Inside Anderson .Paak’s K-Pop Album: ‘This is More Than a Soundtrack’

Anderson .Paak’s K-Pops! (Music from and inspired by K-Pops! Motion Picture), arriving May 29, represents a unique intersection of creative worlds. Initially conceived as a companion piece to his directorial debut—a film that hit theaters earlier this year and arrives on Netflix May 30—the project evolved into something far more substantial. The album features a star-studded lineup of K-pop icons, including BTS affiliates, RM, aespa, NMIXX, and Seventeen’s Joshua, yet it remains firmly rooted in Paak’s signature, lush, retro-soul sensibility.

For Paak, who has been balancing his role as DJ Pee .Wee and his work with Bruno Mars in Silk Sonic, this project serves as his most significant musical statement since 2019’s Ventura. “I wanted to bring these K-pop artists into my world,” Paak explains. “It was very much an Anderson .Paak album, if you will, in the K-pop world.”

A Collision of Musical Cultures

The album serves as a reminder of the deep-seated influence of Black American music on the global K-pop phenomenon. By bringing together artists from competing labels—a logistical feat that Paak describes as “tough”—he has created a compilation that feels both collaborative and cohesive. “I don’t know if it’s ever been done like this before,” he notes. “We wanted to remind people what this really is, while respecting the culture and the music.”

Working alongside producer Dem Jointz, Paak navigated the complexities of the industry to assemble a project that feels like a “K-pop camp.” The result is a record that bridges the gap between his own artistic identity and the high-energy, polished aesthetic of the K-pop industry.

The Future of Silk Sonic and Solo Projects

Despite his busy schedule, Paak remains enthusiastic about his ongoing collaborations. His work with Bruno Mars on the road continues to be a highlight, and he confirms that the future of Silk Sonic is bright. “It’s always in the cards,” he says. “We got a lot of shows. I’m pretty sure we can squeeze another album out.”

As for his own solo career, Paak is already looking ahead. While he isn’t ready to announce a release date, he confirms that new material is in the works. “I definitely have big plans,” he says. “I just want it to be right and I want it to have the proper space it deserves.”