What It Is (Block Boy) Explained

What It Is (Block Boy)
Cover:Doechii - What It Is (Block Boy).jpg
Type:single
Artist:Doechii featuring Kodak Black
Released:March 17, 2023
Genre:
Length:3:43
3:09 (solo version)
Label:
Lyricist:
Producer:
Chronology:Doechii
Prev Title:Girls Night Out
Prev Year:2022
Next Title:Booty Drop
Next Year:2023

"What It Is (Block Boy)" is a single by American rapper and singer Doechii, released through Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records on March 17, 2023. 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.[1] 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. It also reached the top 10 in Malaysia and the Philippines.

Composition

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.[2]

In the chorus, Doechii interpolates the melodic hook of "Some Cut" (2004) by Trillville with her own lyrics:[3] [4] [5]

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" (1999) 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.[6]

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.[7]

Music video

The music video was released alongside the single. It shows Doechii dancing and strutting in assless 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

Year! scope="col"
Organization AwardResult
2023MTV Video Music AwardsSong of Summer[8]

Track listing

Versions EP[1]

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

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2023–2024)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Indonesia (Billboard)[9] 18
Ireland (IRMA)[10] 95
Malaysia (Billboard)[11] 10
Netherlands (Single Tip)[12] 5
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[13] 13
Philippines (Billboard)[14] 7
Singapore (RIAS)[15] 22
Suriname (Nationale Top 40)[16] 2
Vietnam (Vietnam Hot 100)[17] 58

Year-end charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[18] 82
Global 200 (Billboard)[19] 193
US Billboard Hot 100[20] 76
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[21] 24
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[22] 38
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[23] 9

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormat(s)VersionLabel
VariousMarch 17, 2023Original Single
Versions EP
June 8, 2023Solo Single[24]
United StatesJuly 11, 2023Contemporary hit radioOriginal Single[25]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Price . Joe . March 17, 2023 . Doechii Recruits Kodak Black For "What It Is (Block Boy)" . 9 June 2023 . Complex.
  2. Web site: Brodsky . Rachel . Doechii – "What It Is (Block Boy)" (Feat. Kodak Black) . . 9 June 2023 . March 17, 2023.
  3. Web site: Cho . Regina . March 17, 2023 . Doechii taps Kodak Black for new "What It Is" single . 9 June 2023 . Revolt.
  4. Web site: March 20, 2023 . Doechii Lets Us Know What's Up On 'What It Is (Block Boy)' . 9 June 2023 . Soul Bounce.
  5. Web site: Betancourt . Bianca . April 5, 2023 . Is Doechii's 'What It Is' the Best Song of 2023 So Far? . 9 June 2023 . Harpers Bazaar.
  6. Web site: A. . Aron . Doechii Is On "No Scrubs" Vibes With "What It Is (Block Boy)" Ft. Kodak Black . . 9 June 2023 . March 17, 2023.
  7. https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0278629
  8. Renaissance vs. Eras: Beyoncé and Taylor Swift to duke it out over Show of the Summer at MTV VMAs. Brathwaite. Lester Fabian. Entertainment Weekly. September 1, 2023. September 1, 2023. September 1, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230901130727/https://ew.com/mtv-video-music-awards/2023-mtv-vmas-song-of-the-summer-nominees/. live.
  9. Kodak Black Chart History (Indonesia Songs). Billboard. November 20, 2023.
  10. Web site: IRMA – Irish Charts. Irish Recorded Music Association. July 22, 2023.
  11. Kodak Black Chart History (Malaysia Songs). Billboard. November 20, 2023.
  12. Web site: Dutch Single Tip 15/07/2023. dutchcharts.nl. nl. July 15, 2023.
  13. Web site: NZ Top 40 Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. June 12, 2023. June 10, 2023.
  14. Kodak Black Chart History (Philippines Songs). June 13, 2023. Billboard.
  15. Web site: RIAS Top Charts Week 24 (9 - 15 Jun 2023). RIAS. June 20, 2023. June 20, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230620080337/https://www.rias.org.sg/rias-top-charts/.
  16. Web site: August 24, 2023 . Top 40 – 17 aug T/M 24 aug 2023 . Top 40 – August 17 to August 24, 2023 . July 6, 2024 . Nationale Top 40 Suriname. nl.
  17. Kodak Black Chart History (Billboard Vietnam Hot 100). Billboard. June 23, 2023.
  18. Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 22, 2023.
  19. Billboard Global 200 – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 22, 2023.
  20. Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 22, 2023.
  21. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 23, 2023.
  22. Pop Airplay Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 22, 2023.
  23. Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2023. Billboard. November 23, 2023.
  24. Web site: What It Is (Solo Version) - Single. Spotify. July 6, 2023.
  25. Web site: Top 40/Mainstream Future Releases. all access. July 6, 2023.

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