Just five months since the release of Oxnard, Anderson .Paak returns with Ventura, and it’s difficult not to compare the two. When an artist gains rapid popularity off the back of two albums like .Paak did with Venice and Malibu, the next record is so hotly anticipated that it’ll always be something of a challenge to please everyone. It was a commercial success and while some loved Oxnard, the general consensus was that the record fell flat. He missed the mark with an album that strayed too far from the beachy California sounds of its predecessors, leaving many of his fans disappointed.
From the first track, Come Home featuring André 3000, right through to the last 40 minutes later, Anderson .Paak delivers with Ventura. His infectious groove flows throughout, the record peppered with collaborations from the likes of Smokey Robinson, Brandy and the late Nate Dogg. It’s the album we all wished Oxnard was going to be, a perfect continuation from Malibu three years ago.
Citing Sa-ra’s The Bone Song and Is It Love? by Thundercat as two of his favourite songs of all time, it’s clear to see that Paak’s influences lie in classic funk and soul beats. The Grammy winner appears most comfortable submerged in those hazy summer sounds accompanied by his melodic rap verses.
Ventura at its core is an authentic Anderson .Paak record. Filled with layered backing vocals, groovy bass riffs and impressive drumming that run start to finish, the album proves why .Paak is one of rap music’s hottest artists. Even after the small disaster that was Oxnard, has Anderson .Paak still got it? Yes, Lawd!
ABOUT THE RECORD:
Release date: April 12, 2019
Label: Aftermath Entertainment
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