Anderson .Paak and Mariah Carey are teaming up to create new music.
On a Friday (May 2) episode of the social media series Track Star — where participants attempt to identify unknown songs — the 39-year-old singer-songwriter and producer accurately identified Carey’s “Always Be My Baby,” which climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1996.
“This would be Mariah Carey. The Mariah Carey,” remarked .Paak, who sported a T-shirt bearing Mariah’s image. “I recall back in 5th grade, or something, watching the music videos and having a massive crush. We’re collaborating on some tracks for her upcoming album.”
The announcement of a musical partnership between .Paak and Carey, 56, follows their hand-holding appearance after the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March 2025, as reported by People. .Paak assisted the iconic singer onto the stage while she accepted the icon award during the event.
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“Thanks to iHeart for this wonderful honor,” Carey expressed during her speech. “As a child, I would listen to my favorite artists on the radio and fantasize about being on the airwaves myself. Now, for those unaware of what airwaves are, think of it as the non-Wifi equivalent of streaming, alright?”
At approximately the same time, the duo was reportedly seen exiting a restaurant together in West Hollywood. Before that, .Paak and Carey were observed holding hands after wrapping up her Christmas tour in December 2024, according to People.
Carey, who was recently nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, confirmed in an early April interview with the Associated Press that she’s actively working on a new album, though she withheld any further specifics. Her latest studio album, Caution, was released in 2018.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of The Emancipation of Mimi, Carey revealed a special expanded edition of the album. The forthcoming release will feature bonus tracks, previously unreleased remixes and collaborations, instrumentals, a cappella versions, and live recordings. The two-disc vinyl release is slated to debut through Def Jam Records/UMe on May 30.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
