RANDOM BLOG

          What kind of music do you listen to? I listen to all kinds of music; yes, even country. Yet, it's hip-hop and R&B that mostly flow through my headphones. With Coachella coming up, I thought I'd promote one of its artists who's always on my "Recently Played" playlist and who grew up not too far from where we're studying: Anderson .Paak.  In 2016, Paak dropped his breakthrough album. Malibu underlines storytelling, feel-good raps with funky and jazzy beats assembled from live instrument recordings and electronics, molding this project into one that epitomizes three constant components throughout the evolution of hip-hop: soul, funk, and swagger. Let me show you two of my favorite tracks: "Put Me Thru" and "Room in Here."

          Paak's fifth track "Put Me Thru" illustrates his internal struggle of a mentally and emotionally abusive relationship through a combination of quick rhymes and soulful ballads. A smooth jazzy bassline and hi-hats underline his illustration of self-awareness regarding the relationship he's seemingly stuck in,

                    Afraid of thinking I dug my own grave

                    Fuck around with this

                    Strange and elusive, too afraid to lose it

                    I don’t mind this pain

Paak's willing to undertake this abuse because of the overwhelming euphoria she brings him. He incorporates a sharp electric guitar groove in various lyric-less voids. These practically impromptu electric contributions compare to those commonly found in jazz and blues performances. They also appeal to the sexual attribute characteristic of rock. The sharpness of these riffs seems to act as Paak’s cry for help. His incorporation of choir in the background of the chorus throughout the track pay homage to its influences in Soul music, stemming from Paak's youth experience as a drummer in the gospel choir. "Put Me Thru" also opposes the übermasculinity or vulnerability we come to expect from hip-hop and rap.

          Malibu's tenth track, "Room in Here" presents Paak and The Game's chase of women. At first glance, given The Game's dark and aggressive Gangsta Rap reputation, bringing him, another LA-based rapper, on for a feature seems as an interesting decision. However, Paak's sophisticated, cool combination of singing and rapping and the Game's rustic flow unite over a simple drum and key instrumental (like early 2000's R&B) to present a tempered, respectful pursuit of a meaningful romantic connection. Paak's second verse demonstrates this light-hearted approach,

                      Well if no one's putting numbers on the board

                      I'd love to take a swing, might even graze you

                      But I don't mean any harm, I'm just speaking my mind

                      Take a look at that moon, 'bout as bright as your eyes 

His lyrical strategy is consistent throughout his two verses. He divides both verses in half, singing the first and rapping the second. In a smooth, syncopated rhythm he sings the first two lines of this excerpt, conveying his fear of mistakenly rushing this advance and exemplifying a sincere interest in courting her. In the next lines, he raps a 16^th-note rhythm, boldly coming in on the upbeats. The confidence in his cadence juxtaposes his lyrics where he compliments her eyes. His ability to harness a clean verse that presents an unheard-of, charming representation of The Game is remarkable. This, in part with his versatile vocal performance presents a tender swagger. The integration of this gentlemanly confidence, backup harmonies, piano, and steady kick drum are sure to win you over.

Go check him out this Friday at Coachella, I'll see ya there.