Anderson .Paak
Malibu

From Compton to Malibu.

It was easily predictable that 2016 would be the year of Anderson .Paak from all the hype that arose around him already in the second half of 2015, as well as from the long list of collaborations in which the tireless Californian thirty-something was involved.

But there is one particular participation that exponentially increased his ratings. At the beginning of 2015, Dr. Dre, after hearing him on Knxwledge productions, called him to contribute to 6 tracks (more than any other guest) on “Compton,” the soundtrack of the biopic “Straight Outta Compton” and the recording comeback of the ex-NWA producer; Paak responded in the best way, attracting numerous accolades.

Until then, AP had released several works, including albums and EPs, completely independently, but without receiving significant critical and public attention. In contrast, starting from “Compton,” he amassed an impressive number of features, lending (primarily) his chorus skills to Premier, The Game, Madlib, GoldLink, Tokimonsta, Domo G, Kaytranada, Snakehips, Schoolboy Q. It is no coincidence that many of these have then become singles.

And if we add those who participated in “Malibu”, it's clear how in recent months Anderson .Paak has become both a catalyst for positive vibes and an almost unchallenged King Midas of contemporary black music and beyond.

Paak sings, raps, plays drums, produces, narrates about women, family experiences at the limit, nightlife, California. Venturing into multiple “fields,” he proves to be different from the classic soul singer who only stands behind a microphone. The rest is delegated to people of a certain caliber, very often active in the mainstream, such as: Pino Palladino (already worked with D'Angelo) who lends his bass in the relaxed “Water Fall,” Sam Barsh (present in “TPAB” by Kendrick Lamar) on keyboards in the lively “Heart Don't Stand a Chance,” Robert Glasper always in the similar gospel pop-oriented “Celebrate,” and then a bunch of other talented guys including Talib Kweli and 9th Wonder.

Sixteen tracks full of soul, loaded with funk, with a simple approach and refined sound, that flow wonderfully one after the other.

It's the comeback of the former Breezy Lovejoy who went from homeless to being the author of one of the best albums released in 2016, destined to remain for years to come.

“Keep dreaming/don’t stop now”