Anderson .Paak, the man himself, is a superstar of the music industry. He can do it all – sing, rap, write, and produce. This American icon has gone from being a cult hero to a respected figure in the game.
He’s dabbled in R&B, soul, and hip-hop, and has six studio albums under his belt. Plus, he’s won a whopping eight Grammy Awards! Talk about a legend.
If you’re new to Anderson .Paak, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This list is gonna show you some of his absolute best tunes. And if you’re already a fan, get ready to jam out to some old favorites. Let’s go!
10. “Heart Don’t Stand a Chance”
This track kicks off the record with a burst of energy that will have you feeling like popping open a bottle of champagne. It’s the perfect introduction to the girl that Anderson .Paak sings about throughout the album, giving us a taste of the wild ride that’s to come.
With a mix of keys, steady drumming, and a whirlwind of synths, “Heart Don’t Stand a Chance” embodies .Paak’s signature style. It’s the kind of song that’s impossible to resist dancing to – so don’t even try!
If you’re looking to add some excitement to your next party, be sure to put this track on your playlist. You won’t regret it!
9. “Trippy (feat. J. Cole)”
If you’re looking for a classic jam to add to your playlist, we’ve got just the thing. Oxnard’s very own Anderson .Paak dropped a track in 2018 that’s still making waves today. It’s called “Trippy” and it’s a must-listen.
The song is a chill, laid-back tune about love and intimacy with their significant others. It features a collaboration with rapper J. Cole, marking their first-ever partnership. The opening sample is from the legendary comedian Rodney Dangerfield, who adds a touch of humor to the mix.
“Trippy” has a silky smooth sound that’ll transport you to a hipster restaurant, a shopping mall, or even a lively pool party. The snaps give it an added pop that’ll have you grooving along. It’s a mix of sweet and spicy, making it perfect for any occasion.
8. “The Bird”
Let’s talk about “The Bird”, the opening track on Anderson .Paak’s album “Malibu”. You might have thought “Heart Don’t Stand a Chance” was the first song, but actually it’s “The Bird”. Even though it’s a softer and slower track, we think it’s a great choice to start off the album and it definitely deserves that opening spot.
One of the reasons why “The Bird” is so strong is because it has a catchy chorus and sultry piano bits. Anderson .Paak sings about the hardships he faced in his youth, such as his mother’s gambling problem and his father’s absence. But despite these setbacks, he promises to continue on the path of righteousness until he reaches the top.
Anderson .Paak’s talent is undeniable, and he has proven himself through his work on Dr. Dre’s “Compton” and his features on The Game’s “The Documentary 2/2.5”. With all of that under his belt, it’s no surprise that he was able to break through and make a name for himself.
So there you have it – “The Bird” is a fantastic opening track on “Malibu” that sets the tone for the rest of the album.
7. “Cheers (feat. Q-Tip)”
Have you heard the latest hit from Oxnard? It’s called “Cheers,” and let me tell you, it’s a bop! The song starts off with a funky bass and a groovy drum beat that’ll make you wanna dance. Then the horns kick in, the backing vocals get strong, and .Paak and Q-Tip start spittin’ some sick verses. And if that wasn’t enough, Cocoa Sarai comes in with a beautiful sax solo and some gorgeous vocal riffs at the end.
Now, don’t let the subject matter fool you. “Cheers” might be about lost friends, like .Paak’s collaborator Mac Miller and Q-Tip’s childhood friend Phife Dawg, but it’s not a downer. Nope, it’s actually a celebration of their lives! .Paak and Q-Tip use the song to reminisce about the good times they had with their friends and to give them a warm, loving toast.
So, next time you’re with your crew, raise a glass and say “Cheers!” to all the good times you’ve had together. And don’t forget to blast this song while you’re at it!
6. “Suede”
If you’re looking for a smooth and sleek track, then “Suede” is your jam. This collaboration between Anderson .Paak and producer Knxwledge is a standout from their 2016 album Yes Lawd! and it’s not hard to see why.
While “The Season / Carry Me” may be bigger in size, “Suede” is all about being slender and sharp. Despite its simplicity in production, the track still manages to sound incredibly clean and polished.
It’s worth noting that “Suede” isn’t just .Paak’s song alone. In fact, it’s the first single from the west coast duo NxWorries. Although fans tend to give .Paak most of the credit on this song since he wrote most of the lyrics and delivers them with an astounding vocal performance.
Speaking of lyrics, .Paak himself has even admitted that the pre-chorus of “Suede” contains some of his favorite lyrics that he’s ever written. In an interview with The Fader, he revealed that he initially had doubts about the track, but Knxwledge gave it his seal of approval with a flurry of flame emojis.
According to .Paak, the songs he’s least comfortable with often end up being the biggest hits. And we have to say, “Suede” is definitely a hit in our books.
5. “The Season / Carry Me”
Anderson .Paak’s “The Season / Carry Me” is a track that just feels massive. It’s like the music production can reach the sky! The song’s themes are also weighty, addressing Anderson’s past while anxiously looking towards the future. Childhood memories, his mother, and growing up in Oxnard, California are all subjects he touches upon.
He also brings up the hazards of life in the hood and incorporates religious symbolism into the mix. In one line, “It was late in the fall / I caught a glimpse of my first love, my God,” he even alludes to his first love: drumming. Anderson started his musical journey by playing drums in his church as a kid.
Compared to “The Bird,” what makes “The Season / Carry Me” stand out is its intensity. The track opens with stormy, whistling sounds created by 9th Wonder and then transitions into a 90s R&B-esque beat with graceful piano keys and a hint of macho. It’s undoubtedly Anderson’s most ambitious song, and though it’s rougher than his later tracks, it’s still an important part of his discography.
4. “TINTS (feat. Kendrick Lamar)”
If you’re a fan of Anderson .Paak and Kendrick Lamar, you’re in for a treat with their collab on “TINTS”. This track is definitely bringing some serious Silk Sonic energy, as it pays tribute to 70s funk while also being a fun tune about taking risks.
Now, we all know Kendrick Lamar is a master of his craft, and he definitely takes “TINTS” to a whole new level. It’s actually the first official single from Anderson’s album “Oxnard”, and marks the third time .Paak and Lamar have teamed up on a song. Interestingly, they’ve never actually worked together in a studio – all their collaborations have been done remotely. But you know what? Their voices just blend so well together, it’s hard to tell!
What we really love about “TINTS” is the way it mixes light and dark elements. On the one hand, the upbeat tempo and nods to the luxurious lifestyle of California will have you feeling posh and carefree.
But on the other hand, there are some serious themes of gun violence and the downsides of fame that make you stop and think. It’s a song about hiding, but it’s definitely one of those tracks that you want to blast at full volume and sing along to.
3. “Come Home (feat. André 3000)”
Have you heard “Come Home” by Anderson .Paak featuring André 3000? If you haven’t, you’re missing out on a fantastic modern throwback to the golden age of soul. From the catchy refrains to the funky drum beat, the added flute and horn bits, and .Paak’s powerhouse vocals, this song is nothing short of marvelous. No wonder it won a GRAMMY in 2020 for “Best R&B Performance.”
The song’s theme is a parodying “I-want-you-back” characteristic of songs from Motown’s golden age, with .Paak pleading for the return of his former partner. Throughout the track, he moves from wanting her back to seeking peace and establishing a friendship. It’s a vibe we can all relate to, right?
Fun fact: according to .Paak himself, it took André 3000 a while to send in his verse, and he had his doubts about it ever coming through. But in the end, André did send it in, and .Paak was hyped. He called it a product of the “spitter André. That verse-verse André.”
Even if André 3000 didn’t deliver his verse, we still believe “Come Home” would have been hailed as a masterpiece by fans and critics alike. If you’re in the mood for some soulful rhythm, give this track a listen. You won’t regret it!
2. “Brother’s Keeper (feat. Pusha T)”
If you’re a fan of Anderson .Paak, you need to listen to “Brother’s Keeper (feat. Pusha T).” This track showcases the rappers’ skills as they explore what it means to be loyal to your friends and family. The production by Dem Jointz and Jairus ‘J-Mo’ Mozee is on point too, making this a standout song.
The title of the track is inspired by a CNN interview where Pusha T and No Malice, of the rap duo Clipse, talk about their rise to fame from selling drugs. The lyrics touch on their journey and their downfall, with the line “My brother just turned down a half a million dollars / For being one half of one of the greatest duos in hip-hop history” referencing their split. Pusha T wanted to tour for more money, but No Malice, who had become a born-again Christian, couldn’t go through with it.
This song is beloved by .Paak’s hardcore fans because of its raw honesty, intricate instrumentals, and cinematic feel. It’s definitely one of .Paak’s more intense tracks, but that’s what we love about him – he always brings the passion and fire. Don’t miss out on this powerful song about loyalty and morality.
1. “Come Down”
This track from his album Malibu is a crowd-pleaser that has been featured in a Nike commercial, Madden 17, and even Olivia Wilde’s movie Booksmart. It’s a catchy tune that’s sure to get you moving.
One of the standout features of “Come Down” is the groovy bass line that will make you want to dance. The song also uses chant vocals and cleverly samples Israel’s national anthem in the intro, showing off .Paak’s skillful production. It’s no surprise that this song is the most recognizable in .Paak’s discography.
But “Come Down” isn’t just a feel-good party anthem. Listening to the lyrics, you’ll notice that .Paak is exploring the darker side of partying. The song highlights the fine line between having a good time and going too far. It’s a theme that many of us can relate to – who hasn’t had a wild night that they regretted the next day?
Despite the serious subject matter, “Come Down” still manages to be a fun and energetic track. It’s the perfect song to blast at a party or to get you through a tough workout. So turn up the volume and get down with “Come Down”!
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