By Cameron Lee
February 20, 2019
A cold, rainy evening couldn’t dampen the energy as crowds lined up early, eager to witness one of the most electrifying performers of our generation. The show — part of a tour that sold out almost instantly — had the city buzzing, drawing music purists and hip-hop heads alike. Anticipation filled the air as Oxnard, California’s own Anderson .Paak prepared to take the stage.
Anderson .Paak’s music defies easy categorization, blending hip-hop, R&B, soul, and funk into a genre-fluid sound driven by a dynamic full-band setup — drawing comparisons only to groups like The Roots. Before his breakout moment on Dr. Dre’s 2015 Compton album, .Paak spent years grinding through the music scene, facing significant struggles. While his rise may seem meteoric, many music enthusiasts had already been watching the charismatic drummer, singer, and rapper closely. Like countless greats before him, .Paak’s musical journey began in the church, where he first developed the energy and versatility that now define his sound.
Kicking off the evening was the multi-talented singer, songwriter, and actress Tayla Parx. Though now stepping confidently into the spotlight as a solo artist, Parx is no stranger to success — her songwriting credits include chart-topping hits like Khalid’s “Love Lies” and Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next.” Her performance was met with enthusiasm as she captivated the crowd, delivering powerful vocals while radiating charisma in an aqua two-piece ensemble and bright blonde hair that lit up the stage.
Anderson .Paak took the stage just after the scheduled 8:45 p.m. set time, perched atop a high-rise drum kit and flanked by his powerhouse band, the Free Nationals. Shrouded in drapes and bathed in a devilish red glow, the performance opened with a cinematic, symphonic intro before .Paak emerged with swagger to “Who R U?” — a standout track from his album Oxnard. The song’s gritty energy and defiant tone perfectly reflected his journey from struggle to stardom. As Dr. Dre once put it, .Paak’s voice carries a raw, emotive “pain” reminiscent of the most iconic vocalists — seamlessly blending modern hip-hop and R&B with vintage soul for a sound that resonates across generations.
Three studio albums into his solo career — four if you count the collaborative project Yes Lawd! with producer Knxwledge — Anderson .Paak is clearly in his prime. His boundless energy and genre-blending artistry are impossible to ignore, and the recognition is finally catching up. A Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance with “Bubblin” propelled his rising stardom even further, though he was selling out venues long before the accolades arrived. His set reflected the full scope of his talent, effortlessly moving from the sharp, politically charged delivery of “6 Summers” to the raw, soulful grit of “The Waters” off 2016’s Malibu.
Bursting into breakdance moves and even leaping into the crowd, Anderson .Paak’s infectious energy is a cornerstone of his magnetic stage presence. While many rap and R&B shows can fall short in live dynamism, .Paak delivers a performance as vivid and textured as the eclectic collages that adorn his album covers. The period in his name is more than a stylistic quirk — it’s a reminder to pay attention to the details. Backed by the ever-tight Free Nationals, .Paak hit every note with precision and flair, offering a refreshing contrast to today’s pop landscape while effortlessly blending funk, soul, hip-hop, and R&B into a sound that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.
Splitting his time between the mic and his drum kit, Anderson .Paak delivered a masterclass in showmanship — rapping, singing, and connecting with the audience at every turn. Backed by the incredibly tight Free Nationals, the performance brought a level of musicianship and energy rarely seen in hip-hop and R&B. A highlight of the night came when .Paak brought Tayla Parx back on stage for a flawless rendition of “Tints” (originally featuring Kendrick Lamar), with the band nailing every note. Their live execution was so precise, it felt nearly indistinguishable from the studio version — only more electric.
The night came to a heartfelt close as .Paak paid tribute to his late friend and collaborator Mac Miller, creating a powerful and emotional moment that resonated deeply with the crowd. As the final notes faded, the audience was left in awe—fully aware that they had just witnessed an artist at the height of his powers, steadily ascending toward icon status.
Check out the remaining 2019 tour dates for Anderson .Paak.
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