NxWorries
IN A NUTSHELL:
RECOMMENDED FOR:
FANS OF HIP-HOP, SOUL & FUNK
LISTEN TO THIS IF YOU WANNA GET DOWN
AVERAGE RATING: 8.3/10
PROS:
MANY MUCH CATCHY AND SOULFUL SONGS
HAS A RICK AND MORTY SAMPLE IN IT
CONS:
SOME FILLER TRACKS THROUGHOUT
NxWorries is a duo consisting of producer Knxwledge and singer/rapper/songwriter Anderson .Paak. The group got a lot of recognition through the release of the song “Suede,” which was able to obtain a hearty dose of Soundcloud plays and become one of the most shared songs on Spotify at the time. Yes Lawd! is the debut album from the duo and is released through Stones Throw Records.
Photo by: Amir Aziz
Melxdy Maker Marinx:
Well 2016 has been a quite a year for Anderson .Paak. Following the release of his critically acclaimed album Malibu and being featured on a countless amount of songs, .Paak is adding one more full length album before the end of the year with the help of producer Knxwledge. On Yes Lawd!, Knxwledge and .Paak go together like peanut butter and jelly, or butter and jam, or whatever analogy works for you. These two have a strong chemistry that becomes very evident as the album progresses. Stones Throw Records has presented us with another great hip hop duo.
Nxworries can’t help but be compared to other classic duos that have appeared on Stones Throw, including Jaylib (J Dilla and Madlib) and Madvillain (MF Doom and Madlib). This album particularly strikes similarities with Madvillain’s Madvillainy. Knxwledge really throws homage to producers like J Dilla and Madlib throughout while still keeping the production of the album consistent and focused, but never stale. In fact, I would even go as far to say this is some of Knxwledge’s finest work yet. Some of the standouts include “Wngs,” “Lyk Dis,” and of course, “Suede.”
On the vocal side of things, Anderson .Paak does what he’s been doing so well for the past two years: laying down soulful vocal lines with catchy and memorable lyrics. .Paak’s vocal deliveries really shine through all throughout the album, especially on songs like “Livvin,” or “Wngs.” On “Livin” .Paak gives us fiery, glorious, and soulful vocal riffs that hit straight in the gut while on “Wngs” we get a much more subtle, low-register delivery. But no matter what style Anderson .Paak sings in, he always has an incredibly unique charisma and confidence that comes from his voice. Also, .Paak makes it raunchy in Yes Lawd!. There are remarkably sexual lines throughout the album, especially on “Best One” and “Lyk Dis.” While songs with sexual themes and lyrics are nothing new to music, the sexuality of the lyrics on Yes Lawd! match up very well with the .Paak’s vocal style.
The only downside to this album would be that there are some moments that feel more filler than substance. Songs like “Kutless” feel more like a musical idea that is extended out a little longer than it should be rather than a full song. Maybe these songs are supposed to be that way, but the end result that I got from these songs was me waiting for the next song to start.
All in all, there are a lot of great moments on here. While not every single moment is wonderful, there are still many songs on here that display Knxwledge and Anderson .Paak doing what they do best. This album will get you movin’ and groovin’ in no time.
Favorite songs: “Wngs,” “Lyk Dis,” “Best One”, “Suede”
8.2/10
Photo by: The Come Up Show
Mxm:
This album is an embodiment of my favorite things about hip-hop. This album has smart raps, strong vocals, groovy beats, and sincerity. Not to write a 5 paragraph essay on my previous thesis statement, I want to break down each of those points.
So, lets talk about the raps and the vocals. But wait, is the rap, rapped? Or is the rap sung? What makes this duo so interesting to listen to is the fact that they are both strong vocalists. Their raps can have a traditional flow with a basic hip-hop backbeat, but then they practically sing most of it. This group makes hiphop their own. R&B can come off as corny and insincere (R-Kelly), meanwhile many rappers lack a unique flow and have no sense of melody. This duo seems to pick up the best of both worlds, sincere, unique, and melodically fascinating.
Now, the beats and musicality of the album are tight. You definitely notice a heavy R&B influence in the backing beats. But, they also jazz it up with a lot of funky breaks. For one, they use space very well within each track. But more than that, the album’s collective progression flows well, but purposely has some choppy stops here and there. There are a lot of smaller songs on this album- and I love that. 19 tracks in 48 minutes- damn. All in all, if you like hiphop with a heavy soul and R&B influence, check this album. This is one of the best albums we have recently reviewed.
Favorite Song: “Livvin”
8.5/10
Fingerson Maag.
A lot of excitement surrounded this release because of the amazing singles “Suede” and “Link Up”, which are both included on this full length album. Naturally I expected more of the same from NxWorries, upbeat smooth hip-hop that gets everybody dancing. And in fact, we did get more of that and then some.
This album was a lot more diverse than I expected. We don’t find too many more bangers like “Suede” on this one but we do find a lot more soul, and and a lot more funky grooves and it is truly fantastic.
Paak.’s vocals fit like a glove alongside Knxwledge’s slick production to create a sexy and extremely pleasant listening experience that will fit the bill for many occasions.
One of my biggest musical regrets of last year was missing the chance to see Anderson Paak. and the Free Nationals perform at my school. I intend to never make that mistake again. You should all strive to do the same. Any project that involves Paak. is worthy of your attention. Get out and listen to this one children.
Favorite Songs: "Sacred Money", "Suede", "Can't Stop"
8.1/10
If you're looking to purchase this album or find other NxWorries/Knwledge/Paak. stuff and info, check out this website from Stones Throw Records.
Next Album: "Joanne"
By: Lady Gaga
Our team is comprised of some semi-normal, occasionally funny people who love to listen to and talk about music. And like many of you, we constantly find ourselves hungry to discover new music.