Album Review: ScHoolboy Q – BLUE LIPS

Rating: 9.0

In under 56 minutes, ScHoolboy Q showcases his incredible talent for songwriting and delivers a meticulously crafted record that doesn't waste a second. I would describe BLUE LIPS as a thoughtfully curated collection of songs that come together to bring the entire concept to life and make a bold statement. This album truly redefines Schoolboy Q's style and genre, solidifying his position as one of the top emcees of his generation. He reveals aspects of himself that we believed we would never witness again. It's like a renaissance, where a rapper confronts his battles with drug addiction to cope with his daily challenges. In (“Germany '86”), a track infused with soulful samples, ScHoolboy Q candidly delves into his personal life, offering his most honest expression yet. He also reflects on his relationship with his mother, acknowledging her as his superhero, saying, “My superhero's a woman/ You know she served for this country”.

On (“THank god 4 me”), the first 40 seconds feel surreal and earcandy-like. The smooth soulful sample gives it a short and sweet vibe. This track feels like a triumph with its groovy energy. The smooth instrumental at the beginning picks up again at the 1:39 mark, making it an even fun listening experience. (“Blueslides”) is a slow, melancholic ballad, infused with jazz influences, and what I appreciate the most are the lyrics. ScHoolboy Q pays homage to the late Mac Miller, rapping “Lost a homeboy to the drugs, man, I ain't tryna go backwards”. The wordplay in this track is exceptional, he continues “I was always good at everything, especially my dreams/ But lately, I ain't really been myself, ain't strong as I seemed”. ScHoolboy Q's ability to balance vulnerability with his unwavering personality sets him apart from his peers as a rapper and songwriter. It's the perfect song to vibe to when you're lost in thought or just chilling. This song gives off that nostalgic vibe of a classic 70s musical film. We witness ScHoolboy Q exploring themes of grief and loss while still choosing to forge ahead.

(“Cooties”) feels like a throwaway gem from 2016's Blank Face, but ScHoolboy Q held onto it all these years for this special moment. ScHoolboy Q sounds absolutely incredible and at the peak of his career. The production seamlessly complements his delivery of badass bars. He talks about his luxurious lifestyle and drops some hilarious lines, “Like, literally, my daughter is chilled/ Like, I can't believe my house on the hill”. He exudes an unapologetic attitude towards his success. The songwriting in this track is truly admirable. (“oHio”) featuring Freddie Gibbs is an absolute adrenaline rush and easily the standout feature on the album. The beat switches add an unpredictable element to the song, and we still get to enjoy jazz samples in the second half. The jazz and soul samples remind me of Tyler, The Creator's CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST era. The way the song finishes is just beautiful, and Freddie Gibbs is like the cherry on top, truly enhancing the listening experience. It's undoubtedly a rap classic. The production on BLUE LIPS was flawless with excellent sequencing. It was meticulously planned and executed to perfection. With top-notch producers like Mike Hector, Cardo, The Alchemist, and DJ Khalil. It's no surprise that the album gave off a nostalgic vibe. It felt like a blend of Oxymoron and Blank Face, bringing together the best elements of both albums.

There are so many special moments that stick with you from this album. The moments that really stood out for me were in the first half, especially (“Blueslides”). That track is timeless, and its production is what makes it worth listening to over and over again. On the other hand, the second half had some weaker moments. Some of the songs felt like bonus tracks and were a bit out of place. While ScHoolboy Q's performance on this album is impressive, I must admit I have mixed feelings about it. The album definitely lived up to the hype, but there were a few weak tracks like (“Funny Guy”) & (“Nunu”). These songs felt more like fillers to reach the 18-track mark and potentially boost streaming sales. They would have made more sense as interludes rather than full songs. BLUE LIPS is shaping up to be the album of the year. It's going to be a real challenge for other artists to compete for that number one spot. ScHoolboy Q has truly solidified his place in next year's Grammy consideration. And not to mention, he's added yet another timeless gem to his already impressive discography.

This record was truly a labor of love. With careful consideration and thoughtfulness, it was crafted. ScHoolboy Q took his time, allowing his life experiences to shape the sound of this extraordinary masterpiece. Once again, he has showcased his incredible talent and secured his position in the realm of hip hop. This might just be his greatest achievement yet.

Favourite Tracks: “Blueslides”, “THank god 4 me”, “oHio”, “Cooties” & “Germany '86”