Anderson .Paak – “The Malibu Tour” w/ The Free Nationals
Sept. 4th/16
The Vogue Theatre
Vancouver, BC
Review: John Zee
Photos: David Dalley
When recently asked to describe Anderson .Paak, Mac Miller told Joe Kay on Soulection Radio; “I just really like people that you can’t define”. I feel that sentiment is one that many people can relate too when it comes to trying to summarize Paak’s sound, because while many would consider him a Hip Hop artist, he’s definitely so much more than that. Anderson Paak isn’t easy to classify in a single genre and I think that’s what makes him so special, is that he appeals to so many music lovers across the map.
The Vogue was buzzing and the feeling in the air was that we were here to see what many people are considering to be one of music’s next biggest stars. The hype was real and the bar was set high for Anderson to deliver accordingly. Needless to say, the vibes and anticipation were thick for a show that had been sold out for months.
As I looked around I couldn’t help but notice the multiple age groups that were present, further solidifying AP’s ability to transcend and relate his sound to a wider audience than just your traditional hip hop crowd. Plus, the gender demographic on this night was even with the ladies too, which is a rare but enjoyable sight to see at a hip hop show.
Anderson .Paak came bursting out the gates with the energy of a McLaren F1, as he charged to the mic from out the shadows of backstage to the perfectly cued lights and thumping sounds of “The Come Down”. I haven’t seen such a natural live energy pour out of an artist like that since Method Man & Redman or maybe Tech N9ne. The music and the lyrics were literally oozing out of Anderson as he hit every note on cue and never missed a beat or a breathe, all the while being supported by his amazing 5 piece band, The Free nationals.
A large projection screen was draped behind Anderson with rotating visuals that balanced the Malibu theme perfectly with colouful peach, purple, pink and blue imagery. Reminiscent of a West Coast golden hour sunset.
The melodies that Paak puts together are so incredibly soulful and complex, yet simplistic enough to sing along with and that’s exactly what he quickly had the entire audience doing. The synchronicity between himself, The Free Nationals and the crowd was hand in hand all together, as he effortlessly turned the upper and lower decks of the Vogue Theatre into a collaborative, energetic dance party. Paak was dripping confidence along with beads of sweat and you couldn’t help but get totally immersed in his performance. AP was totally in the pocket from start to finish.
Switching from belting out cleverly penned melodies centre stage, to jumping on the drums and flawlessly keeping the momentum building while at the same time laying down sick drum lines on songs such as, “Heart Don’t Stand A Chance”, “Am I wrong” and “Room In Here”. To hopping right back off the drums and delivering more trap-heavy, club bangers such as the Kaytranada produced “Glowed Up”, to the monstrously bassy “Drugs” and the fan-favourite cut from Malibu, “Am I Wrong” produced by Vancouver’s own, POMO. It was a sweaty, sexy hip hop show that was steeped in soul, funk and house music while keeping raw elements of rock and roll alive as he jammed excitedly with the band. Capping off the night with a triple-song encore that left the Vancouver audience astonished and amazed and my own expectations greatly exceeded.
Anderson proved he’s as versatile as they come, and that what we were witnessing was truly only the beginning of what will surely be a lengthy and successful music career. In the words of battle rapper Arsonal Da Rebel, “he’s real, he’s raw, he’s authentic” and that’s exactly why Anderson .Paak is the truth in 2016.
