The Grammys have been quick to respond to changing trends in the music world. The category for Best Melodic Rap Performance, newly created for the 63rd Awards this year, is a prime example. It was known until 2017 as Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, then called Best Rap/Sung Performance from 2018 through 2020. The concept picked up steam in the 1990s as collaborations between rappers and singers became more common. However, as the two styles blended and the borders between them came down during the 2010s, a flood of artists adept at so-called singing rap appeared. At minimum, it would be awkward to draw a rigid line through the hip hop world between rap and singing. The renaming of the category to Melodic Rap Performance reflects this progressive change.

The very first recipient under this new classification was revealed on March 14: Anderson .Paak. Paak, a singer-songwriter, rapper, producer and multi-instrumentalist, creates music that encompasses virtually all subgenres within R&B and hip hop. He is a talented, eloquent R&B singer, noted for his gift of gab, sensual mood and romantic whispers. At the same time, he is a hip hop lyricist and emphasizes respect for the history and tradition of hip hop while criticizing unfair socio-political problems without hesitation. “Lockdown,” the song that earned Paak his award, falls neatly in line with that last description. The lyrics oppose the barbaric racism and violence that he saw from police offers while he marched with BLM protesters in Los Angeles last June.

Paak, who once lost his job and ended up homeless, received help from acquaintances in the field and released his debut album Venice in 2014. Although it was not very well known, the remarkable talent and musical vision he exhibited on the album unmistakably resonated with some people. The album did more than entertain its listeners, however; it caused a segment of artists and people in the industry to keep their eyes on him.

Response within the industry came quickly. He contributed to the most hotly anticipated album of 2015, Dr. Dre’s Compton. Dre’s first in sixteen years since he had put out 2001, Paak features on an impressive four of the album’s songs. It is surprising that his part overshadowed the numerous famous guests but understandable given the unforgettable performance he gave with his unrivaled vocals. Once nearly unknown in the mainstream, Paak’s career had taken a sudden turn. If there is any wonder how advantageous a move this was, one need only look at the polish on the albums and singles he has released since. Most recently, Paak can be found delighting our ears as one half of the duo formed with Bruno Mars called Silk Sonic.

Meanwhile, there is an eye-catching moment in his interview published by Esquire on March 12. After revealing his eldest son has fallen head over heels for K-pop, Paak was asked whether he would collaborate with BTS were he to have the opportunity.

“I’m working on trying to get that plug,” he responded. “If you know of any way, let me know.”
He was half joking, of course, but he was clearly interested.

TRIVIA

NxWorries
In addition to the above-mentioned Silk Sonic, Anderson .Paak has various other side projects—NxWorries, formed with hip hop producer Knxwledge, is the most prominent. After signing on with influential indie label Stones Throw Records, the duo released the EP Link Up & Suede in 2015 and their first full album, Yes Lawd!, in 2016.