Our Song of the Week column spotlights the latest and greatest new tracks each week. Find these new favorites and more on our Spotify Top Songs playlist, and for other great songs from emerging artists, check out our Spotify New Sounds playlist. This week, Knxwledge and Anderson .Paak return as NxWorries for “86Sentra.”
Sometimes the math just works — two plus two equals four, length times width equals area, and a damn fine producer plus a damn fine MC equals a damn fine track. Oh, the homework requires that I show my work? Well, I humbly submit Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge, collectively known as NxWorries, and their brand new banger “86Sentra.”
With its nostalgic beat, infectious lead melody, and .Paak’s contagious energy, “86 Sentra” is the product of two artists at the height of their powers. What’s more is that, despite my simplified equation above, the resulting collaboration isn’t merely two artists crudely stacking their talents on top of each other. The ability to sound distinct from both .Paak and Knxwledge’s respective work is one of the duo’s — and the track’s — greatest qualities.
There is one massive issue with “86Sentra,” however, and that’s the fact it’s only 96 seconds long. A track this enjoyable being this short should, frankly, be illegal. But, alas, as they say, leave the people wanting more, and that’s exactly what NxWorries have done. Luckily, nothing’s stopping us from putting “86Sentra” on a loop while we wait for their anticipated sophomore effort, Why Lawd?
— Jonah Krueger
Editorial Coordinator