In a major cross-cultural musical event, the multi-award-winning American artist Anderson .Paak and the pioneering K-pop quartet aespa have announced a new collaborative single titled “Keychain”. The track is set to serve as a cornerstone of the soundtrack for .Paak’s highly anticipated feature directorial debut, K-POPS!.
The announcement, which surfaced on Instagram on Monday, 23 February, was accompanied by vibrant cover art featuring a tactile, purple fuzzy bag adorned with a miniature .Paak keychain and an aespa logo charm. Fans of both the “Silk Sonic” star and the SM Entertainment group will not have to wait long, as the track is scheduled for release at midnight ET on 27 February.
A Production Powerhouse
The single is produced by the legendary Dem Jointz, a figure who has become synonymous with the “neo-K-pop” sound. His involvement ensures a sophisticated blend of Western R&B and the experimental textures that define aespa’s “Savage” era.
| Contributor | Notable Credentials / Role |
| Anderson .Paak | 9-time Grammy Winner, Director of K-POPS! |
| aespa | Chart-topping K-pop girl group (Karina, Giselle, Winter, Ningning) |
| Dem Jointz | Producer: NCT’s “Cherry Bomb”, EXO’s “Obsession”, aespa’s “Supernova” |
| Soundtrack Context | Lead single for the film K-POPS! |
Bridging Black and Korean Musical Heritage
While “Keychain” is the first official release pairing these two specific acts, Anderson .Paak has long been an ambassador for the fusion of Black and Korean musical styles. Having previously collaborated with R&B singer Dean and BTS leader RM, .Paak’s affinity for the genre is deeply rooted in his personal heritage and his fascination with K-pop’s ties to 90s R&B and gospel.
The film K-POPS!, which premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, was inspired by .Paak’s relationship with his son during the pandemic. The narrative and soundtrack serve as a vibrant exploration of Black and Korean cultural duality.
Cinematic Release
The film’s cast is as star-studded as its soundtrack, featuring Soul Rasheed, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Jonnie “Dumbfoundead” Park. K-pop aficionados can also look forward to cameos from industry titans such as G-DRAGON, SEVENTEEN’s Vernon, Jay Park, and Jessi.
K-POPS! and its accompanying soundtrack will be released exclusively in AMC Theatres on 27 February, coinciding with the global digital drop of “Keychain.”