What It Is (Block Boy)

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"What It Is"
A 28-second of sample of "What It Is (Block Boy)" by Doechii.
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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]

What it is, hoe?
What's up?
Every good girl needs a little thug
Every block boy needs a little love
If you put it down, I'ma pick it up

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. [4] [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 chaps, while Kodak Black plays her love interest. [4]

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." [6] 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." [4] 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." [5]

Accolades

"What It Is (Block Boy)"
Doechii - What It Is (Block Boy).jpg
Single by Doechii featuring Kodak Black
ReleasedMarch 17, 2023
Genre
Length3:43
3:09 (solo version)
Label
Composer(s)
Lyricist(s)
Producer(s)
Doechii singles chronology
"Girls Night Out"
(2022)		"What It Is (Block Boy)"
(2023)		"Booty Drop"
(2023)
Kodak Black singles chronology
"King Snipe"
(2022)		"What It Is (Block Boy)"
(2023)		"I Remember"
(2023)
Awards and nominations for "What It Is (Block Boy)"
YearOrganizationAwardResultRef.
2023 MTV Video Music Awards Song of Summer Nominated [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

Certifications

Certifications for "What It Is (Block Boy)"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [40] 2× Platinum80,000‡
Canada (Music Canada) [41] Platinum80,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ) [42] Platinum30,000‡
Poland (ZPAV) [43] Gold25,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [44] Silver200,000‡
United States (RIAA) [45] Platinum1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

"What It Is (Block Boy)" release history
RegionDateFormat(s)VersionLabelRef.
VariousMarch 17, 2023Original Single [1]
Versions EP [1]
June 8, 2023Solo Single [46]
United StatesJuly 11, 2023 Contemporary hit radio Original Single [47]

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References

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