This morning I received a reminder alert on my iPhone that duh duh duuuuh,...Anderson .Paak's debut album "Venice", released by Steel Wool, is arriving today. Yes, this was alert worthy. If you've been tuned in to Really Not Radio you would understand the seriousness of this album for me. I believed Anderson .Paak would be declared my 'album of the year', and he's currently holding 1st place. Ayyye you in first place. I feel somewhat attached to this album title because this past birthday I biked from Santa Monica to Marina Del Rey and spent some time off in Venice. This allowed me to see how badass Venice is. The culture is like none other. "It’s one of the showplaces of good old American self-expression. Here, you do your thing and the world watches." The above excerpt is from the 1978 documentary, "Skateboard Kings", which was included on Paak's song "Dogtown". It captures the essence of Venice quite well.
It all makes sense to me now. The naturally sexy, bad boy persona I experienced at Anderson Paak's live performance this past July, at The Lyric Theater, was no front. He's been walking the same Venice streets where many of the first, "be yourself, dance to your own beat" creators settled and rebelled in Los Angeles, California. You can feel and hear the lifestyle throughout this album. Being familiar with Paak's artistry I knew anything could happen once I pressed play. He gives you a collection of work that keeps and leaves you interested. From his intricate story-telling with rhythmic delivery, telling you like it is point-blank period, commands your attention. He continues to paint an abstract picture by collaborating with heavy producers like Ta-Ku, Tokimonsta and rising stars Mikos Da Gawd, Lo Def and DK. Dropping funky-trap, rebel-soul, future r&b,UK jam-rockish type sounds that you would find playing at speakeasy's scattered throughout Venice.
Currently, my favorite jams are "Might Be" and "Milk and Honey" because of the alluring lyrics and detailed storytelling, which makes me a believer in all things .Paak. Mmmhmm. Oh, and "Miss Right" is also a current anthem. Before this album dropped "Drugs" and "Maps" were like water and wi-fi. I needed them all day. And I think my future favorites will be "Luh You", "Already" and "Right There". Ya, pretty much the whole album haaaa. Gotta LOVE it!
Make sure to connect and support Anderson .Paak by purchasing his album on iTunes and join his social networks (Twitter, Instagram, YouTube. The numbers mean everything to artists people! SUPPORT SUPPOORRRT.
Anderson .Paak's live performance is stellar. I shared my show experience from his month long residency at The Lyric Theatre in Los Angeles here.
Press play...