know, Right? Dre's like. My manager's like. At the time, my manager was like, yo, come to the studio and, you know, work on Dre's album. I'm like, sure, you know, I'm work on my album, you know? And they begged me to go. And then I went begrudgingly. And I walked in, the first two people I see are Dre and Doc, And I'm like, oh, wow, this is really happening. And so I walk in, and I go in the studio, I meet Dre. He's really cool. I go in the studio, I meet these two writers, Mez and jt, and they're working on a Dre album, and they loved my song Suede. I had a song called Suede at the time. Smooth in a mother Suede on the inside them vocals. Yeah, yeah. You feel me? I'm still waiting on that tequila, but I don't. So I walk in, you know, everybody going crazy. I got a little hot song at the time, and it was this. Before, like, I had anything on, like, Spotify really, or anything like that. I mean, I had one project, but that song was really bubbling within, like, Bandcamp and the Soundcloud World and all this stuff with my boy Knowled. And we had a group called no Worries, and we. And that song was going around, and those writers loved it, and they played it for Dre, and Dre played it, like, three times in a row. And after that, he just kept inviting me to the studio. And then all of a sudden, he dropped an album, and I was all over it.

[A]

I mean, that Compton album was huge. And I think, like, obviously people were loving you before then, but this was, like, a huge moment. How did your career, you feel, change after that? How soon did you.

[B]

I started getting a lot of family members I didn't know and never heard of and getting different calls. We miss you. We need, you know, a lot of. A lot of Apple pay requests and stuff like that. Venmos and stuff.

[A]

Come on.

[B]

And I changed my number with the Quickness. And, you know, I was. I got a few things, you know, tsa pre check, you know, Okay, I wasn't playing around. Now I'm stepping things up. I got my first, you know, foreign. I was dipping in the Beamer at the time, the one with the doors go up. I had to do that. I had to do that on him. And then, you know, I was just like, mama, where you want to live? You know, hopefully somewhere cheap. And she said, atlanta. I was like, thank God.

[A]

Cheap.

[B]

Yeah, go get two of them at the time. Yeah, we can go crazy. Go ahead, get two of them things. Yeah. And, yeah, it was just like. Everything was, like, moving fast. And the crazy part is Dre put out an album, and no one thought he was gonna put out an album. And he actually put it out and then had me all over it. And it was a surprise album. And then everyone was like, what you gonna do now? And so I had to do something. My next move had to be the best move. I was working on my project at the time. So now everybody was coming and wanted to work. So it was cool. I had a little more leverage and I could put together. I was already putting together a project, but I could finish it now. And with the people that I really wanted to do songs with, like 9th Wonder and Mad Lib and High Tech and getting some cool features, like from Schoolboy Q. And, you know, everybody that was a part of that Malibu album, it was, like, very pivotal for us. And I wasn't signed. Dre hadn't signed me yet, and so everybody wanted to sign me. All of a sudden, I couldn't buy a deal before that. And then everyone was like, let's talk. Let's talk.

[A]

Isn't it so funny how the industry does like that, that sometimes they just don't know until somebody tells them that it's something? And I hate that about it. You know what I mean? But it is dope when you can find a collaborative partner that you roc, and then you could just stick with that.

[B]

You gotta stick with it as an artist. You just gotta trust your gut, you know? And, like, all those people, like, those. Everyone swears they know, they don't know. And only one that knows, really, is you as the artist, you know, that's why you can't let anybody, you know, deter your focus. And so I was glad that I was able to finish that and eventually sign to Dre. Like, if I'm sign with anybody, it's gonna be with the big homie. And, yeah, it was a whirlwind I was going doing tours all over the world, and that was the first time I got to see, like, after that, people were, like, waiting out, like, big lines for the shows, and we're going overseas and we had a tour bus, you know.

[A]

Ah, that experience. That experience. I mean, you've worked with so many artists. Mac Miller, Gwen Stefani, Lotto, Raven Lanae, obviously, Dr. Dre, Bruno Mons. I mean, the list goes.

[B]

Paul McCartney, the game.

[A]

Ooh, I love. Come on now. I mean, what makes the perfect collaboration? Because all these people are different, you know, like when, like, how do you know the vibe is right? Cause obviously genre. It don't matter the genre, right, baby? This is icky Palma. Yeah. Ugh. I just had the most incredible time in Chicago, and I cannot stop thinking about it. I just hosted my debut Airbnb original experience, and, honey, it was absolutely everything. Let me set the scene. One amazing Chicago kitchen. Me and my pops bringing the energy, the coolest people ever, and a local chef who was straight fire. Okay? We weren't just cooking. We were creating magic, making memories and filling that space with so much laughter and love. This wasn't your average cooking class, okay? We walked in as strangers with recipes and walked out as friends with stories. Dad had the whole room dying with his play by play commentary and watching cooking newbies turn into kitchen pros. Absolutely priceless. The food was restaurant level, amazing. But what really got me was seeing confidence bloom and watching instant friendships form over every shared bite. Some of life's best adventures happen in the most intimate setting, and you can find them through Airbnb experiences.

[B]

I mean, I honestly, I'm an artist people kind of person, so I just try to keep the vibes of. I like to, like, help, you know, it's like, so if I. If some people are really shy and they want me to take, you know, the lead, I'm down to do that. If, you know, some people are like, there's only room for one star. It's like, it's all good. Let me take this jacket off. We good if you want what you need. You know what I'm saying? Like, it's all good. So, you know, I still know what's going on. It's like, I'm a team player, so it's good, you know, and not everybody knows what they want to do, so it's like, great. I got some ideas. Some people know exactly what they want, which is even better. It's like, tell me how I can help, you know, so you just gotta go in and I Think it's about, like, you know, having conversations, getting to know people. You know, a lot of people wanna do collabs. They wanna send a track. They don't wanna know, they don't never met. They don't have any connection. And it's very transactional and stuff. And sometimes if they have a big budget, transactional interactions are great. But sometimes it's like, let's talk, let's see each other. Cause I don't know, maybe this song could be really big and we're gonna have to perform it sometime. Or maybe we're gonna have to be in the same room together and it'd be cool if we have some kind of chemistry. It could help with the record. I don't know.

[A]

What type of vibe do you put on when you in the session?

[B]

Set some candles.

[A]

Come on. Candles turn up. They light.

[B]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

Light some candles.

[B]

Feathers and whatnot.

[A]

Yes. So you're a mood setter. Yeah, I love that. I love that. I'm definitely gonna need to get in the studio with y'. All. I'm ready. I need this vibe. Yeah, this sounds like the vibe. I mean, of course, there's Mariah Carey and the record that you guys did type Dangerous, and then you got on the new album. Did y' all know each other before? Like, how did you guys collab? You know, how did that come up?

[B]

I mean, of course, I've known and been a huge fan of her since forever, but, yeah, we had never crossed paths. And the first time, like, interaction we had, my team was like, mariah wants to work with you, and she wants to get on a phone call with you. And I was like, oh, shoot, all right, let me set some candles up in my own spot. You know what I'm saying? I got fully dressed and said, okay, let's do this one time. The Zoom. She's like, it's not a zoom. Just, you know, it's gonna be all right. Well, sorry. FaceTime. Yeah. So I just got on the phone and. Hello. You know, like, the smoky tone. And I was like, yeah, what's going on? Say, P. What we doing? Yes, I'm gonna tell you what we doing, actually. I've been studying you for a long time. I got some ideas. Wow. She was like, you know, my band is a big fan of yours, and. And I heard great things, and I can't wait to work. And I was like. I had a feeling we were gonna hit it off. Like, she was gonna be fun. And I was watching her video, like, interviews and videos. I was like, oh, she's, like, gonna be so good.

[A]

Really good sense of humor. Yeah, really good sense of humor. And I had her on the show, and I was asking her. And I'm gonna ask you. Cause she said there was a lot of love with you two. I know. I seen y' all at the gas station holding hands.

[B]

That girl knows she love me now.

[A]

What's T, Boo?

[B]

She knows she love me.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And that's all we gotta really say about that. You know what I'm saying? I put the music first.

[A]

I love that we keep it in business. You know, she loved me, but the love is there.

[B]

It's all up and through there.

[A]

Okay. She had nothing but nice things to say about you. Love type, dangerous.

[B]

Yeah. I love working with mc. It's the best. It's been awesome. And, you know, when you get to work and, like, hang out with people that you're working with, I think it's very important. Sometimes we just go on cruise and go to my club, hang out, play the record that we just made, see how it is working in the room. This is the greatest times. And making that record was awesome. She's such an amazing writer, such amazing producer. Comes in with ideas and just, like, so many jokes, so much fun.

[A]

I can only imagine seeing her in her writing process that's so incredible. I mean, some of my favorite records. I'm wondering to myself, how did she even fit these words in there? Like, in Breakdown, she say some where you, like, how did you even sing that and make that happened? So I imagine that was a really dope experience.

[B]

Yeah, I love it.

[A]

Now, in an interview that you did with Hypebeast, you talked about reinvention as a way to learn it all instead of know it all. And I'm curious about that. Like, what do you feel there's more for you to learn? Like, how does reinvention look for you in real time?

[B]

Yeah, I think there's always stuff for you to learn. I think that's. That's the key. It's like, sometimes I don't have the words, or sometimes, like, I want to write some great stuff, but I'm not tapped in, like, enough, you know? And sometimes you could force it and push it, but I don't know. Like, sometimes it's not fun for me anymore to be in a studio with no windows and, like, try to pull a song from thin air. Sometimes I need to, like, I need to do something else. I need to learn. I need to experience something else. I need to start from the ground up on Something I need to. I want to learn and study something else and try to begin to master that and learn more about that. And it's all a journey for me. And I get inspired, you know, from taking the journey. Then it's like, oh, now I can take this and bring it here. So I've been getting into DJing. You know, I started DJing when I was doing Silk Sonic, and we started DJing. I started DJing my after parties. And, you know, me and Bruno are super competitive, you know, And I think it helped for the music, you know, and when we got on that stage, you know, sometime I get some flare pants. Then I go on, you know, next day I see he got the flare pants, but they're bedazzled.

[A]

I'm like, all right.

[B]

I get some leather snakeskin boots. Then I see he got the custom snakeskin boots with the custom heel on it. Giving people the illusion that we might be the same height or even he's taller. Get crazy. So I had to do everything short of putting on a damn bob wig just so I can survive in this world, you know? So I start DJing, and that's how it is. You gotta survive. But I start DJing just for fun, just so I can have something to do, you know, keep my mind preoccupied and, you know, learn a different craft. And I started loving it. Cause you see how records affect people. You see what timeless records do all over the world. These records work. And you see the connection they have. Like talking about love, real instruments, you know, like, uplifting people so they feel good when they're dancing and they're not thinking about the lyrics. Like, wait, can I is this.

[A]

And that is so real with the dancing man. Like, getting like. I don't know if we were lied to when we were kids, but, like, I remember watching TV and being like, I can't wait till to go to club dancing. I can't wait to see.

[B]

I'm learning all these moves.

[A]

Yeah. And I feel like there are spots that have it. Like I said. I definitely want to check out Andy's. Cause I'm sure they're dancing up in your spot. But, like, music that allows us to dance, not just play cool and sit up on the wall. You know what I'm saying? It really makes us feel something.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. And so I think that's what it is. Like learning about all these things. And I think it allows you to reinvent yourself. And in this industry, I think that that's a big part of it. And again, the people that I Came up with watching and admiring. They all did that. They all changed it up. Different cycles. Things get boring and want to switch it up. Now I'm going by this moniker now. I'm doing this. And as artists, we have that freedom. That's the whole beauty of being artists and tapping into that and getting deep into that. And the fans and the people that maybe feel like they can't do that or they fear doing that, they're looking at us to do that and inspire them.

[A]

So when you're working with other artists, do you look at the landscape of music at the time? Is that something that comes into your mind?

[B]

I try not to. I don't care what they're doing. I mean, people want to be. You gotta see so and so. And I'm like, no, I don't, like, I don't wanna. Just especially people like my, like in my. My peers.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, I don't really wanna know what they're doing. You know, it's more power to them. But I gotta, you know, you gotta tap in and, you know.

[A]

Yeah, I know what I'm saying. Cause I'm curious, you know, it's like. It's like when the tides change, does it matter? You know? Cause if you're a trendsetter, then it shouldn't matter. You should just set the trend. But then also it's like, oh, the charts. And like, you know, are those things that you care about, if an artist cares about it that you're working with?

[B]

I think you gotta be truthful with yourself as an artist. And I think that every time you go out putting, if you are an artist that is making a living off of this, you're also an entrepreneur. You're a business person, right.

[A]

Period.

[B]

So you have to consider things, what the climate, what's going on, where do you want to take your company, where you want to take your business. As an entrepreneur, where do you want to go with it and how are you going to evolve? And I don't know, you would think as a business you want to grow and getting more people to know you should be part of it. I don't know. Some people want to keep it boutique, but there's things that go into keeping it boutique, too, Right? Keeping it consistent, you know, where you getting your stuff from, and there's things, you know. So I think that, yeah, you're aware of all these things. And I don't know, I've had a number one before, and then I've had songs that are like cult classic backpacker stuff that you Know, only certain people know. And I love both feelings. There's nothing like being able to go into all these rooms and, you know, having that respect and having these records that you can play in all these rooms. There's nothing like having a number one record, you know what I'm saying? And, like, people could be like, I don't care about that and this and that until you get one and then you out and God knows where. And I'm a leader, and they know that. You know what I'm saying? It's like, whoa, you know, you can always play that, have that in your pocket.

[A]

Do you think there's a science to.

[B]

That kind of thing?

[A]

Because I always think about the fact that, like, okay, hit me, baby one more time. That's a hit. But would it have been a hit on Brandi? You know what I mean? Have you ever. That was a hit on Brandi, but would that have been a hit on Pink? You know?

[B]

Right. I think there's no getting around work ethic and hard work. And I think that you can argue there's a science, you know, like, Michael Jordan got tons of rings and Kobe and Michael Jackson did it multiple times. Beyonce, like Bruno, you know, I think that some people tap into a work ethic, and they know what it takes to make something hit for themselves. And also, again, the artists themselves, maybe that's really what they want as artists. They don't want to make a song that no one knows. They want to make huge songs, and that's really what they want to do. So they do everything they can to. In order to do that, to train and make that happen. They put out the song. Maybe the song is not hit right away, but they know maybe if we perform this everywhere and we. We sell it in. In a way that people know how to dance to or know how it's supposed to look, maybe it can start to climb. And then the labels get involved and blah, blah, blah, and then the visuals hit, and then, you know, these things happen. Some people, it's just right away, they. They know how to. You know, and some people, they get lucky. They. They just make a hit. They don't know how to do that again, but they got that happened, and that was a moment. They always have that. And some people make the biggest hits like that. So I think that, yeah, there could be a science, but I think that it's about the artist. And if they want to do that again, if they get into the muscle memory of knowing how to do that again, because I think that's A beautiful thing. It's something that's under appreciated, that the people that actually can do it again. People think it's easy. And some people think you sell out or something and they're doing something cheesy. But it's very hard to. To do it multiple times and keep it.

[A]

It is. And I'm curious if, you know, if there's a click that happens, right. If you feel. When you hear record. Because I know people a lot of times will talk about Rihanna, they'd be like, she knows a hit, right? They're like, she. I've been in the studio with her. She knows a hit when she hears it. Do you know a hit when you hear it?

[B]

There's certain things. I don't know. Sometimes I get goosebumps when I hear certain things, you know, And I'm like, oh, just. You get that feeling and you start. You. You start seeing visuals and stuff. Wow, that's like. I don't know what that equates to, if it's gonna be number one. But it feels like, okay, I can do this. I wanna have this. I wanna perform this. I believe in this. So I think the people are gonna believe in it too. And I think that's a major part of it. Being tapped in and feeling it, you know, like, does this feel right? And you know, when it doesn't feel right, I can probably tell you that. I can tell, you know, with some.

[A]

Songs that I sing, sometimes that's enough to know what it shouldn't be.

[B]

Yeah. And sometimes you think it's gonna be a hit and everyone's gassing it up and the label, everyone. And then you start doing the million dollar music video for it. And you're like, I hate this song. You know?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You ready to do that, Keke?

[A]

I've been there.

[B]

Yeah. You know, it's the worst. And you're just like, I don't wanna ever hear the song.

[A]

And it's even crazier when you don't. Which we've heard many times when an artist doesn't like a song and it actually is the hit that everybody said it was totally. And you gotta do it for the rest of your life.

[B]

I think probably that's how I would know. Cause it's usually the song I hate or I don't even wan. And they're like, why didn't you put this. This is out. Or I put it out and it blows up. And I have no clue. I got a song on the top 10 right now that I had for myself and wrote for myself that I kept damn near 10 years ago. And I just was like, you know what, My boy shout out to DJ Dahi. We wrote this song together right after the Dre thing, and it sat for years. And God bless Dahi. He said, dude, this song is just sitting here. I think it's a hit. Can I give it to my artist? I'm working with Raven Linnae. And I said, well, do that. Go ahead. You know what I'm saying? I done forgot about the song. It's great. Raven got ahold of that song. She added a bridge to it. Next thing you know, I'm in Zara somewhere trying to get some pants for my son. And the song is playing, Then I go to food court, then we go to sushi. And the song playing again. I'm like, hold up. This is my song, ain't it? And they're like, it was your song and gave it to her. And now it's a hit. And I'm like, that's our song. And I knew. I always knew you was gonna be something, Raven.

[A]

And that's the.

[B]

Like, me always believed in you.

[A]

Yes, yes. Like me, you love.

[B]

And we'll be working again very soon. Ain't that right?

[A]

I love her. And honestly, you guys are a match because she's so similar to you where it's, like, truthful to the music, truthful to the sound. Like, I love her. We just had her on the show. She's dope.

[B]

Yeah. Amazing. And that's just gonna. I don't. I don't be knowing, and I just. I just try to go in there and write and make the best song, but sometimes somebody else can take it and make it a hit and. And that's a perfect example. And I love to see it, like, you know, her doing her thing and then performing it all over the place. And now it's going up on the charts, and I don't have very many songs that I was a part of that have really cracked that, you know? So to see that do it, it's like, shout out to dy, Shout out to Raven. I love it.

[A]

I love that. Congrats to them now. Your music has so many different feelings in it from, like, you say you grew up in a church. We got gospel, we got soul, we got funk, R and B, hip hop. How do you. Because I'm sure a lot of people are like, I like everything. This is so big for ours. You go into the sea. I like everything. But how do you actually blend the everything that you like?

[B]

Right? I Think I'm having just so much fun now. Like, at this point, I'm just. There's no one in there in no suit, being like, you gotta do this, you gotta hit that number one. And TikTok views are low. You better blah, blah. Like, I'm just doing me. And, like, now people are hitting me up and they go like, hey, can you produce something? You wanna write something, you wanna just. They love you, they love what you do. And I go with the flow. And then when I'm producing, I'm having so much fun. I wanna make something now that is exciting to me. And when I'm thinking about the listener, I want to take them on a journey. I want them to have fun. And a lot of my music has always had, like, humor and romance and satire, and there's a bit of pain in there too, you know, but it's all about what this song needs is to try to service the song as best as I can. But I love to do these things now where they have breakdowns and intros and. And, you know, going back to Earth, Wind and Fire. There's these big moments where they just might break down and might be just vocals and everyone knows it. And then I'll party a body. Ah. You know, like. And then they go back to the beat and stuff like that. You know, people are doing it. But I feel like, you know, really leaning into that now is so much fun. And as I DJ and I'm seeing people are ready for that.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

They're so tired of, like, the same little thing. And it's like, if you can just do something different and switch it up and have fun, like, that's what I want to do. And that's what I think it is about, blending all these different things. Like, I don't know. Now I want to do some rock stuff, you know, and I want to, like, take it there. And with rock music, you can have these breakdowns and just break it down with drums and you can take it up. And I'm thinking about the arenas and everything. And then, you know, I want to do some trap on, you know.

[A]

Yeah, I love the. Having fun. Having fun and just put, you know, giving a feeling, putting the joy back in it where it's not always chasing something. You did a record that I really love with one of my really good girlfriends, Jane Hancock.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I love the video. Y' all did too, so. Fire.

[B]

Yes. Shout out to Jane and shout out to Crystal Miles and Snoop Dogg.

[A]

Shout out Snoop always.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, that's ankh. And yeah, Jane is just such another one that is such a joy to. To be in the studio with. Who can gospel roots, who can really sing, who can really rap, who's got a production ear. And we're trying stuff and, you know, to go back to touch on, like, how we're blending all these things. Shout out to my. My new production team. We're called NWI Instruments.

[A]

Oh, yes.

[B]

Fire, J Mo and J Pounds. And we have been killing stuff. Shout out to even Daniel Moore. We've been having a blast, like, making these records for artists like Jade and for Mariah. And we're working on more stuff. And we're just like, let's do it. People that are not scared of people coming in or with the live instruments. Cause that's what helps you be able to blend stuff. We really play.

[A]

So.

[B]

You know what I'm saying? Yes.

[A]

I'm making my way over to when Instagram.

[B]

Come on, girl.

[A]

Kiki.

[B]

Yeah, and we doing discounted rates and all that right now, so this would be a good time to do it.

[A]

Okay, so from each of your albums, let's look back. We got Venice, Malibu, Oxnard, Ventura. I mean, Wylaw. Do you see a personal timeline with your music? Like, are you telling a story or just capturing a feel?

[B]

Mm, that's so good, baby.

[A]

This is Hickey Paul.

[B]

My.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I used to just go in and just try to create the best music I could. And then I keep a lot of music for a while, and then I usually let the cream rise and. Oh, these ones still sound good. I still love it. I play stuff for a lot, Do a lot of crowd testing.

[A]

Oh, I love that. It's like Comedians with Stand up.

[B]

Yeah. I play stuff and I see what songs usually get the same reaction. I know. Okay, let's put those away. These are. These songs are special, you know.

[A]

How Motown of you.

[B]

Yeah, that's it. Yeah, exactly. And I love how they did that. And so. And then, you know, and I make stuff and then. And then it comes out, and then I hardly listen to it. But then when we're coming towards the time to sequence. Cause I'm very much an album person. Sequencing and it's very important and, you know, taking care of the fans and not just having songs like, you know, I'm still thinking that someone out there in the world is gonna listen to the album from top to bottom and not, you know. And so I look back, like, my last project, and I'm like, oh, wow. I was actually hurt. I was going through some heartbreak, you Know, you don't really think about it in the time. But then when you're in mastering, listen to these records, like, oh. I was like, wow. Like, this is my therapy. And even though people, sometimes they think it's, you know, it can come off lighthearted and sometimes you have to laugh in order not to cry. And, you know, with that group, no worries. It's also. My partner in the group is a producer and he's going through stuff and I'm channeling what he's going through and I'm putting it into song. And so everybody's going through that kind of therapy with this album. And, you know, I've seen that. Oh, wow. There are songs about heartbreak and there are songs about having to look at myself in the mirror and deal with my own demons and stuff like that. And I'm glad I was able to put a collection of those songs. And sometimes it's not party time, you know, Sometimes it's like, hey, this is something that is just where I'm at now. And so, you know, to go back to, it's like, this is a. Like a Polaroid of where I'm at right now, you know?

[A]

Yeah, yeah. My good friend Taylor Parks, we just did my last project and that's one of the main things she said. Like, you know, with the album, it's always like, this is the moment in time in my life that I capture. And I think it's really interesting when you go back and you listen to your old stuff. I'm not sure if you really sit with your own music, but when you listen back from years ago, you're like, oh, damn, you know, this is cool. That was me.

[B]

It's gonna be incredible, you know, like, you know, like, pleading my case to my kids that I was cool. Like, I had my club, I had, you know, you see the different fits. The Wigs was on point. Me and Keke, okay, was doing records with Mariah, we was doing records with Jane. You know, like, yeah.

[A]

Doing our cars.

[B]

Yeah, we was doing it.

[A]

Now you have a crazy cool tattoo. And I'm so curious as to why you did. Like, I just wanna know the story behind this. Where you said, when I'm gone, please don't release any posthumous albums or songs with my name attach. Those were just demos and never intended to be heard by the public. It's giving. Get out. Whoever finds this body, don't take my order.

[B]

I don't know where I may end up. Literally, please don't tell them what was clutched in my hands.

[A]

Ok?

[B]

If you see me just. Just let. Don't wake me. I'm dreaming. Like, what made you just clutch into a labubu and just shot a whiskey? The boy went out like a champion. And the contract on my. Okay, please don't put those songs out. Everybody's working some stuff out. I got a whole little capsule. I'm gonna set some stuff aside where y' all can release a little deluxe and all that.

[A]

Okay. Okay.

[B]

Break in case of emergency, but please don't get egregious. Don't start dipping into the voice notes and getting Diplo to remix it and catering on remix.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. And then they gonna pull out the AI now, you hologram.

[B]

Now we don't even need whatever. We don't need his consent. The AI is doing it better.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. I mean, what do you. I mean, we're now in a time where that's actually not impossible. Like, what do you think about, like, legacy and, like, what, you know, where your music go, where your stuff goes.

[B]

I think the people that. The thing is, like, it's so cheesy. Like, I mean, come on. Like, people that are gonna do really, like, invest and think that they can do, put everything into AI and think that that's really gonna, like, be food for people. There's people that are gonna do that and they think that is really gonna be the wave and. And they're gonna see that it's gonna eat themselves alive. Like, I just think that that's a natural process, that there's always gonna be people that want that process. Food and all that stuff. But it's not good for you. And I don't care when it happens. It's gonna happen. It's gonna happen where you're not gonna have any foundation and people are gonna want more. And if there is a wave for people that are going towards AI, there has to be a wave for people that just wanna see, I mean, human connection.

[A]

And people wanting to see real people that can never go. That's like, so priceless. That's why when you see a baby being born or there's a birth that happens, there' going to be hungry for it. So the other stuff can exist, but.

[B]

And it's about the artist. How. How are you going if. If you want to use AI, how are you going to show AI what to do and. And to take it and do something different with, you know what I'm saying? They were calling guitar electric guitars and electric pianos AI at one point.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

You know what I'M saying, like, people were all up in arms. You don't plug that in. What the hell you doing? That's the devil, you know, like, so true shit, you know, like, whatever, you know, like. But people were up in arms about that, you know, and then, you know, everybody's going to have a different take and all this stuff. But as an artist, that's why you. As an artist, I think that is important still to have something that you can just do, you know, like, with. No. That you don't have to plug in, you know, that you don't need anything to, you know, you don't need WI fi to, you know, capture people's attention and keep them captivated. As an artist, I think that is important. At the end of the day, like, okay, I'm gonna just get my ass on some drums if I can't do this and that. And, you know, I can still do something with my hands, you know, and I can still do something if I didn't have to plug it in and stuff like that. So I think it's very important because there's still gonna be a huge void for. For that, you know, Even if it's somebody just wants to go check out a play, you know, like.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

To see someone really just, like, act on stage, act, you know, and it's a living, breathing thing. I think there's gonna be a big movement for that. Those kind of things are gonna be very, very valuable. And as artists, we should really keep it that way, and we should demand that, okay, this is high art now. If you want to go and get that AI that you can get, which is going to be everywhere. There's no getting around it. We're going to make this here like.

[A]

The caviar, what you're saying, because it's very empowering perspective. Because it's true. Like, the more of that you have, the more you really appreciate what we didn't appreciate before.

[B]

Yes. But artists have to. To show that we appreciate it. We can't just. I love the dsps. I love all that stuff is great. You know, getting on a playlist is all that is great. But if we're getting pennies, like, we're doing it to ourselves and we're just allowed, like, we're gonna dump all of our music on the DSPs, and that's just what we're gonna do all the time. And then we're gonna try to go tour, and then we're gonna have to put on a. You know, touring's so damn expensive. You know what I'm saying it's so expensive and we ain't getting paid for like, where's the money coming from? Like, you know, so it's like, like, oh, we need to create the value in ourselves. We're the ones saying like, hey, we'll work, we'll play for scraps. Just like give us a billboard. You're like, come on.

[A]

And do you think it's like, like you said, you said something so dope at the top, which I think about it in my career as a multi hyphenated in general, it's like it's about your brand, who you are, what you're offering. Like, how can artists really empower themselves? Like is when you're thinking about the music industry right now, like, yeah, where's the other source of income coming from? You know you're not making money off.

[B]

Records like that, right? Yeah. And I think that it's all about what kind of artist you are. And if you're built like that, you know what I'm saying? Like, that's why fools with you tough.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You was like, I'm not gonna sit here and just like wait for this. I do my music, I do my acting, I do this. I'm gonna do whatever I wanna do. And I'm. Cause it's about me. You know what I'm saying?

[A]

I'm the ecosystem.

[B]

Exactly. Ain't worried about no AI that can.

[A]

You need to come to me.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, exactly.

[A]

For the baby of the. This is the Kiki Pompom.

[B]

Exactly, exactly.

[A]

You know what I mean? It's true though. I really feel the same way that you do where it's like at the end of the day people can do that, but it's like I'm doing this. And as long as I remember that and don't get bogged down into what it means to be this or what it means to be that, but continue to stretch, then I'll be able to continue to collect and continue to invest in what matters to me.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

You have a foundation, Brandon Anderson Foundation, Pac House.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, what led you to start that? Like, where was the sort that coming from? I know you grew up in Oxnard.

[B]

Yes. Yeah. I was exposed to music in Oxnard and Ventura county, where I grew up at like very early age. And I believe, truly believe that without being exposed to that, I don't know, I could have been exposed to something else that influenced me in an early age. You're influenced by a lot. So those are very pivotal times. And I could have Put that energy towards negative things. And I was seeing all kinds of people do drugs and. And get into gangs, and they didn't have an outlet, and they weren't exposed to church music and great instruments. And I was traveling, and I had a sense of purpose, and I felt like, oh, this is a passion now. You know, I wanted to just play drums, and I wanted to learn how to play drums, and I wanted to get better. And then that exposed me to more music. I was listening to gospel, and then I meet other musicians that would hit me to different soul. And then I got, you know, when I got into hip hop and listening to different, you know, Tupac and all this stuff, I was taking those influences and matching it with my hip hop influences, and that created an Anderson pack, you know, And I think that it all starts with exposing people young. And so that's what I wanted to do with my foundation. I wanted to do things annually where we put on concerts in the park. And we started just in, like, MacArthur park, really small, and we just was, like, giving out backpacks and giving haircuts. I would hit people that I knew, anybody I could. Hey, Rafael Siddiq, you wanna come? Oh, Rafael, play some songs in the park for the families. We sign families up if you making a certain amount, like, underserved families who never even seen shows usually, you know, and work their asses off just to, you know, make ends meet. And now they can go to the park down the street and go see, you know, Rafael Siddiq, Jeannie Aiko. I mean, every year we've had incredible people come up. Last year we had the Isley Brothers, and, you know, this year, man, we got some incredible things. But I wanted, you know, that's what we started. We're gonna put on an annual pack house in the park, and it'd be free for the families. And we're gonna ask artists if they can donate their time and perform for families that might not ever get to see them. And it became like a hood Coachella. And, you know, we do it every year, and it got bigger and bigger, and now we. And then I took it to my hometown, and now we're doing that Channel Islands University. And it's. Now it went from, like, you know, hundreds of people to now tens of thousands of people that are showing up. And the foundation, we collab with, you know, all kinds of different foundations. So we're super down to collab. I know you probably have one as well, so.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I wanted to actually ask you, while the cameras are on, if you Would. If you would join. We would love you to join.

[A]

I would love to join.

[B]

That's a confirmation.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. I would love to join. I'm honored.

[B]

He said there's a confirmation here first, y'. All. I love that.

[A]

And it's incredible, I have to say, because as we see more, we're in such crazy times. They keep taking more access away from kids to have the source of inspiration, of expression, to know how to, you know, just be inspired. So it's really incredible what you're doing, because that's what they deserve to see, and they don't have access. How can they get to it? You know what I mean? So God bless you for that.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

I also want to talk about K Pop's your directorial debut, that you did a movie, y'.

[B]

All.

[A]

You did a movie. It premiered. What was it? Toronto Film Festival.

[B]

Yeah, it premiered at Toronto Film Fest, and then it was at Tribeca. It was at the Red Sea. Yeah.

[A]

And your son is in it with you.

[B]

My son. It stars my son.

[A]

Let's talk about K Pop. This is about blending of cultures.

[B]

Blending of cultures. It's a family comedy. It's really a father and son movie. You know, it's about, you know, just, like, the bond that you can have with your kid. And I started working on the film during COVID being in the house. Touring was shut down, and I was in the house with my son, and I was like, what do you want to do? I want to be a YouTuber. I was like, Jesus Christ.

[A]

They really. The YouTube. That's crazy. Like, it became a thing where it's.

[B]

Like, I want to be a YouTuber. Yes. And then I was like, okay, let's be a YouTuber. What are we doing? You have 15 followers. What is happening?

[A]

We got to start small.

[B]

Your dad is. Yeah, yeah. And so let me juice your. Let me. This is embarrassing for me. You know what I'm saying? So. So this is a bad look for all of us. We're gonna start. We're gonna. Let's get your page going. And we started doing some skits and stuff. And then that's when I realized, oh, my God, he's so funny. He's talented. He's a natural. Let's do a movie. He inspired me to write a script, and my whole house at the time was obsessed with K Pop. And so I was like, okay, you know about bts, but what you know about BET and boy, you need to know me better. You know what I'm saying? You are black as well, and so I was always driving that. And so I was like, oh, this could be a funny thing, you know. Cause I. Cause my mom was always like, make sure he know about his culture too. So I wanted to do something where it was like, what if I didn't know I had a son that grew up in Korea and could be the next K pop star? And I was like a washed up musician and that was out of touch with his Korean heritage. And I could give him insight on his black culture and then he can show me about the Korean culture and I can show him that there's nothing new under the sun. And a lot of this is influenced by groups like Earth Wind and Fire and Jackson Fire. Like these are original boy bands in a sense, you know, so it's about all these things. And we have incredible cast, you know, Shout out to my cast. I mean the movie is just. It's so much fun. And you know, Earth, Wind and Fire is actually in the movie. Yeah, yeah. Or Kurt Franklin. We have a lot of different people and it was such a pleasure to be able to do it with my son and bond with him and make a movie and direct it, co write it. And I can't wait for the world to see it. It'll be out in theaters in January.

[A]

Oh my gosh, I can't wait to check it out with my baby boy. Because the K Pop Demon Hunter movie that's out now got everybody shook him to see the K Pop.

[B]

That's what I'm saying. Yeah, I'm just gonna slide right in there.

[A]

Come on now.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Anderson, you literally do every single thing. I'm so happy that you came on the show and I'm not letting you go just yet. We gotta play a game. Okay, okay. In this game, we're throwing it back, okay. I'm talking bling bling, bucket hats, bars. Okay.

[B]

Oh, he.

[A]

Yes. Hip hop. We're going down and getting into a little bit of a hip hop IQ game called Quotables. It might be award show moments, it might be a fill in the blank, it might be interviews, but whatever it is, we gotta guess who said it and where it's from. And yes, if you miss a bar, the culture will absolutely judge you.

[B]

Oh my goodness.

[A]

Are you ready?

[B]

Let's do it.

[A]

Okay, I'll go first. Fill in the blank. It was all a blank.

[B]

I used to read Blank Dream, Word up magazine.

[A]

Woo. Okay. I was doing a little something easy.

[B]

I like that.

[A]

We'll see how he goes the rest of the game.

[B]

We gonna get right to it. Trivia Awards.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

All right. Which rapper from Chicago is one of the only hip hop artists to win a Grammy Oscar and an NAACP Image Award? Common. She's. Wow.

[A]

Is it right?

[B]

That's correct.

[A]

Yes. Come on, Rasheed. Okay. All right. Now, this is an award show moment, okay? At the 1995 Source Awards, who said, y' all ain't got no love for the west Coast?

[B]

That would be Snoop Doggy Dog.

[A]

Yes. Bow wow wow.

[B]

Okay. All right. Trivia. Southern rap.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

What city is credited as the birthplace of trap music?

[A]

Atlanta. Right.

[B]

That's crack. Is that your final answer? Is what we're about to get started.

[A]

Expression. Scare the out of me. Okay, Fill in the blank. I'm not a businessman. I'm a blank man.

[B]

I'm not a businessman. I'm a businessman.

[A]

Dang.

[B]

That would be Jason.

[A]

That is correct. It was Jay Z.

[B]

All right, it's time to stop playing nice.

[A]

Whoa.

[B]

Trivia. West Coast. Which legendary rapper said, you better check yourself before you wreck yourself?

[A]

Say it again. Who. Who is. Say it.

[B]

I think we all heard, but I'll. We'll do that.

[A]

Better check yourself before you wreck.

[B]

You better check yourself before you wreck yourself.

[A]

Ice Cube.

[B]

Sorry. It is final answer.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Think about your career. Think about the culture. Final answer.

[A]

It's Ice Cube.

[B]

It's Ice Cube. Good job.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

Nothing to worry about.

[A]

Get up, Craig. Get up, Craig. You Uncle Willie's son. You Uncle Willie's son. Oh, my gosh. You're stressing me out. Okay, here we go.

[B]

Yeah. This is starting to spike up.

[A]

Yeah. I'm so scared. I'm about to stop playing nice too.

[B]

Turn nicey up.

[A]

Okay, here we go. Fill in the blank. Real GS move in silence like lasagna. Damn. Okay, who said that I'm really him?

[B]

Lil Wayne. Yes. Let's go. Lyric trivia.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Right. Which female rapper from Chicago was the first solo female rapper to go platinum? Tick tock, tick tock.

[A]

The first female her from Chicago.

[B]

30 seconds on the clock.

[A]

I know it a. Okay, I. I'm scared, but I'm trying to think about female rappers from culture.

[B]

This is also female. Your sister in music. Let's. You should know.

[A]

Is it old? Is he older? Is old school? New school.

[B]

Are we. I gotta ask the judges if we're allowed to give hints, but I believe she came out in the 90s. Yeah.

[A]

Da brat.

[B]

Final answer.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Why am I acting like my life on the line, Ms. Funko. I'm acting like I'm a squid game it really is.

[B]

And I would have to. I would hate to turn off the comments and stuff. So we. Yeah, this real right now.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. You know how I got there? I was like Lisa Ray's sister, right? Lisa Rae from Chicago.

[B]

Right?

[A]

You start. It's gotta be. Woo.

[B]

That's mismunctified herself. Let's go.

[A]

Okay, here we go. Now, you gotta know this.

[B]

Oh, God.

[A]

This is the award show moment. The south got blank. Blank.

[B]

The south got something to say.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

Andre, 3K. South got something to say.

[A]

Three stacks.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

Yes, yes. Damn, you're good at.

[B]

Okay, feeling the blank. I was on the plane with Blank. You could call me Blank. I go to blank. I know I'm not doing the rhythm right, but. Ooh, that's tough. And that was the first question. I didn't want to do it to you like that, but.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Lord, be offense.

[A]

So what is it? Say it again.

[B]

I was on the plane with Blank. You can call me blank. I go to blank.

[A]

I was on a plane.

[B]

I was on a plane. But Blank. You can call me blank. I go to blank.

[A]

I was on a plane with. Dang. You can run in flank. Chiang Mang.

[B]

Mm, mm, mm.

[A]

Yeah, I was on the plane with.

[B]

Yeah, right. Give us some hits. The first one, I don't know. Like, he may have been. His name might be the same as.

[A]

It's Nikki, right?

[B]

Yes, yes, yes.

[A]

I was on the plane with Lil Wayne. I was on the plane with Dyl Mains. She rhymed too much.

[B]

That's too wrong.

[A]

I was on the Dang dun da bang. I know.

[B]

Look, okay, all right, you know what? Let's give it to her. That's amazing.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Damn. See? Cleared.

[A]

I was on the plane with Whitley. I was on the plane with Dwayne. Yeah.

[B]

Nicki Minaj.

[A]

Itty bitty, itty bitty piggy. Okay, trivia. What was the name of the first major award show created specifically to honor hip hop artists? TikTok.

[B]

Ooh, dang. This is tough, because I know it, but I just. I'm gonna say the Source Awards.

[A]

Is that your final answer?

[B]

Yes. Correct.

[A]

Yes. Did you hear they canceled the BET Hip Hop Awards and so Train.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Somebody told me they knew it was gonna be over when they hosted it in my backyard.

[B]

That's insane. The budget cuts is insane.

[A]

And I thought to myself that they was trying to make that creative. But that was a budget. Cause why is it in my backyard anyway? I think that was. Is it my last. I got one.

[B]

I think I won't quiet as cat but go ahead.

[A]

This is going to always win.

[B]

Thank you. That's why I love this show.

[A]

You're the best, Anderson Paak. Thank you so much. I can't wait to check out Andy.

[B]

Love you.

[A]

I love you. Anderson Paak isn't interested in staying still. He moves like an artist who's done a lot but still has more to say, more to build and more joy to squeeze out of the process. Whether it's a tour, a film, a label or a fit, you can just tell when someone's having fun with their story. Reinvention isn't about changing who you are. It's about choosing how you show up. Because the truth is we all carry a brand into every room we enter. The question is, are you owning it or are you letting someone else define it? Until next time. Baby, this is Keke Palmer. Baby, this is this is Kiki. Baby, this is Kiki Palmer. Yeah, Baby, this is Keke Palmer is hosted and executive produced by me, Keke Palmer. Lucas Siegel is our post producer. Our producers are Lauren Hampton and Molly nestor. Hilary Estee McLaughlin is our executive producer. Production services provided by evolution media Our original theme song was written and performed formed by me, Kiki Palmer for team Kiki. My producer is Sharon Palmer for wondery. Our managing producer is Olivia Fonti. Senior managing producer is Nick Ryan. And our executive producers are Emily feldbrake, Erin o' flaherty and Marshall Louie.