ScHoolboy Q has been active lately, notably with the release of his album Blue Lips in March, marking a return after a hiatus since 2019’s CrasH Talk. While his previous album faced criticism, Blue Lips received more acclaim, reasserting Q’s place in the rap scene. Engaging with various platforms, he’s been vocal on numerous topics, particularly on the state of rap music, an area he’s well-versed in. In a recent appearance, he reiterated a point he’s made before about the abundance of good music still available, yet highlighted the challenge in discovering it due to its commodification into content. “For the most part, it’s cooked because it’s turned to content… rappers are just content creators now,” he expressed during an interview.
Interestingly, fans had diverse reactions to his observation. While some agreed, others challenged his perspective, noting that content creation is pervasive across industries, citing examples like roofing tutorials on YouTube. This debate among fans reflects the broader discourse on the evolution of music consumption and production in the digital age.
Beyond his commentary on the music industry, ScHoolboy Q found himself intertwined in one of the year’s major rap narratives: the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Reports emerged that he cautioned J. Cole to avoid getting embroiled in the beef prior to its escalation. Allegedly, this advice preceded Cole’s public apology to Kendrick and the withdrawal of his diss track. This involvement underscores Q’s position as not only a musician but also a figure privy to the inner workings and politics of the rap world.
In essence, ScHoolboy Q’s recent activities and statements highlight his continued relevance in hip-hop, as both an artist and a commentator on its changing landscape and interpersonal dynamics.