ScHoolboy Q

Habits and Contradictions

Released: January 14, 2012

Label: Top Dawg

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/schoolboyq

Tatiana Watson

ScHoolboy Q, who is also one fourth of "Black Hippy", dropped his second independent album "Habits and Contradictions" on January 14 and to say the least has set the bar high for other following releases this year and is ready to break out and make his name known to all.

The album starts off with "Sacrilegious" in which, accompanied by a steady beat of a bass drum and thick guitar strums, ScHoolboy talks of regrets he has of things he did in the past that he doesn't think he will be forgiven for. A deep insight to thoughts that surround him but a past that makes him who he is. The third track on the album is "Hands on the Wheel" which features A$AP Rocky and samples Lissie's cover of Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happiness"and is simply dope, an easy choice to bump at your next party. But it's songs like "Oxy Music" where ScHoolboy really shines. He transitions from a story of selling drugs to end the song where he describes his passion for music and how he should have gone down this road in the beginning: "Only lords knows, And only time'll tell, Will I go to heaven, Or will I burn in hell. Music in my mind, Vibratin down my spine, Travels to my heart, Shoulda been here from the start." The strongest song on Habits and Contradictions though is "Blessed" which features Kendrick Lamar and switches up the vibe that's flowing after "Nightmare on Figg St." and "My Homie". "Blessed" is five minutes and ten seconds of straight passion as Q meditates on his blessings and how things could always be worse and shows immaculate delivery as well as words of wisdom: "Don't stress, you was granted everything inside this planet. Anything you imagine, you possess."

While the 18 track album does include a few throw away songs including "How We Feeling" and " n****Hs.already.know.davers.flow" overall Habits and Contradictions is particularly impressive and undeniably a must hear.Some have compared Q to Oddfuture based on his moody beats and occasionally dark lyrics but he will tell you himself in this album that he is not on his "Oddfuture tip" . While he may have some angry verses, ScHoolboy Q speaks on his experiences but does not promote it and is all about the Hiiipower steez advertised by homie and fellow Black Hippy member Kendrick Lamar. Through out each song you will hear ScHoolboy switch up his dynamic and although the instrumentals are very different the album flows immaculately well . This album is proof to all the doubters that ScHoolboy Q can stand on his own and will not be in the shadow of Kendrick Lamar.