Anderson .Paak didn’t just celebrate his 40th birthday. he curated an experience. The eight-time Grammy winner marked the milestone with a star-studded bash at his West Hollywood restaurant and lounge, Andy’s, on an unspecified date in February 2026. The event, a de facto reunion for the music industry as Grammy weekend approached, was fueled by collaborations with On The Rocks Bartender Created Cocktails and Jim Beam.
Andy’s transformed into a haven for A-list guests, including Dr. Dre, Kaytranada, Jermaine Dupri, Saweetie, Janelle Monáe, Cordae, Baron Davis, Mario, Freddie Gibbs, Thundercat, D Smoke, Shaboozey, and The Free Nationals. The atmosphere, described as having “elevated vibes,” featured premium pours of Jim Beam & Lemonade and an exclusive preview of the new On The Rocks Whiskey Sour.
The celebration arrives at a particularly dynamic moment in .Paak’s career. He recently received a nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Recording for “No Cap,” his collaboration with Disclosure. But the birthday festivities weren’t just a moment to reflect on past achievements; they also served as a launchpad for his directorial debut. .Paak’s film, K-POPS!, is slated for release in AMC Theaters on .
K-POPS!, a family comedy, marks a significant expansion of .Paak’s creative portfolio. He not only directed the film but also co-wrote the screenplay with Khaila Amazan. The project stars .Paak alongside Jee Young Han, Jonnie “Dumbfoundead” Park (who also served as a producer), Soul Rasheed, and Yvette Nicole Brown. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, generating early buzz for its unique premise.
The film centers on a Los Angeles musician seeking to revitalize his career by joining a K-pop band in South Korea. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when he discovers his long-lost son is already on the path to K-pop stardom. The story explores themes of fatherhood, ambition, and the evolving dynamics between a parent and child within the high-stakes world of the Korean music industry. According to the film’s synopsis, the musician initially attempts to leverage his son’s rising fame for his own comeback, but ultimately prioritizes his role as a father as their relationship deepens.
The involvement of Soul Rasheed, .Paak’s 13-year-old son, adds a deeply personal layer to the project. .Paak spoke to People Magazine about the experience of working with his son, highlighting the emotional core of the film. This isn’t simply a career pivot for .Paak; it’s a deeply familial collaboration.
The production of K-POPS! involved a number of companies, including Stampede Ventures, EST Studios, Big Dummie, and Apeshit Films. Aura Entertainment is handling the theatrical distribution, signaling a strategic bet on .Paak’s ability to draw audiences beyond his established music fanbase. The film’s release date, strategically positioned just before the end of February, suggests an attempt to capitalize on the post-awards season momentum and potentially appeal to families during school breaks.
While .Paak’s musical career continues to flourish – evidenced by the “No Cap” nomination – K-POPS! represents a bold step into a new creative realm. His ability to seamlessly transition between music, directing, and screenwriting underscores his versatility as an artist. The film’s success will not only be a testament to his talent but also to his vision for expanding the boundaries of entertainment.
The birthday celebration at Andy’s, wasn’t merely a party; it was a convergence of .Paak’s multifaceted career. It was a moment to celebrate his past accomplishments, acknowledge his present momentum, and preview the exciting possibilities of his future endeavors. As he embarks on this new chapter as a filmmaker, .Paak is proving that he’s not just a musician, but a true creative force.
