The Paxtons’ fifth album, Avenue: C&D is the duo’s sleekest, most cohesive project yet.
While their hip hop influences are as apparent as ever, it’s the unique, genre-bending production style that makes Avenue: C&D really stand out. Drawing on everything from 90’s R&B (“Tonight,” “She Never”) to jazz (“Raw Papers & Rossi”) and electro-rock (“Pretty Girl Problems”), The Paxtons have blown past the rules of traditional hip hop to construct a thoughtful and enjoyable musical journey. The authenticity in their lyrics is nearly palpable, as they explore the everyman struggles of living and loving in Brooklyn.
Avenue: C&D is quite literally a reflection of The Paxtons’ lives, from their affection for the greener things in life to their love of pretty girls. No stripper anthems here; these love songs are about real girls: brown-skinned girls (“Brown Girl”), girls that wear basketball jerseys (“Want Me More), and girls that look like Raven Symone—the present-day slim version and the thick one from 2009 (“Ready to Go”).
Ultimately, The Paxtons are just a couple of cool guys from Chicago who love to live life—and make some pretty groovy music along the way. Avenue: C&D is a refreshing breath of air, thanks to its lyrical sophistication, genuine subject matter, and memorable melodies. It’s certified feel-good music. But even when the topic is somber, the music still grooves on…because that’s just how life goes on Paxton Avenue.
credits
Executive Producers: The Paxtons. Creative Direction: The Paxtons. Art Direction: Dave of The Paxtons for Gold Standard Creative.
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