The Return of NxWorries Feels Worth the Wait

“Houston, I love y’all!” yelled an energetic Anderson .Paak, draped in all white with a white plush crown like hat atop his head. He paced in front of the stage length screen flashing spinning images of the word “NXWORRIES.”

“Give it up for Knxwledge!”

Above, seemingly floating on top of the screen, stood Knxwledge working the turntables as he filled the room with music through the speakers at the House of Blues.

As the room filled with thunderous applause, Anderson .Paak began to pace faster. The night had been filled with flashing lights, images of Ninja Turtles, and the Oxnard, California native crooning through hits from the duo’s two albums.

“This means the world to us. This is our first ever national tour. This is for our fans and the people that have been rocking with us from day one. Me and my brother go back ten years plus in this band and in this industry, and this industry can make you real f—king sad sometimes. But somehow we messed around and got a Grammy! And it ain’t over.”

As .Paak stepped to the side of the stage, Knxwledge began to play, taking the crowd through a mix of music from artists like H-Town, Anita Baker, Khruangbin, Mobb Deep, and more. Video clips of characters like Peggy Hill and Marge Simpson dancing alongside Waluigi doing yoga were superimposed over classic music videos. The Why Lawd? Tour had touched down in Houston.

NxWorries is the genre blending duo of singer, rapper, and drummer Anderson .Paak and producer Knxwledge, both accomplished artists before joining forces. The pair formed in the mid 2010s, bringing together .Paak’s soulful rasp and charismatic storytelling with Knxwledge’s sample heavy production rooted in vintage soul, gospel, and hip hop. Their chemistry was immediate, a seamless blend of texture and rhythm that turned small studio sessions into something much larger. Signed to Stones Throw Records, NxWorries quickly gained attention for their timeless sound and effortless groove, reviving the feeling of classic R&B while keeping a distinctly modern edge.

Their breakout came in 2015 with the single “Suede,” a slow burning, funk driven track that captured the duo’s signature feel, playful, intimate, and sonically rich. The success of “Suede” led to the release of their debut album Yes Lawd! in 2016, a project praised for its warmth and fluid storytelling. The album showcased .Paak’s charisma and Knxwledge’s ear for nostalgic yet forward thinking production, earning widespread critical acclaim. The following year, they released Yes Lawd! Remixes, a full reinterpretation of the original album that highlighted Knxwledge’s versatility and commitment to experimentation.

After several years focused on solo endeavors, NxWorries reunited for their long awaited sophomore album Why Lawd? released in 2024. The project marked their return to the spotlight and displayed a more mature, reflective tone while maintaining the soulful core that defined their debut. The album featured collaborations with artists like H.E.R., Thundercat, and Earl Sweatshirt and went on to win Best Progressive R&B Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards. In support of Why Lawd? the duo launched the Why Lawd? Tour, their first national headlining run, bringing their decade long creative partnership from the studio to stages across the country.

The response to the show has been evident, with the duo selling out multiple venues, including the House of Blues Thursday night. The almost decade long wait between critically acclaimed projects has helped build a fan base that eagerly looks for anything by the band. That excitement was clear from the merch line, which grew so long it wound through the crowd and filled the room. Knxwledge provided the foundational sound to Anderson .Paak, who powered through crowd favorites like “Lyk Dis,” “Suede,” and “Link Up.” The stage almost played as a third member with the gigantic screen projecting laser light shows, flashing real time video of .Paak and Knxwledge, showing absurd art and music videos. The room responded in kind, belting out hit after hit, at times even drowning out. Paak.

NxWorries has always been about balance. Anderson .Paak brings the showmanship and swing while Knxwledge supplies the soul and texture underneath it all. Together they have built a sound that feels familiar but never dated, pulling from R&B, hip hop, and funk without chasing trends. What makes their work hit is how natural it feels, two artists who know exactly who they are and what they sound like when they are locked in. Nearly ten years later, that chemistry still feels effortless.

Setlist

ThankU
Wngs
Kutless
What More Can I Say
MoveOn

Fall Thru
KeepHer
Distractions

Where I Go
Best One
Lyk Dis
Battlefield

Suede
OutTheWay (with Rae Khalil)

More Of It
FromHere
jstfrends (Knxwledge song) (Knxwledge DJ set)
Link Up
Droogs
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (Whitney Houston cover)
Suede
Everybody Gets Down

Don’t Be Afraid
Daydreaming

Encore:
WalkOnBy (with Rae Khalil)
Scared Money

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