Anderson .Paak 'Malibu' review

Image: Anderson .Paak

One of the standout talents amongst the newcomers on Dr Dre's surprise album last year was Anderson .Paak, the multi-talented singer and rapper who contributed to six of the songs on the Compton soundtrack.

Only he wasn't really new, a career which now spans eight years simply got the jump up his talent quite clearly deserved, leading him to the point where Malibu (stream on Spotify, above) features a glut of star turns.

Compton alumni The Game (still well in his purple patch on 'Room in here') and BJ the Chicago Kid feature, alongside the likes of Robert Glasper and Rapsody (the latter sounding hella fresh on 'Without You'), all playing their part in a charming collection which sounds perfect for a generation readied for genre diversity post To Pimp a Butterfly.

Kendrick's influence runs a little too deep at times - 'Your Prime' sounds like an all too faithful tribute to Lamar's aforementioned masterpiece - but it's when .Paak opens up about the adversity that previously dogged him where he shows his real smarts.

On 'The Season / Carry Me' he candidly reveals "I was sleeping on the floor, newborn baby boy/ Trying to get my money pot so wifey wouldn’t get deported", this openness the perfect accompaniment to a musical palette that includes jazz, blues and funk.

Like this? Try Straight Outta Compton (film review).