Anderson .Paak’s multifaceted journey: From music to film
A dynamic entrance at Toronto Film Festival
Anderson .Paak, known for his infectious energy and multifaceted talents, made a memorable entrance at the Toronto Film Festival. Sporting a radiant smile, he entertained the room by spinning a pillow on his finger, much to the delight of his 13-year-old son, Soul Rasheed. This playful moment set the tone for an engaging conversation about his latest venture into the world of cinema.
Balancing roles: Musician, director, and dad
With a flourishing music career, both as a solo artist and as part of the Grammy-winning duo Silk Sonic, Anderson .Paak is no stranger to juggling multiple roles. His latest addition to an already impressive resume is his debut feature film, K-Pops!, where he not only directs but also stars alongside his son, Rasheed.
Reflecting on the challenges of directing his son, .Paak shared, “It was tough sometimes to turn off the dad mode and put on the director’s hat. I wanted to ensure he was comfortable while also getting the best performance out of him.” Rasheed echoed this sentiment, noting that their real-life bond added authenticity to their on-screen relationship.
The story behind K-Pops!
In K-Pops!, .Paak portrays BJ, a washed-up musician who travels to South Korea to work on a pop idol show. There, he meets Tae Young, played by Rasheed, who is competing to become the next K-pop superstar. The plot thickens when BJ discovers that Tae is the son he never knew he had, a revelation that adds emotional depth to the narrative.
The inspiration for K-Pops! came from .Paak’s own experiences during the pandemic. “My house was taken over by K-pop, and BTS was all I ever heard,” he recalled. This led him to question, “I know you know about BTS, but what do you know about BET?” This curiosity sparked the idea for the film, which began as YouTube skits showcasing Rasheed’s natural acting talent.
A family affair
The decision to cast his son was a deliberate one. “I wanted to direct it because I didn’t want anybody else to play my son but my son,” .Paak explained. Rasheed, who initially had no passion for acting, discovered his potential during the filming process. “I didn’t really see myself as an actor, but when we started filming, I realized I had a little potential,” he admitted.
The film also features notable actors like Yvette Nicole Brown, Jee Young Han, and Jonnie “Dumbfoundead” Park. Rasheed fondly recalled meeting celebrities such as Salma Hayek, Don Cheadle, and Selena Gomez at the festival, adding to the excitement of the experience.
Musical endeavors and future projects
While venturing into film, .Paak has not neglected his musical roots. He has collaborated with artists like Fred Again, Cordae, and Gwen Stefani, with whom he performed the official song for the 2024 Olympics. Additionally, he reunited with Knxwledge to release their second album as NxWorries, eight years after their debut Yes Lawd!.
When asked about the possibility of a second Silk Sonic album, .Paak revealed that he recently hung out with Bruno Mars and even joined him on stage during a live show. “Silk Sonic always has a place to put out more music,” he said, leaving fans hopeful for future releases.
A bright future ahead
Anderson .Paak’s journey from music to film is a testament to his versatility and creative spirit. His ability to seamlessly transition between different roles and mediums is truly inspiring. As he continues to explore new avenues, one thing is certain: Anderson .Paak’s star will only continue to rise.
For those interested in exploring more about K-Pops!, you can watch the trailer here.
Stay tuned for more updates on Anderson .Paak’s exciting projects and collaborations.