What It Is (Block Boy)

"What It Is (Block Boy)" is a song by American rapper and singer Doechii, released by Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records on March 17, 2023, as a non-album single. The original features American rapper Kodak Black, but a solo version, without Black, was released simultaneously. Six variations of the track were released, which include sped-up and slowed-down versions. Produced by J. White Did It and Brian Kennedy, it is Doechii's first single to enter the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, peaking at number 29, and also her first top-40. It also reached the top 10 in Malaysia and the Philippines.

Composition

Songwriter Bianca Atterberry has stated that the song was originally intended for Normani's debut album ''Dopamine''. Atterberry, Verse Simmonds, Fresh, and J. White Did It produced six songs, including "What It Is", after a three-day studio session commissioned by RCA. However, Normani did not think the song fit her vision for the record. The song was then recorded by Doechii "a couple of years" later.

In regard to the song, Doechii said:

This song is a fusion of nostalgia and pop vibes. I feel like I'm showing off a side of my vocal range with this one that my fans haven't really seen yet. I love using the old samples of "No Scrubs" and " Some Cut" to mix in some playful energy as well.

In the chorus, Doechii interpolates the melodic hook of "Some Cut" by Trillville with her own lyrics:

As a female artist, she flips the script that originated with the male hip-hop trio. It basically starts the conversation between the "hoe" and the "block boy". Over the sample of "No Scrubs" by TLC, she details her love for "block boys", describing their street credibility and considering them for an ideal relationship. Kodak Black's verse is from the perspective of a man that Doechii is looking for, expressing his own needs from his lover.

Sheet music for "What It Is (Block Boy)" is in the key of C-sharp minor with a metronome of 88-92 beats per minute.

Music video

The music video was released alongside the single. It shows Doechii dancing and strutting in chaps, while Kodak Black plays her love interest.

Critical reception

Aron A. of ''HotNewHipHop'' gave a positive review, writing that "Doechii's sugary hook and lustful verses lay down the tone with infectious lyrics" and regarding Kodak Black's performance, "Though the pairing is unexpected, Yak continues to prove that, beyond his controversies, his talents are undeniable, even if his attempts to reach Drake-level ''Billboard'' records seem like a far-reach." D-Money of ''Soul Bounce'', while also praising the song, responded unfavorably to his feature: "Kodak Black steps in to represent the block boy, though his addition isn't necessarily needed here. The song's energy takes a slump with his arrival and inability to truly ride the beat. Thankfully, there's a solo version without him there to drag things down." Bianca Betancourt of ''Harpers Bazaar'' stated, "While the samples are recognizable, they're not lazily executed, and while the lyrics are memorable, they're not vapid."

Accolades

Track listing

Versions EP
# "What It Is (Block Boy)" (featuring Kodak Black) – 3:43
# "What It Is (Block Boy)" (solo version) – 3:10
# "What It Is (Block Boy)" (solo version; sped up) – 2:44
# "What It Is (Block Boy)" (solo version; slowed down) – 3:29
# "What It Is (Block Boy)" (featuring Kodak Black; sped up) – 3:13
# "What It Is (Block Boy)" (featuring Kodak Black; slowed down) – 4:10

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history

References

{{Kodak Black

2023 singles
2023 songs
Doechii songs
Kodak Black songs
Songs written by Kodak Black
Songs written by J. White Did It
Songs written by Bianca Atterberry
Songs written by Kandi Burruss
Songs written by Tameka Cottle
Song recordings produced by J. White Did It
Top Dawg Entertainment singles
Capitol Records singles
Songs written by Brian Kennedy (record producer)