The first time I saw Anderson .Paak in concert was at Coachella in 2019. His set overlapped with Ella Mai's (a malfeasance on the festival's behalf, if you ask me), but I wanted to prioritize his staging since he hadn't yet performed his Grammy Award-winning hit "Bubblin." [1] My sister, however, felt more inclined to see Mai, who came on halfway through .Paak's performance. In an effort to compromise, I agreed to leave .Paak's act for the "Trip" singer — that is until I heard the intro of "Bubblin." We were almost to Mai's stage, but, honey, when I say I sprinted back to see .Paak, you would've thought I was training for the Olympics. I heard my sister calling me from a distance and telling me to wait up, but there's no "waiting up" when "Bubblin" is on. I arrived back at .Paak's stage, out of breath, right as he was telling the crowd to "look at the cash comin' in," and I fervently rapped along to the rest of the number. (By the way, we left .Paak's concert again after that, and my sister was able to see Mai sing her favorite song, "Boo'd Up." [2] So, it all worked out!)
That anecdote perfectly summarizes the effect of .Paak's music. Its soul and energy make me laugh, dance, and dash across a lawn in 90-degree heat. It's fitting that he's known as the rapper with the best teef in the game [3]. Not only is his smile captivating but his music is like a grin that transforms into a tune. That's probably why I've had the rapper on heavy rotation lately — his songs always manage to lift my spirits. So this week's Music Mood Board [4] features 11 of my favorite songs from the California-born musician.
“Cut Em In” (feat. Rick Ross)
This fun track is set with a zestful beat as .Paak and Ross boast their skillful flows and cadences. I'd also like to highlight this hilarious (and somewhat painfully relatable) interlude:
"You know, I sat down with my accountant. He said, 'I got good news, and I got bad news.' I said, 'What's the good news?' He said, 'The good news is you made a lot.' I said, 'What's the bad news?' 'The bad news is you spent more.' OK, oh, sh*t."
"Lockdown"
.Paak gave us this powerful protest anthem [6] on Juneteenth, merging topical discussions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.
"Bubblin"
You already know how I feel about this banger. (Read: the intro of this post.)
"Come Down"
This is one of .Paak's emblematic tunes and among the grooviest. I hope he now has a whole cabinet full of liquor for him and only him.
"Make It Better" (feat. Smokey Robinson)
The way .Paak's pleading passion shines through this soulful jam speaks volumes considering the fact that he's crooning alongside a Motown legend.
"Jet Black" (feat. Brandy)
You better believe I added this song to my "Future Wedding" playlist.
"Come Home" (feat. André 3000)
To think André 3000 almost wasn't on this track [7] makes me shudder. This is the collaboration we deserve!
"Tints" (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
The opening lyric "I been feelin' kinda cooped up, cooped up / I'm tryna get some fresh air" definitely hits different during these times of social distancing. Whew.
"6 Summers"
.Paak takes on politics, gun violence, and racial inequality in this smooth tune that mixes contemplative reasonings with punchy, humorous lines.
"Brother's Keeper" (feat. Pusha T)
This song's beat and bass drop will never not slap, and that's just a fact. We also get another clever lyric from the rapper — who's previously opened up about his Gospel roots [8] — as he muses, "If Jesus would've had a better lawyer / Would he have to see the cross? / I hope your n*ggas is true, I hope they don't do you like Judas / I pray to God."
"It's All Love" (feat. Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, and George Clinton)
Although I haven't seen Trolls World Tour [9] and have no plans to, I'm forever grateful that the film united .Paak, Timberlake, Blige, and Clinton for this track.
