Nine-time Grammy-winning singer-rapper Anderson .Paak has just released his new single, *Aftertaste*, marking a notable reunion with South Korean alt-R&B artist DEAN more than 10 years after their first collaboration on the song *Put My Hands on You*.
More than 10 years after their first collaboration, Anderson .Paak and DEAN officially reunite on a new single titled “Aftertaste” - Photo: Universal Music.
According to several international music sites such as uDiscoverMusic and The Music Universe, Aftertaste is a fusion of R&B, funk, and hip-hop, produced by Dem Jointz, a producer who has previously collaborated with Jennie and Eminem.
Aftertaste is also a highly symbolic reunion, as the last time the two artists collaborated was on the song Put My Hands on You, released in 2015. On forums like Reddit and X, many listeners called it "the reunion R&B fans have been waiting for a decade."
DEAN, Anderson .Paak - Aftertaste (Inspired by the Original Motion Picture K-POPS!)
Anderson .Paak and DEAN bring music into K-Pop films!
Notably, Aftertaste is also part of a series of musical projects related to K-Pops! - the directorial, writing, and starring debut film by Anderson .Paak. According to Variety , the film is set in the K-pop industry in Seoul, exploring family stories and the cultural exchange between Korean and American music.
The film is scheduled for release on Netflix at the end of May and has received many positive reviews from critics after early screenings.
Singer-rapper Anderson .Paak - Photo: Universal Music
Prior to *Aftertaste *, Anderson .Paak had also continuously expanded his connections with the Asian music market by collaborating with aespa on *Keychain* , working with TAEYONG (NCT), and continuing to tour with Bruno Mars on the *Silk Sonic* project. Meanwhile, DEAN maintained a significant influence within the Korean music community despite not releasing many new products in recent years.
Many international listeners on Reddit commented that Aftertaste evokes the captivating music that defined the duo since 2015. Some opinions suggest that DEAN continues to stand out with his emotionally rich vocals, while Anderson .Paak brings his characteristic free-spirited energy.
DEAN's return also garnered significant attention from the Korean music community, as the singer had been quite private for many years. Meanwhile, Anderson .Paak continued to have a busy year with numerous international music and film projects.
This image introduces a series of music projects related to K-Pops! - the directorial, writing, and starring debut film by Anderson .Paak.
Anderson .Paak, whose real name is Brandon Paak Anderson, was born in 1986 in California (USA) and is considered one of the most versatile and outstanding artists in contemporary music.
He has achieved success as a singer, rapper, drummer, and music producer. Anderson .Paak has won numerous Grammy Awards for albums such as Ventura , and also gained global acclaim for his collaboration with Bruno Mars on the Silk Sonic project.
Meanwhile, DEAN, whose real name is Kwon Hyuk, born in 1992, has emerged as one of the pioneering artists of the Korean alt-R&B genre. He is known for songs such as " D (Half Moon)" , "Instagram ", and the album "130 Mood: TRBL ". Besides his singing career, DEAN also composes for many famous K-pop artists.