Anderson .Paak, Oxnard | Album Review 💿

Although it’s ‘all over the place’ and runs a bit long, rapper, singer & producer Anderson .Paak still delivers a compelling third LP with ‘Oxnard.’

Anderson .Paak is a prime example of a musician experiencing a mighty come-up. One of music’s ‘best kept secrets,’ the rapper, singer, and producer’s career began to take off with his appearances on Dr. Dre’s 2015 album, Compton, as well as sophomore album, Malibu.  After become one of hip-hop’s coolest, quirkiest, and most innovative artists, Paak returned with his highly-anticipated third album, Oxnard.  Although it’s ‘all over the place’ and perhaps it runs a bit long, there’s plenty to dig about Oxnard.

“The Chase” 

“The Chase” launches Oxnard in quirky, unique fashion, though suits the Anderson .Paak we’ve come to know. Kadhja Bonet sings the soulful, relaxed intro, before the tempo picks up. Paak begins to rap the sole true verse of the record.  He drops pop cultural references to Sonny Liston, the Detroit Pistons, and Bad Boys – the Will Smith/Martin Lawrence film.  After rapping, he sings the remainder of the soulful opener – a bridge and an outro, or something along those lines.

“Headlow” follows, continuing the incredibly ambitious, if utterly quirky nature of Oxnard.  Paak makes it clear that a sexual experience is involved on the intro: “This lady is giving head / On I-95, at the toll.” Assisted by Norelle, Paak describes the ‘heat of the moment,’ emphasizing being discreet – “We’re almost home, better keep your ‘head’ low / Better keep your head low.’ The groovy record gets a bit too ‘TMI’ by the outro, yet fits the outlandishness of the record.

“Tints”

Anderson .Paak returns strong on the hella groovy, soulful single, ✓ “Tints”, featuring Grammy-winning Compton rapper, Kendrick Lamar. Paak sings the first verse, asserting he’s “been feelin’ kinda cooped up,” by the effects of fame.  Within the same verse, he ties everything into his feelings, referencing California weather, the dangers of the Paparazzi, and the socially-charged lyric, “Ni**as dyin’ for less, I hear.” Paak goes on to talk about his blessings on the pre-chorus, before emphasizing the necessity of “tints” given his fame and various activities. Lamar shines on the second verse, continuing the fame sentiment captured by Paak.  He continues to reference the need for tints, including “…So I can look at the snakes and posers.”  Paak drops a third verse, referencing “presidential” status and cleverly, “Ni**as never see me comin’.” “Tints” is well-produced, well-written, and well-performed.

Following the standout “Tints,” Anderson .Paak drops some sick bars on the incredibly confident ✓ “Who R U?”  “Who R U?” features superb production, with its driving synths and hard-nosed beat, co-produced by Dr. Dre and Mell.  Clearly, Paak flexes throughout, including numerous memorable lyrics, such as, “Ooh savage, that’s a nice get-up / International, rocking Japanese denim.”

On ✓ “6 Summers,” he gets politically and socially-charged from the start on a recurring break:

“Trump’s got a love child and I hope that bitch is buckwild
I hope she sip mezcal, I hope she kiss señoritas and black gals
I hope her momma’s El Salv’, I hope her poppa stick around, yeah.”

On the third verse, during a production switch-up, he addresses the president directly while reflecting on numerous American issues. On the end of the verse, he states, “Lil ni**a bullied out his Pumas / But why he have to shoot the whole school up?”

“Saviers Road” 

“I would sell you faith, but you ni**as don’t believe.” The brief but potent “Saviers Road” maintains the captivating nature of Oxnard, brilliantly balancing the specific street and spiritual matters. Paak specifically reflects on his come-up and the power of both spiritual faith and faith in achieving success. Soulful two-part gem✓ “Smile / Petty” follows, assisted by Sonyae Elise.  Anderson sounds incredibly awesome here, given his incredibly distinct pipes – rapping and singing – which radiate with personality. Both parts of the song thrive off of their neo-soul sensibilities, while “Petty” embraces more West Coast, G-Funk sensibilities.  It’s easily among the crème de la crème of Oxnard.

There is no shortage of confidence on ✓ “Mansa Musa,” featuring Dr. Dre and Cocoa Sarai.  “Back on my bullshit / I got some money to blow, I’m lookin’ good, bitch,” Anderson .Paak brags on another gem that perfectly characterizes the West Coast sound.  The production is adventurous, blending old-school sensibilities and contemporary sounds seamlessly. In addition to an incredible performance by Paak, both Dr. Dre and Cocoa Sarai bring the heat as well.

“Brother’s Keeper”

The hits keep on coming on the dramatic, ✓ “Brother’s Keeper,” featuring Pusha T. Marking the first collaboration between the two artists, the results are nothing short of superb.  After the hard-nosed sound that characterizes the majority of the record, the outro provides contrast, taking on a more soulful, R&B vibe. Speaking of R&B, “Anywhere,” featuring Snoop Dogg and The Last Artful, Dodgr, finds Paak serving up some his best singing vocals.  Likewise, Snoop Dogg opts for more of pop-rap/vocal approach on the first verse, while The Last Artful, Dodgr provide her sweet pipes on the chorus. Compared to some of the edgier moments of Oxnard, “Anywhere” is definitely a bit sweeter.

✓ “Trippy,” the second-longest song from Oxnard, features one of the bigger collaborations, J. Cole.  Arguably, J. Cole steals the show with his terrific verse on the second verse.  The production is lush, sensual, and by all means, on-point.  The lengthiest record, ✓ “Cheers” featuring Q-Tip, follows, beating out “Trippy” by about eleven seconds.  Smartly, “Cheers” packs a bit more punch than “Trippy,” thriving off its energetic, soulful groove and brassy production.  Paak returns to rapping, showcases incredible agility.  His most memorable line references the late Mac Miller – “Wishin’ I still had Mac wit’ me (Yes Lord!) / How do you tell a ni**a slow it down when you livin’ just as fast as ‘em?” As for Q-Tip, well, he’s true-to-self in all his veteran hip-hop glory.

Moving on, penultimate record “Sweet Chick,” featuring BJ The Chicago Kid, is about exactly what you think it is – women (“I got me a freak bitch / And she nasty, she wild, she a free spirit”). Paak continues to shows ample personality on the more energetic if gimmicky “Left to Right.” A perfect example: “My got, she got a stance like an antelope / And ass like a cantaloupe.”  

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Oxnard is a compelling sophomore album by Anderson .Paak.  Sure, at 56 minutes, it feels a bit longer, likely amplified by the fact that the album is ‘a bit all over the place,’ but there’s lots to praise and sink one’s teeth into.  No, Paak doesn’t quite deliver the year’s definitive tour de force, but Oxnard has plenty to offer. 

✓ Gems: “Tints,” “Who R U?” “6 Summers,” “Smile / Petty”, “Mansa Musa,” “Brother’s Keeper,” “Trippy” & “Cheers” 

Anderson .Paak » Oxnard » Aftermath Entertainment / 12Tone Music » Release: 11.16.18

Photo Credits: Aftermath Entertainment / 12Tone Music