Anderson .Paak's Oxnard was named after his hometown for a reason. Oxnard represents the opposite effect of his stargazing opus Malibu, a hyper-stylized escapist fantasy. On "Anywhere" Anderson serves up feel-good music, based on instinct - like an involuntary hummingbird feeding him inspiration. Incidentally, it's Snoop Dogg who helps him breach the divide, helping him package together a musical inheritance that passes through his body, without provocation.
Snoop's verse on "Anywhere," conjures up images of the 213 posse hitting corner licks in the LBC. The Doggfather chalks up 1989, as the year he came of age. And as he passes the mantle to Anderson .Paak for the 2nd verse, he does so in good faith, knowing full well Paak is appreciative of tradition and musicality.
It may be too soon to give Oxnard its final grade, but "Anywhere" is about as high a registered peak as you'll find on the album. Hit us with your thoughts in the comment section below.
Quotable Lyrics:
Ooh, summertime time back in Long Beach
Passin' one bottle, forty ounce old E
I didn't have a dollar but a n***a had a dream
Whippin' over the stove and a n***a gotta eat
Threw my raps in the garbage, fuck bein' an emcee
Thank the Lord for Nate Dogg and thank God for Warren G.
-Snoop Dogg
