What It Is (Block Boy)

"What It Is (Block Boy)" is a single by American rapper Doechii, released through Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records on March 17, 2023. The original features fellow Floridian 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.[3] 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.

"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

Composition

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:[4][5][6]

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.[5][1]

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.[5]

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."[1] 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."[5] 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."[6]

Accolades
Awards and nominations for "What It Is (Block Boy)"
Year Organization Award Result Ref.
2023 MTV Video Music Awards Song of Summer Nominated [7]

Track listing

Versions EP[3]

  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
Chart performance for "What It Is (Block Boy)"
Chart (2023) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[8] 31
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[9] 3
Global 200 (Billboard)[10] 77
Hungary (Single Top 40)[11] 40
Ireland (IRMA)[12] 95
Netherlands (Single Tip)[13] 5
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[14] 13
Philippines (Billboard)[15] 7
Singapore (RIAS)[16] 22
UK Singles (OCC)[17] 69
US Billboard Hot 100[18] 29
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[19] 39
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[20] 8
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[21] 5
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[22] 1
Vietnam (Vietnam Hot 100)[23] 58

Certifications
Certifications for "What It Is (Block Boy)"
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[24] Platinum 80,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[25] Gold 15,000‡

‡ 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
[3]
Versions EP [3]
June 8, 2023 Solo Single [26]
United States July 11, 2023 Contemporary hit radio Original Single [27]

References
  1. A., Aron (March 17, 2023). "Doechii Is On "No Scrubs" Vibes With "What It Is (Block Boy)" Ft. Kodak Black". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  2. Brodsky, Rachel (March 17, 2023). "Doechii – "What It Is (Block Boy)" (Feat. Kodak Black)". Stereogum. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  3. Price, Joe (March 17, 2023). "Doechii Recruits Kodak Black For "What It Is (Block Boy)"". Complex. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  4. Cho, Regina (March 17, 2023). "Doechii taps Kodak Black for new "What It Is" single". Revolt. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  5. "Doechii Lets Us Know What's Up On 'What It Is (Block Boy)'". Soul Bounce. March 20, 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  6. Betancourt, Bianca (April 5, 2023). "Is Doechii's 'What It Is' the Best Song of 2023 So Far?". Harpers Bazaar. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  7. 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.
  8. "Kodak Black Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  9. "Kodak Black Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  10. "Kodak Black Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  11. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  12. "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  13. "Dutch Single Tip 15/07/2023". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  14. "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. June 12, 2023. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  15. "Kodak Black Chart History (Philippines Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  16. "RIAS Top Charts Week 24 (9 - 15 Jun 2023)". RIAS. Archived from the original on June 20, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  17. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  18. "Kodak Black Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  19. "Kodak Black Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  20. "Kodak Black Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  21. "Kodak Black Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  22. "Kodak Black Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  23. "Kodak Black Chart History (Billboard Vietnam Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  24. "Canadian single certifications – Doechii – What It Is (Block Boy)". Music Canada. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  25. "New Zealand single certifications – Doechii and Kodak Black – What It Is (Block Boy)". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  26. "What It Is (Solo Version) - Single". Spotify. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  27. "Top 40/Mainstream Future Releases". all access. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
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