Once in a while, I come across albums or recording artists that I instantly fall in love with. Anderson .Paak was not one of them. I probably heard the song “Room in Here” playing on someone else’s headphones in the library, in my sister’s car on the way to a midnight grocery store run, or in the elevator or something, and needless to say, I barely even noticed it. The only reason why I know for a fact that I heard it before, is because as I was listening to it for what I thought was the first time, I instantly began humming the melody right on key. I don’t know how the song didn’t instantly draw me in, but I wish I had paid more attention the first time.
After appearing on the XXL 2016 Freshman Class Cover, my good friend and fellow music lover suggested that I listen to Paak, and since he rarely leads me astray, I submitted.
My life was changed.
The multi-talented California native who has other west coast artists like Kendrick Lamar singing his praises really has his stuff together. Aside from being a very soulful singer, he is also a very gifted drummer who has appeared on shows like American Idol.
What I really want to talk about here is his newest work which was released on January 15th 2016- his second studio album, Malibu.
The album is a perfect mix of R&B, soul and funk. Every single track on it makes me feel something, which is a pretty hard task for many of today’s recording artists.
Paak goes into detail about his childhood struggles from growing up without a father, to his experiences with love and domestic abuse. Many of the things that he talks about are soft spots for people as is. Add on his raspy voice and perfect accompanying music and you have yourself a nice dose of “the feels”.
Malibu encompasses everything that is black music.
Track number three, "The Waters", which features BJ The Chicago Kid (another very talented and fairly new artist to the music scene) is a straight head-banger and my favorite on the whole album. I kid you not, the baseline literally almost gave me whip lash, but I recovered in time to hear the rest of the 13 little gifts from God.
Paak is just one of those artists who knows exactly how to say things and when to say them. He has managed to get everything right with this album. He has successfully shared some of the hardest parts of his life in one 16 song album that can be played and replayed over and over again.
I feel like in order for me to completely understand everything that he is saying in his album, I’ll have to listen to it at least 38 more times this week, and I won’t mind it one bit. This album is a must listen for anyone who truly enjoys the magnificence that is Black music. I regret every second that I wasted not listening to this album.
