NEW SINGLE “I Wish” OUT NOW

W: Judy Brokenshire I: Rafael Avcioglu

It’s an exciting time for PawPaw Rod fans. Since his breakout single “HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS” dropped in 2020, he has been a master of the "vibe," but his latest announcement suggests he is ready to move past playlist-ready singles and into a much more substantial narrative.

PawPaw Rod occupies a unique space in the modern landscape. Born in Hawaii and raised in Oklahoma, his sound reflects that exact displacement—a bit of coastal breeziness mixed with soulful, grounded storytelling. What makes him stand out isn't just the 200M+ streams; it’s his ability to make "retro" feel "right now." He isn't just mimicking 60s soul or 70s funk; he’s using those textures to cushion modern rap sensibilities, creating a genre-fluid sound that feels both nostalgic and futuristic.

If his earlier work was the introduction to the party, “I Wish” is the deep conversation after the lights come up. Built on a hypnotic groove, the track maintains Rod’s signature danceable energy but adds a new layer of emotional weight. He wrestles with the "push and pull" of public success versus private grief, specifically referencing his first headlining tour and the chaotic backdrop of the Los Angeles fires. With lyrics like “Mama said it’s a fight / you go through in your mind / to make sense of it all,” he offers a grounded, familial wisdom that elevates the song into a "sad-banger" for the soul.

Cinematic Soul: A Visual Identity in Motion

Rod’s visual identity is just as curated as his sound, often utilizing warm, vintage color palettes and minimalist aesthetics that emphasize his effortless charisma. His early videos, like the one for “HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS,” relied on high-energy visualizers and candid-style footage that captured his "life in motion" philosophy. More recent works, such as the video for “When I Get Home,” directed by Pablo Bañuelos, and the new “I Wish” video, directed by Jesse Boykins III, show a shift toward more cinematic storytelling. These videos often feature Rod in evocative urban or natural settings, using his fashion—think flared pants and classic silhouettes—and rhythmic movement to bridge the gap between his funk influences and contemporary street style.