What It Is (Block Boy)

"What It Is (Block Boy)"
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)
Music video
"What It Is (Block Boy)" on YouTube

"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.[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, and also her first top-40. It also reached the top 10 in Malaysia and the Philippines.

Composition

"What It Is"
A 28-second of sample of "What It Is (Block Boy)" by Doechii.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

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 assless 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

Awards and nominations for "What It Is (Block Boy)"
Year Organization Award Result Ref.
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)"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[40] 2× Platinum 80,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[41] Platinum 80,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[42] Platinum 30,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[43] Gold 25,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[44] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[45] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

"What It Is (Block Boy)" release history
Region Date Format(s) Version Label Ref.
Various March 17, 2023
Original Single
[1]
Versions EP [1]
June 8, 2023 Solo Single [46]
United States July 11, 2023 Contemporary hit radio Original Single [47]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Price, Joe (March 17, 2023). "Doechii Recruits Kodak Black For "What It Is (Block Boy)"". Complex. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  2. ^ Brodsky, Rachel (March 17, 2023). "Doechii – "What It Is (Block Boy)" (Feat. Kodak Black)". Stereogum. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  3. ^ Cho, Regina (March 17, 2023). "Doechii taps Kodak Black for new "What It Is" single". Revolt. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d "Doechii Lets Us Know What's Up On 'What It Is (Block Boy)'". Soul Bounce. March 20, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Betancourt, Bianca (April 5, 2023). "Is Doechii's 'What It Is' the Best Song of 2023 So Far?". Harpers Bazaar. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  6. ^ a b A., Aron (March 17, 2023). "Doechii Is On "No Scrubs" Vibes With "What It Is (Block Boy)" Ft. Kodak Black". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  7. ^ "What It is (Solo Version)". Musicnotes. July 26, 2023.
  8. ^ Brathwaite, Lester Fabian (September 1, 2023). "Renaissance vs. Eras: Beyoncé and Taylor Swift to duke it out over Show of the Summer at MTV VMAs". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on September 1, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  9. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  10. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  11. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  12. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  13. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  14. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Indonesia Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  15. ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  16. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Malaysia Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  17. ^ "Dutch Single Tip 15/07/2023". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  18. ^ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. June 12, 2023. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  19. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Philippines Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  20. ^ "RIAS Top Charts Week 24 (9 - 15 Jun 2023)". RIAS. Archived from the original on June 20, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  21. ^ "Top 40 – 17 aug T/M 24 aug 2023" [Top 40 – August 17 to August 24, 2023] (in Dutch). Nationale Top 40 Suriname. August 24, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  22. ^ @RadiomonitorTR (September 29, 2023). "Radiomonitor Türkiye Uluslararası Listesi Dinlenme Adedi bazında... 39. Hafta Top10" [Radiomonitor Turkey International Chart based on number of listens... Week 39 Top10] (Tweet). Retrieved August 25, 2024 – via Twitter.
  23. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  24. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  25. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  26. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Dance Mix/Show Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  27. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  28. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  29. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  30. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  31. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Billboard Vietnam Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  32. ^ "Canadian Hot 100 – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  33. ^ "Billboard Global 200 – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  34. ^ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  35. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  36. ^ "Pop Airplay Songs – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  37. ^ "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  38. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2024". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  39. ^ "Pop Airplay Songs – Year-End 2024". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  40. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Doechii – What It Is" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
  41. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Doechii – What It Is (Block Boy)". Music Canada. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  42. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Doechii And Kodak Black – What It Is (Block Boy)". Radioscope. Retrieved December 25, 2024. Type What It Is (Block Boy) in the "Search:" field.
  43. ^ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved May 8, 2024. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter What It Is in the search box.
  44. ^ "British single certifications – Doechii – What It Is". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
  45. ^ "American single certifications – Doechii – What It Is". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  46. ^ "What It Is (Solo Version) - Single". Spotify. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  47. ^ "Top 40/Mainstream Future Releases". all access. Retrieved July 6, 2023.