What They Want (Schoolboy Q song)

Last updated
"What They Want"
Song by Schoolboy Q featuring 2 Chainz
from the album Oxymoron
ReleasedFebruary 25, 2014
Recorded2013
Genre Hip hop
Length4:27
Label
Songwriter(s)
  • Quincy Hanley
  • Tauheed Epps
  • Micheal Williams
  • Marquel Middlebrooks
Producer(s)

"What They Want" (stylized as "WHat THey Want") is a song by American hip hop recording artist Schoolboy Q, taken from his third studio album Oxymoron (2014). The song, produced by Mike Will Made It, features a guest appearance by rapper 2 Chainz. "What They Want" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. The song has since peaked on the US Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles at number four.

Contents

Composition

"What They Want" production features "plodding rhythm section and eerie, reverb-drenched string/bell loops" created by Mike Will Made It and Marz. Schoolboy Q raps about his prospective purchases and recent sexual conquests in his verses. Additionally the song features a guest appearance by 2 Chainz. [1] Overall the song has an icy melody projecting a feeling of paranoia with Q rapping about his proficiency in drug dealing. [2]

Critical reception

"What They Want" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Luke Fox of Exclaim! called the song hypnotic and stated that Q outshines 2 Chainz on the song. [3] Michael Madden of Consequence of Sound stated it had one of the album's standout productions. [4] Jason Lipshutz of Billboard said, "Q is too serious-minded to stuff his debut with one-liners about booties, though, and instead pulls 2 Chainz into his murky world on "What They Want," a chilling stunner in which the headliner channels his aggression into peddling another bleak anthem to his supporters." [5] Greg Whitt of Uproxx's Smoking Section said, "2 Chainz is so ubiquitous that just seeing his name on a tracklist screams cliche. Thankfully, his verse over Mike WiLL Made It’s subdued production on "What They Want" is about as 2 Chainz a verse that exists. Filled with delightfully odd non sequiturs and dopeboy freshness, the ATL Codeine Cowboy pairs with Q like lean and Sprite." [6] Omar Burgess of HipHopDX stated, "listeners in search of lighter fare will likely gravitate toward "What They Want"." [7] Maya Kalev of Fact said it is "a track that’s lyrically unambitious, but full of menace thanks to Q’s snarling flow." [8] Nathan S of DJBooth stated, "Chainz is at his best when he’s at his most outrageous and borderline absurd, the exact opposite of Q, and the fact that the song still works is testament to ScHoolboy’s versatility, but it’s also one of the album’s least compelling tracks." [9]

Live performances

Schoolboy Q and 2 Chainz performed "What They Want" at SXSW on March 11, 2014. [10] [11] Then on April 3, 2014, Schoolboy Q performed the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live! . [12]

Music video

The music video for "What They Want" was filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana, directed by Motion Family. [13] [14] On March 6, 2014, the video was released. [15] [16] In the video Q and 2 Chainz visit an above-ground cemetery, stalk a church with dudes wearing skeleton masks, and go to New Orleans strip club She She's, which is full of twerking dancers. [17] [18] [19] The video is completed with shots of "creepy, abandoned buildings, red-lit strip clubs, empty parking lots, gray graveyards and backlit churches." [20]

Chart performance

Chart (2014)Peak
position
US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles ( Billboard ) [21] 4

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [22] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schoolboy Q</span> American rapper (born 1986)

Quincy Matthew Hanley, better known by his stage name Schoolboy Q, is an American rapper from South Los Angeles, California. He began recording in 2007, and released his first two mixtapes, ScHoolboy Turned Hustla (2008) and Gangsta & Soul (2009) to local success. After signing with the Carson-based record label Top Dawg Entertainment, Hanley's debut studio album, Setbacks (2011) and its follow-up, Habits & Contradictions (2012) were both released to positive critical response; both also performed moderately on the US Billboard 200 chart as digital exclusives.

<i>Setbacks</i> (album) 2011 studio album by ScHoolboy Q

Setbacks is the debut studio album by American hip hop recording artist ScHoolboy Q, released for digital download on January 11, 2011, under Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). The album features guest appearances from fellow Black Hippy members Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock and Ab-Soul, as well as vocals from singer-songwriters Alori Joh, Jhené Aiko and BJ the Chicago Kid. The album's production was handled by Lord Quest, Willie B, Focus..., Rahki, Phonix Beats, Tae Beast, DJ Wes, King Blue, Sounwave and more.

<i>Habits & Contradictions</i> 2012 studio album by Schoolboy Q

Habits & Contradictions is the second studio album by American rapper Schoolboy Q. It was released on January 14, 2012, exclusively on iTunes, by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). The album features guest appearances from ASAP Rocky, Jhené Aiko, Dom Kennedy, Currensy, Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock. The production was handled by American producers The Alchemist, Lex Luger, Mike Will Made It, Best Kept Secret and ASAP Ty Beats, as well as members of Top Dawg Entertainment in-house production team Digi+Phonics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Top Dawg Entertainment</span> American record label

Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) is an American independent record label. Specializing in hip hop and R&B artists, TDE is based in Carson, California. The label was founded in 2004 by record producer Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, who is the chief executive officer. His son, Anthony "Moosa" Tiffith Jr., and Terrence "Punch" Henderson are the presidents of the label.

<i>Oxymoron</i> (Schoolboy Q album) 2014 studio album by Schoolboy Q

Oxymoron is the third studio album by American rapper Schoolboy Q. It was released on February 25, 2014, through Top Dawg Entertainment and distributed by Interscope Records. Oxymoron was his first album released under a major record label to music retailers, whereas his previous albums were released independently to digital retailers only.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schoolboy Q discography</span> Hip hop recording artist discography

American rapper Schoolboy Q has released six studio albums, two mixtapes, 30 singles, and 36 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yay Yay</span> 2013 promotional single by Schoolboy Q

"Yay Yay" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Schoolboy Q, released on April 16, 2013 as the first song in promotion of his major-label debut album, Oxymoron (2014). It charted at number 49 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in January 2014 after being put up with the album's pre-order. It was ultimately included as an iTunes exclusive bonus track on the digital deluxe edition of the album.

Digi+Phonics is an African American hip hop production team, composed of California-based record producers Tae Beast, Sounwave, Dave Free and Willie B. They currently serve as the main in-house producers for Carson-based record label, Top Dawg Entertainment. Digi+Phonics work significantly on projects from all the members of hip hop supergroup Black Hippy, who are also signed to Top Dawg and is composed of rappers Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul. Their best known productions include "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" by Kendrick Lamar, "There He Go" by Schoolboy Q, and "Terrorist Threats" by Ab-Soul. They frequently co-produce songs together and put the finishing touches on the projects released by Top Dawg Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Collard Greens (song)</span> 2013 single by Schoolboy Q featuring Kendrick Lamar

"Collard Greens" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Schoolboy Q, released on June 11, 2013 as the lead single from his third studio album Oxymoron (2014). The song, produced by production team THC and co-produced by Gwen Bunn, features a guest appearance from his Black Hippy cohort, Top Dawg Entertainment labelmate, and fellow American rapper Kendrick Lamar. The song has since peaked at number 92 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 36 on the UK R&B Chart. It was met with generally positive reviews from music critics.

William Thomas Trenell Brown, known professionally as Willie B or by the stage name The Ichiban Don, is an American hip hop record producer and recording artist from Los Angeles, California. He is an original member of West Coast hip hop production team Digi+Phonics of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). He is also a member of the hip hop collective A Room Full of Mirrors, alongside fellow rappers Punch and Daylyt, among others.

<i>Stolen Youth</i> (mixtape) 2013 mixtape by Vince Staples and Larry Fisherman

Stolen Youth is a collaborative mixtape by American rapper Vince Staples and rapper/producer Mac Miller, under his production pseudonym Larry Fisherman. The mixtape was released as a free digital download on June 20, 2013, to mixtape hosting websites. Stolen Youth was entirely produced by Miller. The mixtape features guest appearances from Mac Miller, Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Da$H, Hardo, and Staples' Cutthroat Boyz cohort, Joey Fatts.

<i>The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 5</i> 2013 studio album by E-40

The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 5 is the nineteenth studio album by American rapper E-40. The album was released on December 10, 2013, by Heavy on the Grind Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from 2 Chainz, Young Bari, Roach Gigz, Iamsu!, Kool John, Gucci Mane, Young Scooter, Z-Ro, Big K.R.I.T., Danny Brown, Schoolboy Q, B-Legit, Mike Marshall, Too Short, Work Dirty, Laroo T.H.H., Stressmatic and J. Banks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Man of the Year (song)</span> 2013 single by Schoolboy Q

"Man of the Year" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Schoolboy Q. The song was released as the second official single from his major-label debut album Oxymoron, on November 23, 2013, by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and Interscope Records. The song, produced by frequent collaborators Nez & Rio, first appeared on the soundtrack to the 2013 video game NBA Live 14. The song samples "Cherry", as performed by American electronic band Chromatics, from the 2013 compilation album After Dark 2. The song debuted at number 81 and later peaked at 62 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Break the Bank (song)</span> 2014 promotional single by Schoolboy Q

"Break the Bank" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Schoolboy Q, released on January 21, 2014, by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and Interscope Records, as a promotional single from his major label debut studio album Oxymoron (2014). The song was recorded in 2012 and was produced by The Alchemist. The song has since peaked at number 32 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 On</span> 2014 single by Tinashe featuring Schoolboy Q

"2 On" is the debut single by American singer Tinashe for her debut studio album Aquarius (2014). The song features a guest verse from American rapper Schoolboy Q. Both artists wrote the song with Bobby Brackins, and features production from DJ Mustard, Jon Redwine, and DJ Marley Waters, who are also credited as songwriters. It features a sample from the 2005 single "We Be Burnin'" by Jamaican recording artist Sean Paul, resulting in writing credits for Cezar Cunningham, Sean Paul, Steven Marsden, Delano Thomas, Michael Jarrett, and Craig Serani Marsh. "2 On" was released as Tinashe's commercial debut single from Aquarius on January 21, 2014 and was sent to US rhythmic contemporary, urban contemporary on March 18, 2014, and to contemporary hit radio on July 30, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hell of a Night (Schoolboy Q song)</span> 2014 single by Schoolboy Q

"Hell of a Night" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Schoolboy Q, taken from his major label debut studio album Oxymoron (2014). The track, which features production by two American record producers DJ Dahi, and JayFrance was serviced to urban contemporary radio as the fourth and final official single from Oxymoron on October 21, 2014. It was met with generally positive reviews from music critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Studio (song)</span> 2014 single by Schoolboy Q featuring BJ the Chicago Kid

"Studio" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Schoolboy Q, released on April 22, 2014 by Top Dawg Entertainment and Interscope Records, as the third official single from his third studio album, Oxymoron (2014). The song, which features vocals from American singer and songwriter BJ the Chicago Kid, was recorded in 2013 and produced by American record producer Swiff D.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">That Part</span> 2016 single by Schoolboy Q featuring Kanye West

"That Part" is a hip hop song by American hip hop recording artist Schoolboy Q featuring Kanye West. It was released on May 13, 2016 by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and Interscope Records, as the lead single from Schoolboy Q's fourth album Blank Face LP, and was produced by Cardo, Yung Exclusive, Cubeatz and Sounwave. The song was nominated for Best Rap Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. HipHopDX named it the ninth best hip-hop song of 2016.

<i>Blank Face LP</i> 2016 studio album by Schoolboy Q

Blank Face LP is the fourth studio album by American rapper Schoolboy Q. It was released on July 8, 2016, through Top Dawg Entertainment and distributed by Interscope Records. The album serves as his second release under a major record label to music retailers, following 2014's Oxymoron. The album features guest appearances from several prominent artists, such as Kanye West, Jadakiss, E-40, Tha Dogg Pound, Miguel and Anderson .Paak, among others.

<i>Crash Talk</i> 2019 studio album by Schoolboy Q

Crash Talk is the fifth studio album by American rapper Schoolboy Q, released on April 26, 2019, through Top Dawg Entertainment and distributed by Interscope Records. The album features guest appearances from Travis Scott, 6lack, Ty Dolla Sign, YG, 21 Savage, Kid Cudi, and Lil Baby. It was supported by three singles: "Numb Numb Juice", "Chopstix", and "Floating".

References

  1. ↑ "SchoolBoy Q ft. 2 Chainz - What They Want | Stream". DJBooth.net. 2014-03-24. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  2. ↑ "Schoolboy Q: Oxymoron - Music Review". No Ripcord. 2014-03-04. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  3. ↑ Fox, Luke. "Schoolboy Q - Oxymoron • Hip-Hop Reviews •". Exclaim.ca. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  4. ↑ Madden, Michael (2014-02-26). "Album Review: ScHoolboy Q – Oxymoron". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  5. ↑ "ScHoolboy Q, 'Oxymoron': Track-By-Track Review". Billboard. 25 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  6. ↑ Whitt, Greg (2014-03-11). ""What They Want": Album Review of ScHoolboy Q's "Oxymoron"". Smokingsection.uproxx.com. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  7. ↑ Burgess, Omar (2014-02-25). "ScHoolboy Q - Oxymoron | Read Hip Hop Reviews, Rap Reviews & Hip Hop Album Reviews". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  8. ↑ "Oxymoron – FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music". Factmag.com. 2014-03-13. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  9. ↑ "ScHoolboy Q - Oxymoron - Stream". www.djbooth.net. Archived from the original on 2014-01-25.
  10. ↑ "2 Chainz Brings Out ScHoolboy Q To Perform "What They Want" At SxSw". TheSource. 2014-03-12. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  11. ↑ Johnson, Robin (13 March 2014). "Video: 2 Chainz and ScHoolboy Q Perform "What They Want" at Def Jam 30 : RESPECT". Respect-mag.com. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  12. ↑ "ScHoolboy Performs on Jimmy Kimmel Live! - XXL".
  13. ↑ "Schoolboy Q – "What They Want" (Feat. 2 Chainz) Video". Stereogum. 2013-10-16. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  14. ↑ "Video: ScHoolboy Q f. 2 Chainz, "What They Want"". The Fader. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  15. ↑ "New Video: ScHoolBoy Q Feat. 2 Chainz 'What They Want'". Vibe. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  16. ↑ "Watch Schoolboy Q's Video For "What They Want" Featuring 2 Chainz | News". Pitchfork. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  17. ↑ "ScHoolboy Q and 2 Chainz Go to NOLA for 'What They Want' Video NSFW | SPIN | Videos". SPIN. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  18. ↑ Thiessen, Brock. "Schoolboy Q - "What They Want" (ft. 2 Chainz) (video) • Music / Video •". Exclaim.ca. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  19. ↑ "Video: ScHoolboy Q f/ 2 Chainz – 'What They Want'". Rap-Up.com. 2014-03-24. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  20. ↑ Kate Gamble. "Schoolboy Q - "What They Want" (Feat. 2 Chainz) Video | News". CMJ. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  21. ↑ "Schoolboy Q – Chart History: Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  22. ↑ "American single certifications – Schoolboy Q – What They Want". Recording Industry Association of America.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.