Anderson .Paak and DEAN Reunite on Sensual New Single “Aftertaste”

The wait was worth it! Anderson .Paak and Korean alt-R&B artist DEAN have finally reunited in the studio, and K-R&B fans across the world just won. It’s been more than a decade since the duo collaborated on the fan-favorite neo-soul track “Put My Hands On You.” Now, they’re back with “Aftertaste,” another infectious release that already feels destined to become a go-to karaoke pick.

.Paak, who is African American and Korean, has always found ways to blend both sides of his identity into his music, and “Aftertaste” continues that streak. The single releases ahead of his upcoming album inspired by his family comedy feature film K-POPS!, which the nine-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist wrote and directed. The film is set to stream on Netflix on May 30. 

“I Want Your Aftertaste”

“Aftertaste” is a smooth, sensuous track that feels right at home for both .Paak and DEAN. Produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer Dem Jointz, the single mixes club-driven beats with silky, bedroom R&B groove. The two flirt their way through the track, trading slick lines over an infectious beat. 

Over hard-hitting drums and airy synth strings, .Paak sets the tone with his signature bounce and swagger, cutting through the beat with: “That bass, that shake, that walk, I’ma need that! / That taste, that waist, that uh, that pretty-ass face, I’ma need that!” DEAN follows with a smooth serenade to his love interest, singing, “I want your aftertaste / You bite your lip, I’m on your waist / You call, I run, don’t need a break.” Throughout the track, DEAN’s mellifluous vocals glide alongside .Paak’s, adding a hazy, almost atmospheric feel to the record.

The magic is in the contrast, with DEAN keeping it sleek and sensual (“I feel the passion in here coming alive… It’s turnin’ me on”) while .Paak brings the charisma and playful punch (“Promise I’ma get you wetter than the weather app”). The dynamic duo bounce off each other effortlessly and turn the already catchy tune into a tantalizing back-and-forth that never slows down.

The single is paired with a black-and-white music video that keeps things stripped back but stylish. It has both multi-hyphenates front and center with minimal staging, letting their personalities and performance do all the talking. 

This is the second single from .Paak’s upcomingK-POPS!-inspired album, following “Keychain” with girl group aespa. He also recently featured on NCT’s TAEYONG’s “Rock Solid,” with both tracks also produced by Dem Jointz. While building toward the album, .Paak is on the road with Bruno Mars on “The Romantic Tour,” performing Silk Sonic material and DJ sets as his alter-ego, DJ Wee. Fans can keep up with .Paak on Instagram and TikTok. 

The release is a rare drop for DEAN fans, marking one of his few recent appearances ahead of his long-awaited comeback album. Since his 2024 single “NASA,” he has mostly appeared as a featured artist, including on “Yin and Yang” by Zico and Crush. Fans can follow DEAN on Instagram, X, and TikTok. 

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