5 Shocking Details About Anderson .Paak And Mariah Carey’s New Music & Explosive Romance Rumors In 2025

The music world is buzzing in December 2025, following a string of public appearances and the release of a highly-anticipated collaboration that has fans and industry insiders alike asking one question: Are Anderson .Paak and Mariah Carey music’s newest power couple? The pairing of the funk-infused rapper/singer, known for his work with Silk Sonic, and the undisputed Queen of Christmas and R&B, is an unexpected yet electrifying match that has dominated headlines for months. The recent release of their joint track, "Play This Song," has only amplified the speculation surrounding their professional and personal lives, making their dynamic one of the most talked-about stories of the year.

The latest news confirms that the two superstars have been working closely, not just on a single track, but on music for Mariah Carey’s new album, *Here For It All*. This creative partnership, combined with a series of flirty public outings—including a notable hand-holding incident—has transformed what started as a simple musical venture into a full-blown celebrity romance saga, with both artists playing coy about the true nature of their relationship.

Artist Profiles: Anderson .Paak & Mariah Carey

To fully appreciate the magnitude of this collaboration and the resulting media frenzy, it helps to understand the distinct and celebrated careers of the two artists.

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Anderson .Paak (Brandon Paak Anderson)

• Born: February 8, 1986, in Oxnard, California.
• Stage Name: Anderson .Paak (stylized with a period).
• Primary Genres: Hip hop, R&B, Funk, Soul.
• Key Projects: His solo albums *Venice* and the Grammy-winning *Malibu*, as well as his collaborative duo Silk Sonic with Bruno Mars, which achieved massive commercial success and multiple Grammy Awards.
• Role: Renowned for his versatility as a rapper, singer, drummer, and record producer, bringing a distinct, retro-modern funk sound to his work.

Mariah Carey

• Born: March 27, 1969/1970, in Huntington, New York.
• Nickname: The "Songbird Supreme" or "Queen of Christmas."
• Primary Genres: R&B, Pop, Soul, Hip Hop.
• Career Highlights: Holds the record for the most number-one singles by a solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100. Her self-titled debut album, *Mariah Carey*, launched her into superstardom in 1990. She is famous for her five-octave vocal range and signature whistle register.
• Recent Work: Continues to tour and release new music, proving her enduring status as a musical icon.

The Collaboration: A '70s R&B Vibe on "Play This Song"

The biggest news confirming their professional entanglement came with the announcement of their duet, "Play This Song," which is featured on Mariah Carey's upcoming album, *Here For It All*. This track is far from a simple guest verse; it’s a fully realized creative partnership that bridges the generational gap between the two artists.

Mariah Carey herself teased the track, describing it as having a distinct 'Seventies R'n'B vibe' and being incredibly 'funky'. This description perfectly aligns with Anderson .Paak’s established sonic palette, particularly his work with Silk Sonic, which heavily channels the smooth, soulful sounds of the '70s. The song was released ahead of the full LP's September 26 release date, giving fans a taste of the chemistry between them.

The collaboration is significant because it sees Carey stepping into a sound space that is both familiar to her R&B roots and refreshed by .Paak's contemporary, retro-chic production style. Their combined talents—Carey’s powerhouse vocals and .Paak’s rhythmic complexity and laid-back flow—have resulted in a track that critics are calling "peak" collaboration, successfully delivering a nostalgic yet fresh sound.

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Are Anderson .Paak and Mariah Carey Dating? The 2025 Rumor Mill

While the music collaboration is exciting, it is the persistent dating rumors that have truly captured public imagination throughout late 2024 and all of 2025. The speculation first ignited around December 2024, but it was a specific hand-holding incident in March 2025 that reignited the flame and sent the gossip mill into overdrive.

The two have made a number of continued public appearances together, further fueling the narrative. One of the most notable was their joint attendance at the 2025 iHeart Radio Music Awards, where their clear comfort with each other was impossible to ignore. Anderson .Paak even showed up to an event wearing a Mariah Carey T-shirt, a move fans interpreted as a playful confirmation of their bond.

Mariah Carey, known for her diva persona, finally addressed the rumors during an interview on CBS Mornings, where she joked that .Paak had put her in the “hand-holding club,” a cheeky reference that neither confirmed nor denied a romantic relationship. The playful deflection is typical of both stars, who seem to be enjoying the curiosity surrounding their dynamic.

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Beyond the Duet: More Music on *Here For It All*

The depth of their working relationship suggests that "Play This Song" might be just the beginning. Initial reports indicate that Anderson .Paak has collaborated with Carey on "several songs" for her new album, *Here For It All*. This goes beyond a simple feature and suggests a deeper creative involvement, perhaps in a production or songwriting capacity, similar to his partnership with Bruno Mars in Silk Sonic.

The commitment to multiple tracks on the album solidifies .Paak’s role in shaping the sound of Carey's latest project. For a veteran artist like Carey to enlist a contemporary musician for such extensive work is a testament to .Paak’s influence and the unique, soulful energy he brings to R&B music. The full tracklist, and the complete extent of their work, will be revealed with the album's release, but the anticipation is already at a fever pitch.

The Legacy of a Cross-Generational Partnership

The collaboration between Anderson .Paak and Mariah Carey is a significant moment in modern R&B. It represents a successful bridge between a foundational legend and a contemporary master. For .Paak, it’s another major step in his career, following the massive success of Silk Sonic, cementing his status as a go-to collaborator for artists across genres. For Carey, it’s a brilliant way to introduce a fresh, funky sound to her discography while maintaining her classic R&B sensibilities.

Whether they are dating or simply enjoying a highly successful creative partnership, the undeniable chemistry between them—both on and off the mic—has created one of the most compelling narratives in music for 2025. The success of "Play This Song" ensures that fans will be dissecting every lyric, every public appearance, and every social media post for clues about what’s next for this dynamic duo.