The Black Keys “definitely see ourselves” making hip-hop again but rule out ‘Blakroc’ sequel

Posted On August 9, 2025August 9, 2025

In an exclusive interview with Far Out, The Black Keys have revealed they hope to work with more rappers in the future.

In 2009, Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder Damon Dash teamed up with the rock duo to make Blakroc, which leaned heavily on Dash’s contacts book to mesh their two worlds together. Star-studded contributors to the record included Q-Tip, Mos Def, RZA and Raekwon.

Then, in 2024, The Black Keys brought on Lil Noid and Juicy J, who both had guest features on Ohio Players. Looking ahead to the future, the duo admit they would like to combine rock and rap again.

On the possibility of another album like Blakroc, drummer Patrick Carney says: “We’ve never really talked about it. I mean, we had some extra stuff. I think we could do something with the right hip-hop artist, that would be fun.”

While singer Dan Auerbach is also open to the idea of delving back into the realm of hip-hop, he wouldn’t want it to be directly connected to Blakroc. The singer explains: “I don’t think it would necessarily be a Blakroc thing. I don’t think we’re going to work with Damon (Dash) again, but we do love hip-hop, and could definitely see ourselves doing something with someone at some point.”

One specific rapper they’d like to work with in the future is Tommy Wright III, with Auerbach adding, “We just did a show with Tommy Wright III in Memphis, and he was like the coolest ever.”

Reflecting on how Blakroc was instrumental in their approach to making albums, Auerbach explains, Blakroc kind of opened the door in our minds to brothers. We took what we learned making Blakroc, starting with, instead of guitar and drums, we heavily started with the rhythm section, bass and drums. We took that mentality, went to Muscle Shoals, and started working on Brothers.”

Elsewhere in the interview with Far Out, the band discussed their new album, No Rain, No Flowers, and how they managed to make the best out of a bad situation following the cancellation of their tour last year.

The Black Keys are Far Out’s cover stars for August.

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