8/10
Artist, singer, and DJ Anderson .Paak released his third consecutive joint album with Maryland rapper Cordae. Across his previous projects, Silk Sonic with Bruno Mars and Why Lawd? with producer Knxwledge, Paak has consistently demonstrated his musical range, dabbling (and excelling) in R&B, soul, hip-hop, and pop. Now, he reunites with frequent collaborator Cordae on Heavy Is The Crown to showcase his versatility once more: this time with backpack rap.
The record draws clear influences from classic ’90s and ’00s hip-hop, pairing storytelling with sample-heavy, boom-bap instrumentals. Cordae and Paak make this clear by paying homage throughout the 31-minute tracklist, referencing old-school hits like “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube, “Homecoming” by Kanye West, and Dr. Dre’s “Forgot About Dre.”
The album touches on nostalgia, focusing on childhood memories and the reality of growing up in broken homes, but most of it just feels like a conversation between two friends. Flexing, reminiscing about old times, chasing girls, and so on and so forth. If you’re looking too hard to find deeper meaning, you’re failing as a listener. In this case, the core theme is just authenticity: embracing life as it is and making the most of what you have. And have fun during the process.
This is evident on the opening track, “58th Floor,” which retells a humorous story over mellow, bass-heavy production. “Out the window is looking like the best exit / But don’t she live on the 58th floor?” Cordae and Paak converse before Paak literally jumps out the window. Crazy, right? While it’s not exactly a replayable track, it’s entertaining and sets the lighthearted tone for the rest of the album.
On the other hand, the following track, “Airbender,” abandons the storytelling approach, showcasing the duo’s effortless flow and chemistry. Accompanied by an airy violin, Paak and Cordae trade bars, feeding off of each other’s infectious energy. “Man, f*ck being broke, all I wanna do is ball like the Airbender,” Paak opens, referencing the popular show Avatar.
Most of the album takes on a similar structure, with the duo showcasing their versatile flows and catchy hooks. “A Good Day” and “Crown” are clear highlights, both featuring exceptional production and standout performances. Built around a sample from Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day,” “A Good Day” is filled with pop-culture references. The track feels perfect for a carefree summer afternoon, with its upbeat, energizing atmosphere and smooth chorus. “Just waking up in the morning, gotta thank God,” the track opens, a clear reference to Ice Cube’s “A Good Day.”
“Crown” contains the album’s best production, with a chipmunk-soul vocal loop that smoothly transitions midway through the track. Paak’s voice perfectly suits the rich beat, providing a catchy, laid-back jam. “Sippin’ on this brown liquor got me nostalgic / Plastic on couches, pictures in the kitchen of Martin and Malcolm,” Paak raps, reminiscing about his childhood environment.
In the project’s most vulnerable moment, “Helpless” diverges from the playful tone, as both artists reflect on their past mistakes, flaws, and traumas. Cordae’s verse is especially powerful, addressing his guilt towards his family following his separation from tennis player Naomi Osaka. “I’m finna have my second child, although we ain’t said our vows / Was never my intention to raise my daughter in separate homes,” Cordae raps, grieving the future he had once imagined for his daughter. “Helpless” is a surprising departure from the duo’s usual lighthearted approach, but it showcases their ability to produce emotional weight, providing a well-fitted break from their carefree demeanor.
The final track, “Godfather II,” and the following track return to the duo’s boastful and confident attitude. Even the title is bold: they literally draw comparisons to the iconic Godfather himself. Paak and Cordae go back and forth once more, displaying their natural charm with hilarious punchlines. “Wanna drop the same day as us? Then why bother? / She asked what I think of her fit, I said ‘Try harder,’” Cordae boasts.
While both artists excel in their own lanes, Paak ultimately steals the show. His smooth voice pairs perfectly with his charismatic delivery, giving his verses a certain flair that Cordae can’t provide. Additionally, on the tracks “You’re Mine” and “A Good Day,” Paak demonstrates his wide vocal capabilities, effortlessly swapping between singing, rapping, and catchy choruses. However, it’s a bit disappointing to see Paak primarily stick to rapping for the rest of the album, leaving little room for the versatility that makes him stand out. It doesn’t necessarily take away from the album, but it makes you wonder what the already impressive project could’ve been.
Though not revolutionary, Heavy Is The Crown nails its exact goal: to bring back backpack rap—and with energy. Every track captures their brotherly-like chemistry while bringing its own distinct elements, and not a single point feels disengaging. So yes, Paak and Cordae definitely deserve the crown.
