Anderson .Paak

I can’t help but smile when I hear anything from this man. One of the new crew to really make his mark, it seems that everything he does, he does with absolute joy.

Sure, I’m on the outside looking in, but every time I see a photo go him, he’s got a grin from here to woop woop. Seriously!? Type his name into Google images and see what comes up. Its like smiling is his default…which is awesome on so many levels.

I think that he brings that to his music as well which is why I play it so much.

The mid 10’s we’re a pretty full on time for me and mine and when things get tough, I often revert to finding music that will not only lift my spirits but quietly take them around the back of the club and share mother earths finest until they couldn’t get higher. Its like the best medicine ever.

So when I came across Anderson in 2016 with his upbeat, happy and energetic brand of doing things, I couldn’t help but gravitate toward his music. It helps that I’m not adverse to a great Hip Hop album. I’m probably 5 shades of Hip Hop side rather than R&B, but I don’t think anyone can argue that great R&B is undeniably a celebration.

And this is what .Paak does really really well. He plays both sides beautifully. He would easily be put into an Hip Hop genre, but really, his style of music and the way he sings when he doesn’t rap is totally R&B. And really fucking good R&B.

His first album ‘Ventura’ came out in 2014 didn’t really grab me. I mean I didn’t even know about him until 2016 after his second album ‘Malibu’ was released, but the difference between the two albums are night and day. ‘Malibu’ landed him squarely as one of the genres new leaders along with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino & Chance the Rapper. All of who seemed to bring a new approach to their music.

Add to this the fact that he is very possibly one of the few solo artists who play drums [Yes Phil Collins fans…we know] and you begin to get how connected he is with his own music. The energy that he brings to all his music, be it recorded or live just makes him nearly the perfect festival artist. Plus, apparently he’s a lovely dude, so he gets invited everywhere.

So as is usually the way, the first Anderson .Paak song I ever heard was ‘Am I Wrong’ stopped me a little whilst acknowledging that my head bobbing moment is a very good indicator of good music. Its the best when its someone you’ve never heard before. So I tell my wife [we always tell each other about great music] and we began playing Malibu to death…and I really mean to death. I’ve heard this album so many times now it fits my earholes like a jumper thats so well loved you can’t wear it in public any more…except to 7-11 at midnight on Tuesday to pick up milk for breakfast in the morning….that comfortable.

Maybe I needed happy music. I didn’t know much about .Paak at that stage to be honest. Just his music. But there is a lightness that surrounds his music which becomes infectious. And in the years following, I’ve learned that it is simply Anderson doing Anderson. Like I said before, sure, I don’t know him personally, but he always seems to be moving, grooving, dancing, singing, and most importantly, laughing. And thats something I’m drawn to. Plus, he’s cool as fuck.

For a dude who’s 34 and on his sixth studio Album, his collaboration list is unbelievable. Andre 3000, Smokey Robinson, Brandy, Eminem, Thundercat, Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Christina Aguilera, Snoop, Pusha T, J. Cole, Mac DeMarco, Noname, Earl Sweatshirt, Kaytranada, RNP Corbae. I always think it speaks volumes about an artist who collaborates so much. Maybe its the smiling, and joy he eminates, but I’ve always assumed he is the kind of artist who is inclusive with his music. Like he invites you to sit next to him while you groove along with beats that are the soundtrack to that hour that straddles sunset on the beach with a fire burning in a petrol drum surrounded by mates and tunes. Its that kind of happy. Celebration happy.

He knew it too. Which is probably why ‘Malibu’ has a track called ‘Celebrate’ which really does sum up his approach’. But if you’re looking for a track off this album that takes the cake…without doubt, hands down, it’s…wait, lets set the scene…

If you’re hosting a party and everyone is just milling around, and you look across to your better half and both of you silently shrug at each other to insinuate that neither of you have any idea as to why people aren’t dancing and having fun? Don’t panic. …quietly saunter over to the stereo system, [no big movements] somehow find how you can plug your phone in, open Spotify and search for Anderson .Paak ‘Come Down’. Turn the volume up to 9, motion for your partner to come and dance with you and press play.

Guaranteed, by the end of that track you will have a group of people who have been just waiting for someone to take the lead up on their feet. Every time I hear this track, I can’t help but get up and dance. On par with Kendrick Lamar’s ‘King Kunta’.

So where do you go after such a kick arse second album? You do the same again. ‘Oxnard’ is a more refined album which has all sorts of flavours injected into it. I mean its not the same but its the same. Catchy tunes that mostly feel light and happy. Probably just a reenforcement that he’s found his niche and is staying there. Even when he creates music that translates as more of a statement, its still super groovy.

Because I think he’s following the golden rule of any successful artist. You can say anything you want about anything, but if the music isn’t good, people won’t listen. Track 5 on ‘Oxnard’ is called 6 Summers and is one of the best on the album, and he’s making some pretty decent statements, but you can see that he’s trying to fill the world with positive messages and with positive music.

But at the end of the day, it just needs to be good music that you want to listen to. If I had to recommend any artist from the last decade, .Paak would be in my top 5. I know this is gonna sound pox because when we compare artists to the classics, it never really lines up, but I would nearly put money on the comparisons between Anderson & early Stevie Wonder. They both make me feel the same way. Their music both have that way where they just know where the pocket is. The pocket in that same 7-11 wearing jumper you can’t part with….ever. Its an art in itself.

In 2016 when he was right at the beginning of getting a name for himself and a good deal after I had already murdered the album, I don’t know what drove me to check if he was ever coming to Melbourne and like most sob stories, it starts with the promise of something awesome and then quickly decends into the misery of opportunities lost when I realised that he was playing on that very night at the Corner Hotel. And I couldn’t make it. “Curses!!!” *shakes fist like pensioner at the sky* I knew that if he ever came back it would be a bigger venue, but he’s been back at Festival Hall since as well as music festivals, so I’m sure I’ll get a chance to see him at some stage.

So, if you’re walking around the house wondering why you’re feeling a little flat, throw on ‘Malibu’ to begin with and see if you don’t start feeling better real soon. I know he’s not everyone’s vibe, but neither was Stevie Wonder when he was making music. And if its one thing that we all need all the time is connection to laughter and joy…especially through dance and music.

There is no substitute.

M /