While promoting his latest album, Blue Lips, Schoolboy Q was recently interviewed by Drink Champs. During the interview, the rapper opened up about a range of topics. One of the things he discussed was his biggest career regret – not seizing the opportunity to work with the late rap star, Nipsey Hussle.
The question came up because both rappers are from LA and Nipsey had a close connection with Top Dawg Entertainment, the label Q is signed to. Nipsey Hussle’s debut album, Victory Lap, was released in 2017 under Atlantic Records, while Q’s debut album, Oxymoron, was released in 2014 under Interscope Records. Kendrick Lamar, Q’s labelmate, was featured in the song “Dedication” on Victory Lap.
“It was presented before,” Q told hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. “I think my timing was a lil off, and we didn’t do the record. And that is my biggest regret of my rap career — is not having a song with Nipsey. And he reached out too, through Karen Civil. He got a song with Mozzy; it’s called ‘Ain’t Hard Enough.’ He sent it to me. I wish I was on that joint ‘cause I love that song too.”
Eric Holder shot and killed Nipsey Hussle at The Marathron Store in Crenshaw District, Los Angeles, in 2019. The city of Los Angeles named the area after Nipsey Hussle a couple of years later.
Q’s new album features Freddie Gibbs, Rico Nasty, Ab-Soul, Jozzy, Lance Skiiiwalker, and Devin Malik. He shared that the album will include more videos following already released music video for “Yeern 101,” “Thank god 4me,” and “Cooties.”
“I do have more visuals. And I’m pretty much making it that — a visual album. [A] book. I’m making it an art piece, a whole theme around it,” he explained. “I filmed myself the last four years recording it too, so it’s years of footage of me just making this album. So I have a lot to do.”