It’s been 8 years since the first NxWorries album Yes Lawd!, the iconic collab album from Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge. Since Yes Lawd!, both have grown tremendously as artists. As a result, its successor, Why Lawd?, feels like a more mature, older brother, but just as good.
Whereas Yes Lawd! felt cocky and carefree, this album feels more sincere. Fittingly, the title Why Lawd? describes the more introspective nature of this album. Lyrically, Why Lawd? deals with existential questions of heartbreak and regret and the lasting-impact of a tumultuous childhood, the former probably inspired by .Paak’s own divorce earlier this year. But despite the more serious subject matter, .Paak still manages to slip in a few clever bars, delivered in a hilarious mock-outraged tone. On “KeepHer,” featuring the silky falsetto of Thundercat, he laments: “Phone off, you said you was sleep. I knew you was getting your cheeks bеat – bitch!”
Musically, this album retains the soulfulness that introduced many of us to .Paak’s earliest work like Malibu, thanks to the sumptuous production of Knxwledge. This may be the beatmakers finest work yet, full of gospel samples and jazzy interludes. But astute fans may also recognize some musical Easter Eggs from Knxwledge’s beat tapes on Band Camp and unofficial remixes.
Why Lawd? feels like a true magnum opus for both artists. We can’t wait to hear what else these two have in store; let’s just hope it doesn’t take another 8 years. But for now, we’ll be bumping this album on repeat. Make sure to give it a spin below. Enjoy!
NxWorries – Why Lawd?