Paulo and the Problems drop a Funky, Soul-Soaked groove with “First of the Month”
Paulo and the Problems are officially in their Stupid Sexy era, and if the lead single “First of the Month” is any indication, this band is about to serve up one of the smoothest, funkiest records of the year. Out now via Fogwood Records, this track kicks open the door with a raw, groove-laden confidence, blending old-school R&B and soul textures with the slick, polished sheen of modern hip-hop production — and it feels so damn good.
From the jump, “First of the Month” oozes swagger. A rubbery, infectious bassline slinks beneath the track, instantly locking you into its laid-back but undeniably funky pocket. It’s the kind of bass work that would’ve made Bootsy Collins grin and nod, with a tone so rich it feels practically edible. Layered atop that are crisp, tastefully deployed drums and shuffling percussion that add bounce without ever overcrowding the mix.
The production is immaculate. There’s a warm, analog feel to the instrumental bed — a lush, lived-in atmosphere filled with subtle, soulful guitar licks, shimmering keys, and even a touch of brass to round out the groove. It’s the kind of track you want to hear pouring out of a sun-soaked car stereo or filling a dimly lit bar just after midnight. The arrangement strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and modern edge, a testament to the band’s skill at genre-blending without ever feeling forced.
Vocally, Paulo delivers with a charismatic, effortless cool. His voice rides the beat with an easy, conversational flow that at times veers into a melodic croon and at others leans into a rhythmic spoken delivery — blurring the line between singer and MC. There’s a wry, playful quality to his performance here, particularly in the lyrical storytelling. “First of the Month” isn’t just a vibe; it’s a snapshot of daily hustle, financial tension, and self-assured survival, wrapped in sly humor and real-world grit.
Lyrically, the song is sharp — capturing the tension and ritual of payday, of trying to keep up, of navigating life’s relentless demands with a grin and a groove. It’s a universal sentiment dressed up in stylish, funk-forward threads. There’s an honesty to the writing that feels grounded but never heavy-handed, delivered with the same tongue-in-cheek, laid-back charisma that makes Anderson .Paak such a standout in the genre.
The track’s hook is an undeniable earworm. Equal parts chant and croon, it’s tailor-made for communal shout-alongs and head-nodding approval. By the time the final chorus rolls around, you’re not just listening — you’re moving. This is music built for movement, for shoulder shimmies and sly smiles exchanged across crowded rooms.
“First of the Month” feels like a statement of intent — an announcement that Paulo and the Problems aren’t here to neatly fit into your genre boxes. They’re here to carve out a lane where soul, funk, R&B, and hip-hop don’t just coexist but throw a house party together. And if this lead single is any sign of what Stupid Sexy Paulo has in store, it’s about to be one hell of a party.
Grab a nice pair of headphones and sink into the greatness that is this song! You can follow along as well and stay tuned for the latest by clicking those links below.
Listen to “First of the Month”
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