There will be those that disagree, but Schoolboy Q is a rap savant. Exhibit A being Habits & Contradictions. In January of 2012, a 25-year-old Quincy Hanley dropped his sophomore studio effort and in just 18 recordings, introduced what would soon be considered an imminent takeover of the game. Pitchfork praised his “better paced”, “rap-Hamlet charisma”. The staff at XXL Mag underlined his “lyrical dexterity and versatile delivery”. Even Chicago’s The A.V. Club marveled at his “unusual sense of exploration” – which in a “no fucks given” mindset, concentrated on an unrestrained threesome of indulgences (sex, money, and drugs) and evoked an unsettling yet iconic weed-rap album cover.
Q wasn’t exactly new on the scene considering his 2011 debut featured a familiar, selective cast (Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, Jhene Aiko), but Habitsflashed his competitive edge. Oxymoron on the other hand pushes Q’s originality. The full-length endured bumps and bruises on the way to its release, but in a year that many argue was less than extraordinary for hip-hop, the eclectic influence of Oxymoron stands apart and above its peers, and in its own way. When it comes to guests, even Wu-wheeler Raekwon maintains Q’s relentless attitude through his own grit and behind the board, Pharrell manages to strike an upbeat balance on “Los Awesome”, an ode to the groovy type gang-bangers. They compliment the history Q gives glimpses of in heavier doses (“Hoover Street”, “Prescription/Oxymoron”) and when you least expect it, go on to portray memories such as the rough and wounded uncle who borrowed his piss and introduced him to the ways of the hood – a picture that is painted with nostalgic misery.
The intersection of storylines and the juxtaposition of past and present helped to illustrate a progressive body of work and a literal sense of “re-growth”. Oxymoron doesn’t necessarily glamorize the truths of gangster rap, but it does show the greener pastures of another side – another way of living. It’s a perspective that invokes familiarity for today’s younger generation and from the outside looking in at last month’s gig at Toronto’s Sound Academy, it came as no surprise that Schoolboy Q is more apt to connect with a “Day One” fan than an industry exec. that’s looking for an Instagram follow.
Once a high profile media outlet packed up and dissipated due to the noise of the night’s opening set, friends and acquaintances replaced them and lifted the venue’s green room with positivity. A$AP Ferg’s “Shabba” is cranked up to drown out the bass coming from the stage and Schoolboy vibes out as he dances, partakes in a few Snapchats, and warmly laughs at the various personalities that have made their way backstage. Q eventually shifts his attention towards me and smirks. He turns away, but keeps me within earshot as he smugly states “When I drop my next album, 2015 will be my year!”. He looks over, laughs, and inhales the smoke rising from in between his fingers. I return the smile and nod. Not solely of courtesy, but also knowing his assurance persuades me to believe 2014 was merely just a taste of something better. Something we didn’t see coming at all.
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