Surfers at Harbor Beach in Oceanside on Sept. 1, 2023.
Surfers at Harbor Beach in Oceanside on Sept. 1, 2023. / Photo by Ariana Drehsler

Obed Padilla, “Sabor,”: I’d never heard of Obed Padilla, an Oceanside rapper and producer before a reader suggested I include one of his songs as a “Song of the Week.” In an email, Marisol wrote that Padilla’s latest release, “Sabor,” sounded “like a Saturday in San Diego,” and she was absolutely right.  

“Sabor,” has a classic San Diego sound. It’s nonchalant, filled with the gentle strums of an acoustic guitar and the dulcet squawks of a Latin music-inspired trumpet. It’s hip-hop, but it’s not making a big deal out of it. Padilla’s silky-smooth Spanglish vocals have just a touch of nostalgic sorrow. It’s a fabulous tune that will keep you coming back for more. 

Like what you hear? Check out more of Obed Padilla

Do you have a “Song of the Week” suggestion? Shoot us an email and a sentence or two about why you’ve been bumping this song lately. Friendly reminder: all songs should be by local artists.

Jakob McWhinney is Voice of San Diego's education reporter.

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