Released: 2024 • Features: Anderson .Paak, Knxwledge
When NxWorries came through with “86Sentra,” you can bet it was another smooth cut that continued to showcase the undeniable chemistry between Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge. It’s a track that traverses multiple themes – swagger, success, street smarts, and the drive to be the best in the game. It’s a ride that’s not afraid to lean into its brazen confidence and irreverence.
The first lines open with .Paak talking up his status as a top-five lister, flaunting his standing in the rap game. The Nissan Sentra he refers to is both a metaphor and a literal representation of a reward for a woman who behaves right. With the lines “Nickel-nine gripper for all you Jack Rippers,” he warns against those who might try to undermine or betray him – he’s got his defenses up and he has no qualms about retaliation.
He dives further into his journey in the game, taking us back to his early days and highlighting his evolution. With the line “When I levitate, grab my sneakers and hang on,” we get a sense of the fast pace and high stakes of his career. He also situates himself as a veteran, a trendsetter who’s influenced others in the industry.
Switching gears to his creative partner Knxwledge, he doles out respect with the line “If it’s locked in, gone it’s gotta be Knxwledge who made it.” They both understand the power their music holds – “When the last time that you heard a sound this hard?” – and they’re prepared for any possible threats, hence the “Teflon vest” reference.
In the final lines, .Paak rejects direct comparisons with others – the reference to Verzuz underscores this. By saying “’bout 86 old as a bitch,” he indicates that he plans to stay in the industry for the long haul. His choice to end the verse crassly speaks to his audacity and unrepentant nonconformity, which is perhaps why he’s carved such a distinctive path in hip hop.
Ultimately, “86Sentra” encapsulates NxWorries’ journey, philosophy, and ambition, as well as their knack for blending street-smart anecdotes with pointed commentary on the rap game.
