Paul Blanco began his career as a producer before making his official debut under Masquerade in 2018. At just 25 years old, he has worked with several renowned artists, including Crush, Hyolyn, and RM of BTS. I first discovered Paul Blanco through his collaboration with RM from the rapper’s debut album, Indigo. My favorite track, “Closer,” features Blanco’s rich vocals through honest lyrics with a beautiful blend of harmonies and ad-libs. While his collaborations are as numerous as they are impressive, Paul Blanco also has built up a substantial solo discography over the past five years. This week I’ll be sharing some of my favorite B-Side tracks from the Korean-Canadian producer, rapper, singer, and songwriter.

“Mirror Maze”

Paul Blanco released his first EP in 2019. The first track, “Mirror Maze,” starts off with an eerie instrumental before the beat drops alongside heavy lyrics. Paul Blanco discusses struggles with substance abuse, unstable income, and untrustworthy relationships. The track concludes with the sentiment, “They could never be what I be,” followed by a calming piano outro that contrasts the emotional message.

“Gone”

“Gone” is the final track from Paul Blanco’s 2021 EP, Lake of Fire II. He shows off soulful vocals overtop a beautiful R&B track. Blanco is an incredible rapper, but his singing voice is perhaps even more pleasing to the ear. The lyrics of “Gone” discuss the inner turmoil of trying to walk away from a toxic relationship while a part of you begs to stay. The latter half wins over as he begs, “Please stop me love / Don’t let me walk.”

“Angel”

PROMISED LAND was released in 2022 with eight total tracks. The seventh track, “Angel,” is a unique blend of gentle guitar, synths, and piano. Whistling is added to the chorus to create a sonically pleasing track. Unlike the previous two songs, “Angel” is mainly sung in Korean. Where “Gone” pleads the listener to revert to old habits, “Angel” encourages them to find someone better. Now Blanco is the one to walk away, vowing, “I won’t come back.”

Edited by Cara M.