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| Aloe Blacc | |
|---|---|
| Name | Aloe Blacc |
| Background | solo_singer |
| Birth name | Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III |
| Birth date | 7 January 1979 |
| Birth place | Eureka, California, United States |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California |
| Genres | R&B, soul, hip hop, neo soul |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, activist |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Labels | Stones Throw Records, Rhino, Interscope |
| Associated acts | Emanon, DJ Shadow, Madlib, Avicii, Olubowale |
Aloe Blacc
Aloe Blacc (born Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III; January 7, 1979) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor known for his soul-influenced vocals and socially conscious songwriting. He gained international prominence for chart-topping recordings and collaborations spanning hip hop, soul music, and electronic dance music, and has been active in philanthropy, civic engagement, and cultural commentary.
Blacc was born in Eureka, California and raised in the Logan Heights area of San Diego before his family relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area. He attended Carnegie Mellon University for part of his education before transferring and completing studies related to music and cultural studies in California. During his formative years he intersected with regional scenes including Oakland and Berkeley, developing ties to collectives and artists linked to Stones Throw Records and the West Coast hip hop community.
Blacc began his career as half of the hip hop duo Emanon, collaborating with producer Exile and releasing early recordings that connected him to the Los Angeles hip hop scene. His solo debut albums and EPs on Stones Throw Records showcased a blend of neo soul and conscious hip hop, bringing him into contact with producers such as Madlib and Oh No. Mainstream breakthrough came after signing with labels affiliated with Interscope Records and Rhino, when singles achieved radio rotation in markets including United Kingdom and Sweden and chart placements on the Billboard Hot 100. Collaborations and tours placed him alongside artists like Erykah Badu, John Legend, Kanye West, and Mark Ronson.
As a songwriter and producer, Blacc has penned tracks for and with a range of artists across genres, contributing to projects tied to Avicii, DJ Shadow, Dr. Dre, and Kendrick Lamar. His co-written and vocal-featured single with Avicii achieved multi-national commercial success and was nominated at major ceremonies including the Grammy Awards. Blacc’s production credits and songwriting placements have connected him to catalogues managed by major publishers and to events such as televised award shows and global festival stages including Glastonbury Festival and Coachella.
Blacc has made appearances on television programs and has participated in music-focused and documentary-style broadcasts tied to networks such as BBC, MTV, and HBO. He has performed on late-night stages including The Tonight Show and Late Show with David Letterman, and contributed music to soundtracks for films distributed by studios like Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures. His on-screen work intersects with documentary projects addressing social justice themes and with variety specials alongside performers from the soul and R&B traditions.
Active in civic initiatives, Blacc has supported causes related to voting rights and youth empowerment and has partnered with organizations such as (RED), UNICEF, and national civic campaigns that involve artist advocacy. He has performed at benefit concerts connected to crises and public-health campaigns and has engaged with municipal and national leaders in forums on arts funding and cultural policy, including appearances linked to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.-based advocacy events. His activism often emphasizes access, equity, and community arts programs.
Blacc resides between music hubs including Los Angeles and international cities tied to touring circuits. He has balanced recording and touring with family life and has spoken publicly about influences ranging from Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding to contemporary peers such as John Legend and Anderson .Paak. He maintains public profiles on platforms affiliated with the music industry and participates in mentorship and educational initiatives alongside institutions like Berklee College of Music and community-based arts organizations.
Blacc’s work has received nominations and awards from major institutions including the Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and various European and American charting organizations. He has been recognized for both songwriting and performance, receiving honors tied to sales certifications in markets such as United Kingdom, Sweden, and the United States, and has been invited to perform at commemorative events and national broadcasts that highlight cultural contributions by contemporary soul and R&B artists.
Category:American soul singers Category:American singer-songwriters