In a sense, Anderson .Paak has been explaining his name for several years now. When it comes to his music, however, the hip-hop/R&B/rapper doesn't rely on genre labels to describe his musical style. His latest album, “Ventura,” released last month, has garnered 5-star reviews on the Amazon charts, and fans have called the eclectic collection “a breath of fresh air,” like the sounds that first drew listeners to the Oxnard, CA musician. Some even refer to Anderson .Paak as “the Quincy Jones of his generation.”

Confident as he is, the self-taught prodigy would probably have a problem with that kind of heady praise.

Instead, he lets his music tell his personal story from growing up in pain to reveling in the joys of being a father. It's been over two years since “CBS This Morning” profiled Anderson .Paak amidst his 2017 Grammy nominations. The prolific.Paak took the stage this morning, May 25, on CBS for “Saturday Sessions.”

Anderson .Paak was dressed for summer but delivered songs intent on kindling fires of romance to social consciousness. Some moments even hearkened back to loving moves of James Brown, just to get the point across. No matter any listener’s preferred vibe, this brief set was enough to leave anyone hungry for more of this groove to go with the breakfast table.

Rising from a father's failings

Anderson .Paak never quite knew why his musical name of the moment, Breezy Lovejoy, never caught on with the ladies. Music was always shelter and solace for the young man with the weight of the world crashing around him. Perhaps it was a matter of sincerity. When Dr. Dre first heard .Paak, it wasn't the young man's talent or ability to draw on a multitude of old and new in R&B, it was a cry from within that called to the mentor.

“I hear the pain in your voice. You got that pain in your voice,” affirmed Dre.

Anderson .Paak knew pain from an early age. His father battled addictions throughout his and his siblings’ childhood. Paternal presence went quickly from daily to “a few times a week” to not at all until Anderson witnessed his dad on top of his mother “trying to take her life.” A prison term followed, and then, his father's death.

.Paak’s mother remarried but served her own prison sentence for tax evasion. The artist knew that “I had to get a real job,” but he never relinquished his passion for music and collecting music from the memories of his youth.

“I grew up in a house full of women,” .Paak relates. His influences range from Mariah Carey to Whitney Houston and New Edition from his sisters. Tinges of Frankie Beverly, one of his mom's favorites, come through in his songs, as well.

At just 18, Anderson .Paak resolved that “I'm not just going to be a bum.” Despite days when it was hard to make ends meet, he kept plugging. When the young artist was included on Dr. Dre's landmark “Compton” album, his life changed forever.

This time, .Paak played the “Saturday Sessions” stage as a Grammy-winning dad.

Grabbing destiny

As a young father, Anderson .Paak realized something that his own father never seemed to grasp — life matters beyond himself.

“I knew that everything I did had an impact on my son, on my wife, on my family,” the artist reflected in 2017. His son, Soul, is now 8 years old, has a brother, and both are soaking up lessons in music and life from their devoted dad.

The punctuation added in .Paak’s name, which he refers to as a “soft dot,” even speaks a message related to parenthood. “It reminds me to pay attention to the details and to be grateful” the artist related to Anthony Mason. “I can’t do anything regular,” .Paak gleefully explains.

He also says that the punctuation reminds him that “we can’t go back,” because life moves forward.

Summer and soul

Anderson .Paak wore a matching ensemble with a shirt, shorts, and hat to match for this morning set, and sparked the right mood in his shades for “Make It Better.” The tune reiterates how a simple change of scenery, not so far away, can spark a new passion. Couples certainly may take that hint if they plan for this Memorial Day weekend. The song is simply infectious for this time of year.

“King James” is an homage not just to the “Godfather of Soul,” but even more, the legacy of the civil rights movement and Brown's voice in calling for meaningful change. At the close of the number, which had Anderson on drums, a respectfully-done portrayal of James Brown's kneel on stage, surrounded by attentive singers, was offered.

A lively groove fuels the final song of the set, “Tints.” Listeners shouldn't forget the songs more serious message-- that no matter the success or one’s station in life, everyone needs a sheltered hideaway from the glare of judgment. The full song was not featured on-air but is available on YouTube.

Anderson .Paak played to an audience of millions this morning, and next week, he will fill Madison Square Garden for his headlining tour. Life can take a turn for the good, and this gifted performer knows it well.
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