Origin/History
Formed in Atlanta, Georgia during the summer of 2024, The Paradox is what came from four young adults pursuing their passion. Dangerfield, Bryant, Bernard, and Crews set out to show young Black teens that they shouldn’t be ashamed of enjoying “non-black” activities such as pop-punk.
With a sound reminiscent of what you’d find while watching a mid-2000s teen-flick, the group’s popularity skyrocketed, with their debut video earning them 730k followers in the span of three weeks; with their third single, “Do Me Like That,” only furthering their influence, the song amassing 2.1 million views on YouTube as of September 18, 2025.
However, The Paradox is far from just an online gig, with Dangerfield and co. opening for The Offspring and All Time Low during the “American Leg of a World Tour,” and Green Day at their Truist Park Stadium show in the boys’ hometown. One of their most recent singles “Bender,” included a guest appearance by Blink-182’s Travis Barker, with the legendary drummer laying out a solo and making an appearance for the song’s official music video.
Releasing their first EP on September 19, 2025, the band still makes appearances on their social media pages, interviews (such as their interview with KROQ Studios), and live performances.
Discography
The group started their career strong with their introduction in their songs “Imani” and “Kaitlyn”–the latter appearing as Dangerfield’s first solo single–as the band introduces woes in regards to dating in true 2000s fashion. Later that year, “Ms. Lauren” was released. Reminiscent of hits like “Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne, this single depicts the crew as high schoolers, with them not knowing how to handle their crush on their teacher.
The aforementioned single “Do Me Like That” was their first release in 2025, being the main source of their surge in popularity. With the band’s initial promotion using the humorous line of Eric’s ex hitting him with her Subaru. “Do Me Like That” also marks the first major appearance of Christopher “Xelan” Bernard, performing the second verse while making more prominent vocal appearances on the group’s future releases. The single eventually being paired with “Get The Message” which released only two months later in June. Promoting the theme of staying true to yourself in spite of whatever relationship tries to influence you. Giving the choice of being “happy or insecure,” the group proudly flaunts their differences and flaws.
Of course, no band is complete without a song that includes a drum solo; and who better to deliver that solo than Travis Barker of Blink-182. The artist appears on The Paradox’s July release “Bender,” giving a killer solo in between the second and third verses, with some marking this as the group’s official rise to fame.
In anticipation of their upcoming EP “NSFW,” the group released “Do It Again,” the song eventually appearing on the six-track long EP alongside “Get The Message,” “Bender,” and “Do Me Like That,” along with two new releases.
Creative Process
The Paradox has been very open with how they come up with their releases, taking inspiration from people and relationships in their lives. For example, Ms. Lauren was an actual teacher that Eric had in high school, with him describing her as his “milk of magnesium.” The band has also noted that many of the girls mentioned in their music are aware of the fact, to varying degrees of happiness–as is the “Icky Vicky” effect.
More Like The Paradox
The band has stated that they are inspired by: Blink-182, Green Day, Sum 41, Good Charlotte, and New Found Glory. Viewers also reference bands such as Magnolia Park, Bad Brains, and Pure Hell as other all-Black punk bands.
Members (left to right):
Donald Bryant (Bass), Percy “PC3” Crews (Drums), Eric Dangerfield (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Christopher “Xelan” Bernard (Lead Guitar, Background Vocals)