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Ever since his mythical debut single release of “HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS” in 2020, PawPaw Rod has been making a scene. He takes chances by touring with unexpected artists like Still Woozy and The Flaming Lips. It’s his cross-genre repertoire of music, toeing the line between alternative funk and hip-hop, that allows him to reach broad horizons as an artist. He keeps us guessing, but responds with an interesting answer every time.

His latest release, “The Get Back” is about fighting for your happiness. It tells a story about PawPaw Rod overcoming the superficial in order to achieve his dreams. Lucid beats, ruminative synths, and melodic notes of percussion elevate his lyrics to the surface. He raps, “Use my mind as a weapon / Everything ain't what it seems / Look alive, who's on your team / People drowned to see you dream / So the get back must be seen!” He pays homage to the people in his life who have supported him through the trials and tribulations of being an artist.

The music video for “The Get Back” emanates that same feeling of warm nostalgia that is present throughout the track. It captures the many perspectives of PawPaw Rod through a fisheye lens, in black and white, and out of focus as he contemplates his life at a basketball court. The aesthetics and sonics of the song are classic, yet personal and experimental. PawPaw Rod gets the message across that he’s drawing inspiration from his predecessors while forging his own path.

“The Get Back” is a reverie of pure authenticity. It isn’t trying to be anything except original. PawPaw Rod has clearly grown a lot since his 2020 debut. It’s singles like “The Get Back” that keep us engaged in his story and keep us listening.