The Paradox formed in Atlanta in the summer of 2024: Eric Dangerfield on vocals and guitar, Christopher "Xelan" Bernard on lead guitar, Donald Bryant on bass and Percy "PC3" Crews on drums. Four young Black musicians playing pop-punk in a city better known for rap and R&B, which is a big part of how they frame themselves. By the band's own count they passed 130,000 followers within three weeks of posting their first videos, and the attention turned into actual booking fast, including opening slots for Green Day and Jack White.
In January 2026 "Get the Message," from their debut EP NSFW, hit No. 1 on Billboard's Alternative Airplay chart. The Los Angeles Times noted they were the first all-Black band to get there. Travis Barker plays on their single "Bender," and a second EP, Proceed With Caution, followed in 2026.