Why Lawd?

Why Lawd?
Why Lawd?
Studio album by NxWorries
Released	June 7, 2024
Studio	Stones Throw; Record One; Sick Vibes; BLE Compound;
Length	44:10
Label	Stones Throw
Producer	Knxwledge
NxWorries chronology
Alternate cover
	Cover by Rhymezlikedimez; only available with physical purchases
Singles from Why Lawd?
	"Where I Go"; Released: October 19, 2022; "Daydreaming"; Released: May 18, 2023; "86Sentra"; Released: April 3, 2024; "FromHere"; Released: May 14, 2024; "WalkOnBy"; Released: June 11, 2024;

Why Lawd? is the second studio album by American neo soul^[1] duo NxWorries, which consists of vocalist Anderson .Paak and producer Knxwledge. It was released physically on June 7, 2024,^[2]^[3] by Stones Throw Records, and was digitally released a week later on June 14, 2024.^[4] The album won Best Progressive R&B Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.^[5]

Background

In October 2020, Anderson .Paak revealed that a new NxWorries album was on the way.^[6] After years of teases on social media, the album was announced on April 3, 2024, with an official visualizer for "86Sentra" being released the same day.^[7]

Release and promotion

The album's first single, "Where I Go", featuring H.E.R., was released on October 19, 2022, alongside a music video.^[8]^[9] It was previously debuted at the Double Happiness Festival in December 2020.^[10] The second single, "Daydreaming", was released on May 18, 2023, alongside a music video recorded in Grand Theft Auto V.^[11]^[12] On April 3, 2024, the album was officially announced with the single "86Sentra".^[2]^[4] "FromHere", featuring Snoop Dogg and October London, was released on May 14, 2024, as the album's fourth single.^[13] The album released physically on June 7, 2024.^[2]^[14] The album's fifth single, "WalkOnBy" featuring Earl Sweatshirt and Rae Khalil, was released on June 11, 2024.^[14] It released digitally on June 14, 2024.^[15]

In May 2025, the duo announced their first tour together, the Why Lawd? Tour, in support of the album.^[16] The tour will be supported by Rae Khalil and is set to run from September to October 2025.^[16]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
Metacritic	77/100^[17]
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	^[18]
The Guardian	^[19]
Pitchfork	8.0/10^[20]
RapReviews	8.5/10^[21]
The Skinny	^[22]

According to the review aggregator Metacritic, Why Lawd? received "generally favorable reviews" based on a weighted average score of 77 out of 100 from 6 critic scores.^[17]

Writing for Variety, John Kennedy wrote that the album was an "intriguing listen" with a "level of candor" on themes such as survivor's guilt and emotional unavailability.^[23] Dylan Green of Pitchfork described the Knxwledge's production on the album as "some of the most breathtaking production of his career", describing it as "ornately constructed, each a treasure hunt for the tell that it's all made from tiny bits of other songs."^[20] AllMusic's Andy Kellman concluded his review stating: 'Paak's litany of woes -- "Roll the windows down, I hope the rain hides my tears"—ensure that his thunder is not stolen.'^[18] Stevie Chick's review for The Guardian was critical of the album's lyrics, writing that .Paak was an "unlikable narrator" and that his lyrics were "wildly switching moods between anger, self-pity and desperate horniness."^[19] Writing for The Skinny, Logan Walker stated that the album delivered "the sonic smoothness fans have come to expect."^[22]

Track listing

*Why Lawd?* track listing
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"ThankU" (featuring Dave Chappelle)	Glen Earl Boothe Jr. Dave Chappelle Don Milnor Jesse Murrah	0:50
2.	"86Sentra"	Brandon Anderson Boothe	1:36
3.	"MoveOn"	Anderson Boothe Cassandra Monique Battle Ann Hoon Chung Nicholas Leon Race Bryan James Sledge	2:47
4.	"KeepHer" (featuring Thundercat)	Anderson Boothe Stephen Lee Bruner Chung	4:14
5.	"Distractions"	Anderson Boothe	1:49
6.	"Lookin'"	Anderson Boothe Herbert Anthony Stevens	0:54
7.	"Where I Go" (featuring H.E.R.)	Anderson Boothe Maxx Moor Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson	3:18
8.	"Daydreaming"	Anderson Boothe Stanley Clarke George Duke Jairus Lemuel-Jada Mozee Race	3:01
9.	"FromHere" (featuring Snoop Dogg and October London)	Anderson Boothe Calvin Broadus Jared Samuel Erskine	4:01
10.	"FallThru"	Anderson Joe Bataan Boothe	2:21
11.	"Battlefield"	Anderson Boothe Haley Reinhart William Stewart	3:38
12.	"HereIAm"	Anderson Boothe Gregory Cook Kathryn Thomas	1:34
13.	"OutTheWay" (featuring Rae Khalil)	Anderson Boothe Chung David Conley Bernard Jackson Kenya Rae Johnson David Townsend	3:26
14.	"SheUsed"	Gene Allan Anderson Boothe Gary Knight	2:36
15.	"MoreOfIt"	Anderson Boothe	1:12
16.	"NVR.RMX" (featuring Charlie Wilson)	Anderson Boothe Charles K. Wilson	1:18
17.	"DistantSpace" (featuring the Last Artful, Dodgr)	Anderson Boothe Alana Chenevert John Sylvester Smythe	1:23
18.	"WalkOnBy" (featuring Earl Sweatshirt and Rae Khalil)	Anderson Boothe Johnson Thebe Kgositsile Aida Osman	3:47
19.	"EvnMore"	Boothe Yuji Ohno	0:25
Total length:			44:10

Sample credits

"ThankU" contains a sample of "Thank You Jesus" by Johnnie Wilder Jr.
"Daydreaming" contains a sample of "You're Gonna Love It" by Stanley Clarke and George Duke.
"FallThru" contains a sample of "Just One of Your Kisses" by Ralfi Pagan.
"Battlefield" contains a sample of "Sitting in the Park" by the Ghost Squad.
"HereIAm" contains a sample of "I'd Like to Stay" by People's Pleasure with Alive and Wild.
"OutTheWay" contains a sample of "Let's Try Again" by Surface.
"SheUsed" contains a sample of "She Calls Me Baby" by J Kelly & The Premiers.
"DistantSpace" contains a sample of "Butterflies" by Smythe.
"EvnMore" contains a sample of "Urban Shadow" by Yuji Ohno & Friends.

Personnel

NxWorries

Anderson .Paak – vocals on all tracks except "ThankU" and "EvnMore", additional drums on "MoveOn"
Knxwledge – beats, production

Additional musicians

Dave Chappelle – words on "ThankU"
Ann One – background vocals on "MoveOn" and "KeepHer"
Andra Day – background vocals on "MoveOn"
BJ the Chicago Kid – background vocals on "MoveOn"
Thundercat – vocals on "KeepHer"
Ab-Soul – vocals on "Lookin'"
José Ríos – lead guitar on "Where I Go" and "WalkOnBy"
H.E.R. – vocals on "Where I Go"
J.Mo – lead guitar on "Daydreaming"
Snoop Dogg – vocals on "FromHere"
October London – vocals on "FromHere"
Haley Reinhart – background vocals on "Battlefield"
Rae Khalil – vocals on "OutTheWay" and "WalkOnBy"
Charlie Wilson – vocals on "NVR.RMX"
Dodgr – background vocals on "DistantSpace"
Leonard "Pudge" Tribbett – drums on "DistantSpace"
Earl Sweatshirt – vocals on "WalkOnBy"
Julia Rachelle – background vocals on "WalkOnBy"
Gemma Castro – background vocals on "WalkOnBy"

Technical

Dos Pueblos^[a] – mixing, engineering
Mike Bozzi – mastering
Bernie Grundman – mastering
Shon "Lawon" Brooks – engineering on "FromHere"
Frank Vasquez – engineering on "FromHere"
October London – engineering on "FromHere"
Gemma Castro – engineering assistance
Collin Davis – engineering assistance
Zumo Kollie – engineering assistance
Jeffery "Champ" Massey – engineering assistance
Jeff Jank, Israel Ramos – artwork

Charts

Chart performance for *Why Lawd?*
Chart (2024)	Peak position
Australian Vinyl Albums (ARIA)^[24]	8
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)^[25]	113
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)^[26]	68
Scottish Albums (OCC)^[27]	51
UK Album Downloads (OCC)^[28]	51
UK Albums Sales (OCC)^[29]	30
UK Independent Albums (OCC)^[30]	13
UK R&B Albums (OCC)^[31]	2
US Billboard 200^[32]	81
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)^[33]	26

Notes

^ Dos Pueblos consists of Jhair "Jha" Lazo and Julio Ulloa

References

^ Reed, Ryan (February 15, 2017). "Watch Anderson Paak's Dramatic Valentine's Day 'Tonight Show' Performance". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
^ ^a ^b ^c Damara Kelly, Tyler (April 3, 2024). "NxWorries announce their long-awaited second album, Why Lawd". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
^ Castro, Danilo (April 9, 2024). "NxWorries Reveals Star-Studded Tracklist For New Album "Why Lawd?"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Fu, Eddie (April 3, 2024). "NxWorries Announce New Album Why Lawd?, Share "86Sentra"". Consequence. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
^ "2025 GRAMMYs: See The OFFICIAL Full Nominations List | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
^ Gonik, Michael (October 14, 2020). "Anderson .Paak Announces a New NxWorries Album is On The Way". Okayplayer. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
^ LaPierre, Megan (April 3, 2024). "NxWorries Announce Sophomore Album 'Why Lawd?'". Exclaim!. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
^ Price, Joe (October 19, 2022). "Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge Return as NxWorries With New Song "Where I Go" f/ H.E.R." Complex. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
^ Abraham, Mya (October 18, 2022). "Anderson .Paak And Knxwledge Set To Release New NxWorries Single With H.E.R." Vibe. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
^ Lavin, Will (December 5, 2020). "NxWorries debut new track 'Where I Go' at Double Happiness Festival". NME. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
^ Minsker, Evan (May 18, 2023). "NxWorries Share Video for New Song "Daydreaming"". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
^ LeJarde, Arielle Lana (May 18, 2023). "NxWorries yearn for a lover in "Daydreaming"". The Fader. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
^ Slingerland, Calum (May 14, 2024). "NxWorries Get Snoop Dogg for Soulful, Slow-Burning "FromHere"". Exclaim!. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
^ ^a ^b "NxWorries Team With Earl Sweatshirt & Rae Khalil On New Song "WalkOnBy": Listen". Stereogum. June 11, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
^ Samuels, Keithan (June 14, 2024). "NxWorries Release New Album 'Why Lawd?': Stream". Rated R&B. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Williams, Aaron (May 13, 2025). "NxWorries Is Going On Their First Headlining Tour As A Group, Ever". UPROXX. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
^ ^a ^b "Why Lawd? by NxWorries Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Kellman, Andy (June 14, 2024). "NxWorries – Why Lawd? Album Reviews, songs & More". AllMusic. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Chick, Stevie (June 14, 2024). "NxWorries – Why Lawd?". The Guardian. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Green, Dylan (June 14, 2024). "NxWorries: Why Lawd?". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
^ Juon, Steve 'Flash' (June 18, 2024). "NxWorries :: Why Lawd? – RapReviews". www.rapreviews.com. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Walker, Logan (June 4, 2024). "NxWorries - Why Lawd? review: the sonic smoothness fans have come to expect". The Skinny. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
^ Kennedy, John (June 14, 2024). "Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge Turn Pain Into Pleasure on NxWorries' 'Why Lawd?': Album Review". Variety. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
^ "ARIA Top 20 Vinyl Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. June 17, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
^ "Ultratop.be – NxWorries – Why Lawd?" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
^ "Dutchcharts.nl – NxWorries – Why Lawd?" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
^ "Official Albums Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
^ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
^ "Billboard 200: Week of June 22, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums: Week of June 22, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved June 18, 2024.

[24] Dos Pueblos consists of Jhair "Jha" Lazo and Julio Ulloa

[RS-1] Reed, Ryan (February 15, 2017). "Watch Anderson Paak's Dramatic Valentine's Day 'Tonight Show' Performance". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 7, 2017.

[BestFit-2] Damara Kelly, Tyler (April 3, 2024). "NxWorries announce their long-awaited second album, Why Lawd". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved April 9, 2024.

[HNHH-3] Castro, Danilo (April 9, 2024). "NxWorries Reveals Star-Studded Tracklist For New Album "Why Lawd?"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved April 9, 2024.

[Consequence-4] Fu, Eddie (April 3, 2024). "NxWorries Announce New Album Why Lawd?, Share "86Sentra"". Consequence. Retrieved April 9, 2024.

[5] "2025 GRAMMYs: See The OFFICIAL Full Nominations List | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved November 27, 2024.

[6] Gonik, Michael (October 14, 2020). "Anderson .Paak Announces a New NxWorries Album is On The Way". Okayplayer. Retrieved August 23, 2024.

[7] LaPierre, Megan (April 3, 2024). "NxWorries Announce Sophomore Album 'Why Lawd?'". Exclaim!. Retrieved August 23, 2024.

[8] Price, Joe (October 19, 2022). "Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge Return as NxWorries With New Song "Where I Go" f/ H.E.R." Complex. Retrieved April 9, 2024.

[9] Abraham, Mya (October 18, 2022). "Anderson .Paak And Knxwledge Set To Release New NxWorries Single With H.E.R." Vibe. Retrieved June 17, 2024.

[10] Lavin, Will (December 5, 2020). "NxWorries debut new track 'Where I Go' at Double Happiness Festival". NME. Retrieved June 17, 2024.

[11] Minsker, Evan (May 18, 2023). "NxWorries Share Video for New Song "Daydreaming"". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 17, 2024.

[12] LeJarde, Arielle Lana (May 18, 2023). "NxWorries yearn for a lover in "Daydreaming"". The Fader. Retrieved April 9, 2024.

[13] Slingerland, Calum (May 14, 2024). "NxWorries Get Snoop Dogg for Soulful, Slow-Burning "FromHere"". Exclaim!. Retrieved May 15, 2024.

[Stereogum-14] "NxWorries Team With Earl Sweatshirt & Rae Khalil On New Song "WalkOnBy": Listen". Stereogum. June 11, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2024.

[15] Samuels, Keithan (June 14, 2024). "NxWorries Release New Album 'Why Lawd?': Stream". Rated R&B. Retrieved June 17, 2024.

[:0-16] Williams, Aaron (May 13, 2025). "NxWorries Is Going On Their First Headlining Tour As A Group, Ever". UPROXX. Retrieved May 15, 2025.

[MC-17] "Why Lawd? by NxWorries Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved June 14, 2024.

[AllMusic-18] Kellman, Andy (June 14, 2024). "NxWorries – Why Lawd? Album Reviews, songs & More". AllMusic. Retrieved June 14, 2024.

[Guardian-19] Chick, Stevie (June 14, 2024). "NxWorries – Why Lawd?". The Guardian. Retrieved June 14, 2024.

[Pitchfork-20] Green, Dylan (June 14, 2024). "NxWorries: Why Lawd?". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 14, 2024.

[21] Juon, Steve 'Flash' (June 18, 2024). "NxWorries :: Why Lawd? – RapReviews". www.rapreviews.com. Retrieved June 18, 2024.

[TS-22] Walker, Logan (June 4, 2024). "NxWorries - Why Lawd? review: the sonic smoothness fans have come to expect". The Skinny. Retrieved June 17, 2024.

[23] Kennedy, John (June 14, 2024). "Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge Turn Pain Into Pleasure on NxWorries' 'Why Lawd?': Album Review". Variety. Retrieved June 17, 2024.

[25] "ARIA Top 20 Vinyl Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. June 17, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2024.

[ac_Flanders_NxWorries-26] "Ultratop.be – NxWorries – Why Lawd?" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved June 23, 2024.

[ac_Netherlands_NxWorries-27] "Dutchcharts.nl – NxWorries – Why Lawd?" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved June 22, 2024.

[ac_Scotland_-28] "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 15, 2024.

[ac_UKDigital_-29] "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 22, 2024.

[30] "Official Albums Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 22, 2024.

[ac_UKIndependent_-31] "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 15, 2024.

[ac_UKR&B_-32] "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 15, 2024.

[33] "Billboard 200: Week of June 22, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved June 20, 2024.

[34] "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums: Week of June 22, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved June 18, 2024.

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v t e NxWorries
Anderson .Paak Knxwledge
Studio albums	Yes Lawd! (2016) Why Lawd? (2024)
EPs	Link Up & Suede (2015)
Singles	"Suede"

v t e Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album
2010s	Channel Orange – Frank Ocean (2013) Unapologetic – Rihanna (2014) Girl – Pharrell Williams (2015) Beauty Behind the Madness – The Weeknd (2016) Lemonade – Beyoncé (2017) Starboy – The Weeknd (2018) Everything Is Love – The Carters (2019)
2020s	Cuz I Love You (Deluxe) – Lizzo (2020) It Is What It Is – Thundercat (2021) Table for Two – Lucky Daye (2022) Gemini Rights – Steve Lacy (2023) SOS – SZA (2024) So Glad to Know You – AverySunshine / Why Lawd? – NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge) (2025)

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