Anderson .Paak Bounces Back With ‘Ventura'
Anderson .Paak Bounces Back With ‘Ventura'
Months after the disappointing ‘Oxnard,’ Breezy Lovejoy returned with an R&B winner in 2019.
In 2015, Dr. Dre achieved a notable milestone in his illustrious career by bringing Anderson .Paak, a largely unknown artist until then, was in the spotlight. His impressive performances on six tracks of Compton established him as the album’s not-so-secret star, with his undeniable coolness shining through.
Unfazed by the sudden attention surrounding him, he released Malibu at the start of 2016, delivering the year’s most effortless album. His songs, which seamlessly blend R&B, funk, and hip-hop, quickly found their way into the hearts of urban students. In my immediate circle, Malibu was a staple in nearly every shared kitchen, played on repeat.
Paak continues his tradition of naming albums after California locations with his fourth release. Just six months after the somewhat disappointing Oxnard, he moves on to Ventura. The eleven new tracks originated from the same recording sessions, initially causing some skepticism on my part. However, the concern that this album might consist of B-sides from an already lackluster project quickly proves unfounded.
The album opens with choirs and a laid-back drum roll, setting the stage for his soulful entrance. André 3000, the former Outkast rapper, contributes a rap verse on the first track, a move that rarely disappoints. Following his appearance on James Blake’s (exceptional) album Assume Form in “Where’s the Catch,” “Come Home” marks André 3000’s second guest feature that year, and hopefully not his last (spoiler: it wasn’t).
“Make It Better” is another quintessential soul track, combining the signature Paak groove with its foundational elements. Addressing relationship woes, the artist ponders, “How do you mend when you’re worlds apart?” Yet, rather than dwelling on sadness, Paak opts for a more practical approach to resolving the crisis. In his world, the primary solution lies in engaging in ample amounts of sex. Legendary soul singer Smokey Robinson lends his support to his persuasive efforts.
On “Winners Circle,” Anderson .Paak showcases his skills as a more than capable rapper. The content follows familiar themes, as he quips,
“Told you don’t ever give me that gushy, but I didn’t mean it.
Bring her home, and I’ma bust it out the residence.
When I get the gushy, I go dumb like the president.”
The mischievous grin on his face is nearly palpable through the lyrics.
Amidst the “gushies” and “pu**ies,” a track like “King James” risks being overlooked. However, .Paak takes an uncharacteristically political stance with lines such as “We couldn’t stand to see our children shot dead in the streets. But when I finally took a knee them crackers took me out the league.” Despite the serious subject matter, he refuses to let the racists dampen the mood, propelling the song forward with his signature style.
As the album nears its conclusion, the artist ventures into pop territory. “Jet Black,” featuring Brandy, is Paak’s bid for a summer hit, a head-nodding tune perfect for cruising down the Sunset Strip. The good vibes continue in “What Can We Do?” where Paak incorporates previously unreleased vocals from “hook master” Nate Dogg. This Indian-inspired R&B track sends the listener off with a wide smile, providing a satisfying end to the album.
With Ventura, Paak recaptures the effortlessness that seemed to elude him in Oxnard. The abundance of ideas on this fourth album may initially overwhelm listeners during their first playthrough. However, repeated listens reveal subtle nuances and the infectious joy that Anderson .Paak exudes throughout the record is undeniable. The Californian artist refuses to let anyone disrupt the vibe, delivering eleven tracks brimming with positivity, tailor-made for the shared kitchen experience.