Multi-genre duo bring a whole new class to the world of R&B.

---

Two key figureheads in their own right, Nx Worries have been deep in LA’s fertile music landscapes as early as the 2010’s. Knowledge – a virtuoso and co-producer to some of Kendrick’s most volatile works – and Anderson Paak – featured similarly on Dre’s Compton, not forgetting his involvement with a Bruno pairing in Silk Sonic – have come together once again and boy, has it been a long time coming.

Opting for a more inducing slice of chilled hip-hop vibe than the laced-up spicy funk of Silk Sonic, Why Lawd? is a spiralling saga-project eight years in the making. Notably, the beats are far more ambitious, far more intrepid in exploration. The lyrics, unsurprisingly, follow a similar path. Personally thoughtful, the words touch on subject of affection, rejection and total bliss – a poignant theme fitting to Anderson’s current divorce arrangements.

Yes Lawd! seemed to be over before it had even got into second gear, with many ides often left unexplored. This time around though, these contrasts are savoured more; instrumental flamboyance takes to the stage as soon as Knxwledge is all dried up with words. These longer songs, undeniably, add more emotional layers to unpack as the collaboration here is far more effective.

Featuring a haphazard entourage of special guests from the likes of Thundercat’s highs and Snoop Dogg’s monologue, Why Lawd? is an insanely desirable listen for any soothe to the soul. Desired to be played like a story through its exact song-to-song runthrough, the 19-track album is a true showing from the best of the best in the business.

From the Latino-laidback entourage of Distractions to the full choral lay-out on FromHere – right to the second to last WalkOnBy with Earl Sweatshirt stopping by, there is enough distinction here in colour to not lose interest in the mammoth run-through. It gleans through acidic jazz tropes, experimental hip-hop intonations, Latin rap motifs from pop to soul markings without breaking a sweat.