What It Is (Block Boy)

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"What It Is (Block Boy)"
File:Doechii - What It Is (Block Boy).jpg
Single by Doechii featuring Kodak Black
ReleasedMarch 17, 2023
Genre
Length3:43
3:09 (solo version)
Label
Composers
Lyricists
Producers
Doechii singles chronology
"Girls Night Out"
(2022) 		"What It Is (Block Boy)"
(2023) 		"Booty Drop"
(2023)
Kodak Black singles chronology
"King Snipe"
(2023) 		"What It Is (Block Boy)"
(2023) 		"I Remember"
(2023)
Music video
"What It Is (Block Boy)" on YouTube

"What It Is (Block Boy)" is a song by American rapper and singer Doechii, released by Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records on March 17, 2023, as a non-album single. The original features American 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.[1] 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, and also her first top-40. It also reached the top 10 in Malaysia and the Philippines.

Composition

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Songwriter Bianca Atterberry has stated that the song was originally intended for Normani's debut album Dopamine. Atterberry, Verse Simmonds, Fresh, and J. White Did It produced six songs, including "What It Is", after a three-day studio session commissioned by RCA. However, Normani did not think the song fit her vision for the record. The song was then recorded by Doechii "a couple of years" later.[2]

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.[3]

In the chorus, Doechii interpolates the melodic hook of "Some Cut" 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" 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][7]

Sheet music for "What It Is (Block Boy)" is in the key of C-sharp minor with a metronome of 88-92 beats per minute.[8]

Music video

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The music video was released alongside the single. It shows Doechii dancing and strutting in chaps, while Kodak Black plays her love interest.[5]

Critical reception

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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."[7] 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

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Awards and nominations for "What It Is (Block Boy)"
Year Organization Award Result Ref.
2023 MTV Video Music Awards Song of Summer Nominated [9]

Track listing

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Versions EP[1]

  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

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Certifications

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Certifications for "What It Is (Block Boy)"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[41] Platinum 70,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[42] 3× Platinum 120,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[43] Platinum 80,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[44] Platinum 30,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[45] Gold 25,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[46] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[47] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

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"What It Is (Block Boy)" release history
Region Date Format(s) Version Label Ref.
Various March 17, 2023
Original Single
[1]
Versions EP [1]
June 8, 2023 Solo Single [48]
United States July 11, 2023 Contemporary hit radio Original Single [49]

References

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  10. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  11. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  12. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  13. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  14. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
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  24. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 16, 2025.
  25. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  26. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  27. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Dance Mix/Show Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  28. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  29. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  30. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  31. ^ "Kodak Black Chart History (Rhythmic Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
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