From Malibu to Oxnard: Anderson .Paak's Evolution of Funk

Trace Anderson .Paak's musical excursion from Malibu to Oxnard, witnessing the evolution of funk in his 2018 album.

Courtesy of Aftermath Entertainment.

Los Angeles, a city where the tempo of life is often unhurried and the atmosphere is saturated with joyous indulgence and profound sorrow, has long been a nurturing ground for funk music. The 1990s saw the rise of G-funk, an evolution that channeled the synthesizer-led sounds of Zapp and Parliament-Funkadelic into a darker, more contemplative style that came to define L.A.’s funk scene. Today echoes of that Dr. Dre-infused Parliament sound can be heard in the works of artists like Thundercat, Dâm-Funk, Terrace Martin, and Anderson .Paak, who was signed by Aftermath Records in 2016.

His ascent from the budding talent known as Breezy Lovejoy to a figure casting a considerable shadow in the music industry is a narrative of transformation and artistic evolution. His early work, marked by the release of his solo album Malibu at the outset of 2016, positioned him as an emerging artist brimming with potential and gathering acclaim from established musicians. The subsequent years have seen this album become the foundation upon which his career has soared, elevating him to a multifaceted artist commanding widespread attention.

Paak’s album Oxnard, a successor to his breakout album, takes on funk with a hip-hop sensibility. When Paak relaxes into his rhythm, Oxnard merges its influences seamlessly. Decked out sharply and exuding a confident charm, he navigates between fluid bass lines and smooth melodic layers, channeling vibes akin to Snoop Dogg and Bootsy Collins. This space allows Paak to flex his vocal skills amidst themes that sometimes venture into problematic territory.

With the spotlight firmly fixed on him, Paak presents his effort that is set against the backdrop of his coastal hometown. Here, he encapsulates this locale’s essence, infused with the scent of strawberries and ocean air. This body of work departs from Malibu’s laid-back vibe and his collaboration with Knxwledge (Yes Lawd!). On the opening track, “The Chase,” Paak forges ahead with audacious musical explorations, employing expansive soundscapes and daring production techniques that signify his willingness to test his abilities beyond familiar territory.

His ambition resonates throughout Oxnard, finding success when the arrangements amplify his distinctive vocals, exemplified by “Headlow.” This track juxtaposes its compelling narrative with a gritty guitar riff, building towards a crescendo with each chorus. However, . Paak’s bold approach is not without its pitfalls. The album’s experimental structure occasionally falters, featuring beat transitions and multipart compositions aiming for sonic variety. For instance, certain songs’ initial segments lack the vibrancy required to complement Paak’s expressive voice.

Paak’s voice carries a distinctive texture, reminiscent of El DeBarge’s husky tone rather than his high notes—a fitting sound for Paak’s crafted image. Throughout Oxnard, he alternates between boastful accounts of sexual exploits and moments of personal reflection. Some tracks stand out for their catchy appeal, but when taken as a whole, these displays of masculinity may seem overplayed.

The record strides when collaborations with rap veterans balance Paak’s bolder themes. Kendrick Lamar adds a touch of lightness on “Tints,” Q-Tip introspectively looks back on “Cheers,” and Snoop Dogg brings a sense of nostalgia on “Anywhere.” Even Dr. Dre contributes, though his production maintains the rigid style familiar from his last project (Compton).

In contrast, other parts of the album demonstrate Paak’s ability to innovate successfully. The latter half of “Smile/Petty” emerges as an avant-garde showcase, while “Brother’s Keeper” is an enthralling conclusion following a less convincing start. Yet, it is on “Mansa Musa” where Paak’s experimentation feels misaligned; his attempt at rapping over an incongruous beat diminishes the track’s impact. Even Dre’s verse on this project does not quite resonate as intended, lacking the magnetic charm expected from such a collaboration.

It also struggles with its ambition. It sometimes mistakes intrepid content for meaningful commentary, as seen in the provocative lyrics of the 9th Wonder-produced “6 Summers.” Certain tracks appear more aligned with showcasing Dr. Dre’s influence than Paak’s creative vision. Not all creative risks bear fruit; for example, the track “Left to Right” attempts a cultural crossover that doesn’t quite land.

Despite these moments of discordance, Oxnard offers a sequence of tracks that more than compensate for its weaker sections. From “Anywhere” to “Sweet Chick,” there is a clear demonstration of Paak’s artistry. “Trippy” stands out with its celestial arrangements, transporting listeners as Paak serenades about eternal connection. J. Cole’s contribution adds depth with vivid storytelling that enriches the vibrant landscape.

Oxnard aims to blend funk and hip-hop against the backdrop of Los Angeles’ culture of excess but occasionally loses its narrative sharpness due to its sprawling scope. While Anderson .Paak exhibits impressive musical breadth, but not every direction explored strengthens the album’s impact. Despite this, the album paints a broad picture of L.A.’s sybaritic tendencies but could use finer detail to make a lasting connection with its fans. However, he did bounce back months after this release with Ventura.