DEAN and Anderson .Paak Reunite With New Collaborative Single “Aftertaste” – Listen
The collaborative single arrives ahead of the Netflix worldwide release of Anderson .Paak’s directorial debut, K-Pops!
Anderson .Paak and DEAN: Courtesy of UMG Recordings and APESHIT.
Anderson .Paak and DEAN: Courtesy of UMG Recordings and APESHIT.
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Eleven years after their last collaboration, South Korean R&B artist DEAN and American rapper Anderson .Paak are back with their new single “Aftertaste,” out last May 8.
Released under UMG Recordings and APESHIT Inc., the collaboration was first announced through the two artists’ social media platforms on May 6, unveiling a preview of its music video. It marks their second joint project, following their debut collaboration “Put My Hands On You” released in September 2015.
Accompanying the release, a black-and-white music video sees DEAN and .Paak spotlighted in a bare, white room, grooving to the smooth, sultry track. Produced by Dem Jointz, “Aftertaste” showcases the sonic chemistry of the two singers as they sing about the irresistible, lasting impression that lingers long after a romantic encounter.
Continuing .Paak’s streak of South Korean collaborations, the newly released track follows the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter’s previous collaborative singles, “Keychain” with K-pop girl group aespa in February and “Rock Solid” with NCT member Taeyong in April.
Inspired by the 2024 film K-Pops!, “Aftertaste” arrives ahead of its worldwide release on Netflix. Directed and produced by .Paak, the movie tells the story of a washed-up musician, played by the rapper, reconnecting with his long-lost son who happens to be a rising K-pop star.
Serving as his directorial debut, the original motion picture also includes K-pop celebrity cameos such as G-DRAGON, SEVENTEEN’s Vernon, Crush, Jessi, and more.
K-Pops! will be available to stream on Netflix starting May 30.
Check out DEAN and Anderson .Paak’s latest collaborative single, “Aftertaste,” below:
Frequently Asked Questions
“Aftertaste” was officially released on May 8, 2026, through UMG Recordings and APESHIT Inc. This soulful R&B track marks the second time the two artists have worked together, following their 2015 debut collaboration, “Put My Hands On You,” which was released over a decade ago.
Produced by Dem Jointz, “Aftertaste” explores the lingering, irresistible impression left behind after a romantic encounter. The song uses smooth, sultry R&B melodies to describe the metaphorical “aftertaste” of a relationship, highlighting the undeniable sonic chemistry between the South Korean R&B star and the American rapper.
Yes, a black-and-white music video accompanied the release of “Aftertaste.” The visual features DEAN and Anderson .Paak performing in a minimalist white room, focusing on their performance and the groove of the track. It was first teased on social media two days prior to the full premiere.
The single “Aftertaste” is inspired by and featured in the 2024 film K-Pops!, which serves as Anderson .Paak’s directorial debut. The movie follows a musician who discovers his long-lost son is a K-pop idol and features the track as part of its official soundtrack ahead of its streaming release.
The Netflix film K-Pops! includes high-profile cameos from several major Korean artists, including G-DRAGON, Vernon of SEVENTEEN, Crush, and Jessi. The movie premieres on Netflix on May 30, following Anderson .Paak’s recent musical collaborations with other K-pop acts like aespa and NCT’s Taeyong.