ScHoolboy Q flirts with many different styles of music in his first album since 2019.
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TOP 5
5. Germany 86′
What happened in Germany in 1986? Was that the year folks were strong-armed for the Tetris game?
So, “Germany 86” isn’t the sexiest track on this album, but I think it’s definitely one of the most enjoyable. I love that it has these smooth vibes, yet ScHoolboy jams these reflective lyrics about his family relationships, unique upbringing, and ties to the streets. I feel like we get the purest version of ScHoolboy in this track.
4. First
Soulja Boy probably thinks this song is blasphemous.
In the first portion of “First,” Schoolboy Q reminds us that the one b*tch that every person likes, he was the first one to flip her like drug money. This is because he’s rich and a dude that really doesn’t give a f**k. Once the song’s tone switches to this easygoing sound, ScHoolboy humbles himself a little, referring to his success as something that didn’t come easy. This song feels like the musical embodiment of being drunk, eventually leading to a hangover.
3. Foux (Ft. Ab-Soul)
This song gave me an enjoyable seizure.
“Foux” is perhaps the most unique track on this album. The song features frantic production juxtaposed with a calm tone, which creates a somewhat peculiar atmosphere. In their respective verses, ScHoolboy Q and Ab-Soul attempt to keep pace with the beat, delivering their bars as rapidly as possible. Lyrically, Q delves into his experiences with conflict and its impact on his personal growth and journey toward self-awareness, while Ab-Soul explores themes of sin, repentance, struggles with substance abuse, and the complexities of personal relationships. Overall, I find this song to be dynamic and an intriguing listen.
2. Pig feet (Ft. Childish Major)
“Pig feet” is way better than actual pig feet.
There aren’t many obvious club bangers on this album, but “Pig Feet” stands out as one. With its booming bass beat and high tempo, it’s guaranteed to shake up club speakers. Additionally, the explosive, catchy hook is tailor-made for rowdy crowds to scream along to while fighting on dance floors. And let’s not forget the ignorant-ass verses that are just about having a good time, perfect for helping people forget their worries for a while. My old me would’ve f**ked with this s**t a lot back then.
1. Pop (Ft. Rico Nasty)
This is my favorite song on this album, and it’s not particularly close.
Do you want some hard s**t? Well, here you go! “Pop” with Rico Nasty is harder than getting Zion Williamson to take a three-pointer. The song boasts this rock-influenced, hard-hitting beat that will evoke your meanest mug. Over it, ScHoolboy Q does tons of threatening and a little bit of bragging using this hella grungy, evil-sounding rap style. Rico Nasty follows suit with explosive, punchy raps that she probably wrote while on an acid trip. I don’t know about you, but I think this is the pocket I always want to hear these two artists in.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Funny Guy (3.5/5)
2. Pop (Ft. Rico Nasty) (4.5/5)
3. THank god 4 me (4/5)
4. Blueslides (4/5)
5. Yearn 101 (4/5)
6. Love Birds (Ft. Devin Malik & Lance Skiiwalker) (3.5/5)
7. Movie (Ft. Az Chike) (4/5)
8. Cooties (3.5/5)
9. oHio (Ft. Freddie Gibbs) (4/5)
10. Foux (Ft. Ab-Soul) (4/5)
11. First (4/5)
12. Nunu (3/5)
13. Back n Love (Ft. Devin Malik) (4/5)
14. Lost Times (Ft. Jozzy) (4/5)
15. Germany 86′ (4/5)
16. Time killers (4/5)
17. Pig feet (Ft. Childish Major) (4.5/5)
18. Smile (4/5)
OVERALL RATING
(B)
The best word to use to describe this album is this: Nonconventional. In BLUE LIPS, ScHoolboy Q throws everything but the kitchen sink at us.
First and foremost, kudos must go to ScHoolboy Q and all of the producers he worked with during the making of this album because, damn. BLUE LIPS features some crazy transitions and one of the most unique blends of exquisite and hard-hitting beats I’ve ever heard. Listening to the project is equivalent to going from a dinner party in the Hamptons to turning up at a club… Like, over and over again. I really want to know the pocket Q was in when he created this album.
I give this album an A when it comes to guest appearances. After making his major comeback, I actually expected ScHoolboy Q to link up with all the A-listers in the game. Instead, he linked up with underappreciated artists such as Rico Nasty, Lance Skiiwalker, Childish Major, and Jozzy. I absolutely love that! These guests were able to keep the album in this underdog, low-key pocket.
I’ve said it before and’ll say it again: ScHoolboy Q is an acquired-taste rapper. In many of his verses, he barely rhymes, and at times he switches between styles recklessly and randomly. However, I think his substance has always been appreciated, and that doesn’t change in BLUE LIPS. Throughout the album, he bounces between sounding like a braggadocios douchebag who’s ready to slide on his enemies and someone who is searching for a better life for himself and his kids. Though his bank account and street ties say he’s not supposed to be relatable, he really comes across as that in the album. It’s some cool s**t to listen to.
With BLUE LIPS, ScHoolboy Q has once again reminded us all that music is a form of art. It’s supposed to be expressive, multi-faceted, confusing, and slightly influenced by contemporary vibes. It’s refreshing hearing an album like this.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
