Schoolboy Q - Oxymoron

The first project from Schoolboy Q since 2012, Oxymoron, gives the listener an eye-opener of his capabilities and his talents. The opening track "Gangsta" immediately shows us what Q can do and provides an insight into what the rest of the album will be like in the first 10 seconds. He is joined by guests; label mates, Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock to 2 Chainz, Raekwon and Tyler, the Creator. Not only these high-profile names but the album is produced by Pharrell, The Alchemist, and Mike WILL Made It amongst others.

The album an oxymoron in itself, from the colours in the album cover to the juxtaposition and the interchanges in sounds and beats provides a clear stage for Q to exercise his emcee talents. He is lyrically articulate while simultaneously being able to deliver a beat similar to that of a tennis match - racket to racket, track to track. From the aggressively upbeat "Los Awesome" to the mellow sounds of "Break the Bank". The flexibility and elasticity in his voice allows him to deliver different styles of rap from the narrative to the comical-sing song type. From the electronic influences to the heavy basslines, Oxymoron, provides an array of some of his darker material and lighter radio-friendly material. Despite being signed to a larger label, Interscope, the quality of his work goes unchanged and perhaps improved.

Although the album is strong and well produced, it is a bit like a boulder falling down a hill and coming to a halt. Starts off boisterous and strong, demanding your attention but then seems to fade out and end suddenly. Perhaps this is due to the placing of the tracks on the album or purposely used to contrast the different sounds. Maybe we are not quite yet ready to "Tell Kendrick to move from the throne". However, the album does deliver and the performance given by Q is one enough to stand out in his musical career. He has just missed the spot for rap supremacy but a valiant effort nonetheless. This album oozes with potential for even better and portrays that Schoolboy Q means business, he is self-assured and here to be the best. One album at a time.

Top Tracks:

• Gangsta
• The Purge
• Collard Greens
• Hell Of A Night

"LEAVING JAIL AND THIS IS THE FIRST ALBUM I HAVE HEARD IN 6 MONTHS, IT SPEAKS TO ME AS I DRIVE HOME TO MY GRANDMA'S HOUSE"