NxWorries releases the purest album of the year in “Why Lawd?”
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TOP 5
5. 86Sentra
Just picture Anderson .Paak focusing primarily on rapping. He’d likely end up snagging a spot on someone’s list of the top 5 rappers of all time.
So, “86Sentra” definitely drives smoother than an actual ’86 Sentra. The song boasts a gassed-up version of Anderson .Paak that cusses, is competitive, sounds war-ready, and is as aggressive as Jaylen Brown during the fourth quarters of games. I’m not surprised that .Paak came out swinging like this because the production that Knxwledge hooked him up with is meaner than LSU’s women’s basketball coach.
4. FallThru
A track dedicated to those who do pushups before their girl comes over late at night.
“FallThru” is a f**king mood; but only if you’re someone who got b*tches! All jokes aside (Well, not really), in the track, Anderson .Paak eloquently speaks on the elation you feel when you’re f**king with a chick you’re feeling during the late-night hours. What I love is that, throughout the track, he sings with this pep to his step, sounding like he did mad Birdman hand rubs when he received confirmation that his chick was coming over at 11:59.
3. WalkOnBy (Ft. Earl Sweatshirt & Rae Khalil)
How the hell did NxWorries get Earl Sweatshirt to appear on their album?
I consider “WalkOnBy” a thought-provoking record about the struggles of success. In the track, Anderson .Paak and Earl Sweatshirt delve into the elation, jealousy, and guilt that accompany leveling up, especially from difficult beginnings. Anderson sets the tone with a tranquil vocal performance that perfectly aligns with the soothing production. Earl delivers a masterful verse filled with intricate wordplay and complex insights, while Rae Khalil adds a brief but emotionally charged verse. All in all, this is an outstanding collaboration.
2. Where I Go (Ft. H.E.R.)
A track dedicated to those who have AirDrop.
In “Where I Go,” Anderson .Paak and H.E.R. debate the strength needed to thrive in a relationship. That means no creeping or leaving toilet seats up.
With the song focusing on being in a pleasant relationship, Anderson .Paak delivers some of his smoothest vocals yet, sounding as if he’s taken a few sedatives. Meanwhile, H.E.R. maintains a pleasant tone but carries a slight edge, ready to snap if she sees a notification she doesn’t like. Both of their contributions sound great over the soothing production.
1. Keep Her (Ft. Thundercat)
Goddammit, this s**t resonated with me like s**t!
“KeepHer” offers a timeless message about the limitations of money in improving relationships, a sentiment as old as Joe Biden himself. While the track boasts pretty pleasant production from Knxwledge and soothing vocals from Thundercat, it’s Anderson .Paak who sounds like someone who’s on the verge of asking for the manager. You know what? As a matter of fact, he sounds like a middle-aged person rushing outside to confront their significant other about potential car damage (That one scene in the first Barbershop keeps running through my head).
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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RGM RATING
(B+)
Anderson .Paak’s versatility and talent are undeniable, making him a standout in any era of music. In Why Lawd?, his collaboration with the excellent producer Knxwledge, we witness one of his most timeless performances yet.
Knxwledge deserves full credit for his exceptional production work on this album. Each beat he crafts is crisp, intricate, and timeless, with a smooth layer that adds to its allure. Many of the tracks stay within a neo-soul, vintage pocket, ensuring their appeal for all generations. Overall, it’s a very cool listening experience.
Anderson .Paak’s lyrics in this album resonate with the experiences and maturity of someone his age (38). He navigates conflicts with maturity or old man pettiness, vividly recounts past romantic experiences, and addresses the trials and tribulations common to those from similar backgrounds. In essence, Anderson’s lyrics reflect a sense of certainty and wisdom that comes with age and experience.
The guest appearances on this album were a highlight for me. Snoop Dogg’s contribution in “FromHere” added a touch of nostalgia and wisdom, Earl Sweatshirt’s unexpected verse on “WalkOnBy” brought a solid addition, and H.E.R. showcased her edgy side effectively in “Where I Go.” Overall, I was impressed with the variety and quality of the collaborations. But let’s be real: The collaborations weren’t needed. Anderson really carried this album like ’17 Bron carried his team in the finals.
Go ahead and throw on that WhyLawd? when the summer function calms down.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
