It’s been two years since Anderson .Paak's last project, Malibu, and fans have been itching for more ever since. Executive produced by Dr. Dre, Oxnard notes the evolution of Anderson .Paak, the album contains a unique sonic experience incorporating definitive elements of funk, disco, jazz, and gospel. Engulfing listeners with warm percussion, plush-sounding choirs, and .Paak's signature raspy voice. The album includes guest appearances from Pusha T, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, J. Cole, and many more. The album’s lead single, “Tints,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, is only a glimpse of the sound .Paak chooses to orchestrate this album with. Running at almost an hour long, we put together a list of our favorite records from .Paak's latest, Oxnard.
The Chase (feat. Kadhja Bonet)
The opening track features Kadhja Bonet’s soothing jazz-derived harmonies then swiftly transitions into an uptempo 70’s-inspired jazz record. A solid intro that sets the scene for the rest of .Paak’s funky renaissance album.
Tints (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
This song is a certified classic, Anderson .Paak graced us with the talents of many stars on Oxnard and Kendrick is probably the most exciting one. Kendrick adds reassurance with a brief feature, bringing about a shift in feeling, it’s almost as if Kendrick is personally hyping you up. This song is special because if you're from the Bay Area, you know how relatable it is to constantly see tinted windows mobbin’ around the city.
6 Summers
“6 Summers” is a hymn for the streets. Augmented with a catchy hook and fast-paced rhythm, “6 Summers” covers controversial topics like gun control, politics, and Trump’s love child. Lyrically, it's one of the strongest tracks on the album and .Paak boasts that it’s going to “bang for at least six summers,” and it probably will. It has a timeless sound to it, and lyrics that will continue to incite listeners even after the very first listen.
Saviers Road
9th Wonder pays tribute to the Latino culture that dominates Southern California. It features old-school Tito Puente-type soft guitar riffs, and a dope-sounding keyboard that transitions to a nice, old-school hip-hop kick drum. This song made me realize that the world needs an Anderson .Paak and Kali Uchis collab in the future.
Brother’s Keeper (feat. Pusha T)
This track stands out for many reasons but mostly because of its funk-like approach. This song sounds like a soundtrack for the streets of the Bronx in 1977. Anderson .Paak and Pusha T rap about what it means to be “your brother’s keeper,” over a hypnotic bassline that makes it feels like it’s a crime to be sitting while this song plays.