Making an ImPAAK on Oxnard

OHS students are ecstatic about Anderson Paak’s new upcoming album, Oxnard

Oxnard’s very own Brandon Paak Anderson (aka Anderson .Paak) has his long-awaited third album Oxnard set to be released on November 16, 2018, and students and staff at Oxnard High School are excited for what Anderson has in store for them.

 

OHS senior Aaliyah Thomas is looking forward to the album’s release. She said, “It’s going to be a surprise; I know [Anderson.Paak] doesn’t want it known to the public.” Thomas added that Anderson’s album is said to have features with Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole and production was done by Andre Romelle Young (Dr. Dre).

 

The rest of Anderson’s album is concealed from the public’s reach, but students are hopeful that the album will consist of good vibes and great music. OHS senior Bryan Strasser said, “I’m expecting something reminiscent of the 80s or 90s, something old school but still bringing this modern vibe.” Being known for his Hip-Hop and Soul background, Anderson reaches all levels of the age spectrum.

 

OHS English teacher and Track and Field/Cross country coach Miguel Campos is excited for the release of Oxnard. Mr. Campos and Anderson had the opportunity to meet 12 years ago because of Campos’s wife’s connection to Anderson’s wife. “It’s fresh, unique, and it’s on my playlist,” said Campos. Anderson’s music is able to attract people of all ages.

 

“I think he’s a good role model for Oxnard youth as an example of someone who follows their dream and makes it into the music industry. He’s an example that things that don’t happen right away; he really grinded,” added Campos. Anderson’s work ethic has been a huge component to his success as an artist in this industry. It’s good, unique music, and nobody else is out here doing it like Anderson.

 

Anderson’s rise to stardom was a huge struggle. Music was always in his life from an early age. During Anderson’s teenage years he participated in his church’s band and played the drums (AllMusic). From there, he continued his music scene and began to affiliate himself with rapper, writer, producer, and businessman Dr. Dre. Anderson was able to land six features on Dr. Dre’s album Compton; a vast accomplishment for him. This is what made him become a bigger artist than what he was previously.

 

With that, Anderson continued to evolve his craft and dropped his debut album Venice in 2014. Anderson has released his other album Malibu in 2016. “It’s mellow and really good. I definitely recommend listening to both albums. They’re super diverse,” said Thomas. Since then his music has made a huge impact on Oxnard. “He’s representing Oxnard, Ventura County and the 805. It’s a good thing we have someone out here doing big things,” said Strasser.  

 

Anderson said, “This is the album I dreamed of making in high school  when I was listening to Jay-Z’s The Blueprint, The Game’s The Documentary, and Kanye West’s The College Dropout” (Pitchfork). Anderson titled the album, Oxnard, because “when you go everywhere, you just hold onto the things that made you” (Rolling Stone).

 

Since Oxnard is our namesake it’s only right for us to listen to Oxnard. “We got to make sure the ones that came up from nothing have supporters from their home city,” said Strasser. As we look forward to the approach of Oxnard in November we are all waiting to see what Anderson has up his sleeves.