Anderson .Paak made Oxnard in 2018, a record that pairs his loose, soulful singing with some of rap’s biggest names. The album runs 14 tracks and 56 minutes, and it moves between smooth funk, hard rap, and a few songs that lean toward the darker side of hip-hop humor. It’s a record built to please both fans of his singing and listeners who want harder rap.
The Chase Through Headlow
The album opens with “The Chase,” a slow, driving song that sets the tone for what follows. “Headlow” picks up the pace, and “Tints” is the first track that stands out — a steady groove with sharp verses that critics singled out for its energy.
“Who R U?” is a shorter, sharper cut, and “6 Summers” is where the record turns dark. Paak sings about Trump’s child, wishing for a wild mother and a girl who kisses señoritas and black women alike.
“Trump’s got a love child/And I hope that bitch is buckwild/[…] I hope she kiss señoritas and black gals”
That line drew attention from reviewers who noted that the album’s sexual braggadocio is funny on its own but adds up to something troubling across the full record.
Saviers Road Through Brother’s Keeper
“Saviers Road” is a brief, direct cut that doesn’t overstay its welcome. “Smile / Petty” brings a lighter, more playful mood back, pairing two distinct songs into one track. “Mansa Musa” and “Brother’s Keeper” follow, and neither stays long enough to leave much of an impression.
Anywhere Through Left to Right
“Anywhere” is a solid, mid-tempo track that doesn’t demand much attention. “Trippy” stretches past five minutes and drifts into a dreamier sound, while “Cheers” is the album’s other standout — a song critics singled out for its sharp writing and production.
“Sweet Chick” closes the record’s strongest stretch with a tight, focused performance. “Left to Right” ends the album on a high note, a fitting closer for a record that’s at its best when Paak’s braggadocio gets pulled back by guest stars.
The Guest Stars That Lift the Record
Three guests stand out across the album:
- Kendrick Lamar appears on several tracks, adding weight to the record’s rap moments.
- Q-Tip shows up, bringing his own history into the mix.
- Snoop Dogg also appears, a presence that grounds the album’s more playful cuts.
These three guests are the reason Oxnard works best. When Paak’s overt lasciviousness is muted by these rap legends, the record reaches its peak.
What Holds It Back
Not every track lands with the same force. “Brother’s Keeper” and “Mansa Musa” pass by without leaving much of an impression, and the record’s darker jokes can feel heavy even when they’re meant to be funny.
The Verdict
Oxnard is a strong, uneven record that leans heavily on its best guests to make its case. Paak’s singing is sharp throughout, and his collaborations with Lamar, Q-Tip, and Snoop Dogg are the album’s clearest strengths. The record’s weaker moments — the darker jokes and the tracks that don’t quite hold together — keep it from greatness.
The album’s critical score sits at 73 out of 100 on Metacritic. That number lines up with what the record delivers: a singer at the top of his game, carrying an album that asks too much of itself in spots.
- The Chase3:24
- Headlow4:11
- Tints4:28
- Who R U?2:49
- 6 Summers4:43
- Saviers Road2:25
- Smile / Petty4:43
- Mansa Musa2:53
- Brother’s Keeper4:14
- Anywhere3:46
- Trippy5:24
- Cheers5:35
- Sweet Chick3:57
- Left to Right3:55
