MUSIC REVIEW: Anderson Paak – Malibu

All it took was a feature with Dr. Dre to set Anderson Paak’s career into overdrive. Before this, he was dropping projects to underground acclaim. Now? He is on the tip of plenty of tongues for his talent. And all of his attention is well deserved. The young man is quite the skilled musician. However, Malibu is much more than an album: it is a testament of a black man’s life.

If one pays attention to the album, they will notice that Paak is talking about a lot of relevant topics. “Silicone Valley” deals with the plastic world that covers a lot of insecurities in many. “Waters” lets everyone know that his raised profile has also raised the stakes. “Without You” waxes over a great relationship going sour due to infidelity. With this album, Anderson Paak makes sure to exhibit that his lyrics are life.

Equally enthralling throughout the album is the production. The aforementioned “Without You”, produced by 9^th Wonder, freaks a Hiatus Kaiyote sample of “Molasses” with efficiency and welcome rhythm and soul. “Water Fall (Interluuube)” is so sexual and sultry in its slow rhythm that it almost encapsulates the auditory canal and never lets go. Right after that is “The Prime”, which keeps the production just as addictive even with a change of pace and topic. It is easy to see why this album works so well; albums will always win when the production compliments the lyrics.

It must be said that Anderson Paak will have a wonderful 2016 if Malibu is any indication of his future. Much toil, struggle, and strife in his Anderson’s life has led to this moment. And he is making the most of this moment by making great music. With insightful and wise lyrics mixed with production to match, Malibu is a great album to start off the year with. Only time will tell if it becomes one of 2016’s best offerings.