Aloe Blacc’s music is an exploration of hip-hop’s deep roots in jazz, soul, and R&B music as well as a platform for socio-political commentary. Rapper, soul singer, and multi-instrumentalist, Blacc’s work is as versatile as the artist himself, spanning sounds from the rare, dusty-record-bin to contemporary independent hip-hop and beyond. Known for pushing things one step further, his 2006 album Shine Through incorporated elements of salsa and minimalist disco. The single “I Need A Dollar” has been widely picked up and used by the media in commercials, videogames and a popular HBO series. The California native has toured with the likes of Maya Jupiter and as half of the hip-hop duo Emanon. ERIK HANSEN