Oxymoron
by ScHoolboy Q
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 257 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 228 out of 257
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 257
  3. Negative: 12 out of 257
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  1. Macrofficial
    May 15, 2020
    8
    I was hesitant to give this album an 8, I nearly gave it a 7, and I'll tell you why. 'Gangsta' is a decent song, I really like the gacka gacka gacka, and knock knock knock knock. 'Los Awesome' had awesome production, Jay Rock's verse was pretty good, overall decent. 'Collard Greens' is a bop, love the chorus, Kendrick carried Q. 'What They Want' was a solid song with both artists doingI was hesitant to give this album an 8, I nearly gave it a 7, and I'll tell you why. 'Gangsta' is a decent song, I really like the gacka gacka gacka, and knock knock knock knock. 'Los Awesome' had awesome production, Jay Rock's verse was pretty good, overall decent. 'Collard Greens' is a bop, love the chorus, Kendrick carried Q. 'What They Want' was a solid song with both artists doing good. 'Hoover Street' had some amazing storytelling and everything about this song was just perfect. 'Studio' is a nice, chill song. 'Prescription/Oxymoron's first half was honestly beautiful, talking about prescription addiction, and a really good second half. 'The Purge' was alright, I lost interest in some place to be quite honest. 'Blind Threats' had a great beat, decent song. 'Hell Of A Night' was a head bump, good song. 'Break The Bank' kind of embodies the whole theme of the album, and I like it. 'Man Of The Year' was a decent way of ending the album. the reason why I nearly gave this album a 7 is because there are a good amount of songs lacking some good lyrics (Gangsta, Los Awesome, The Purge, Blind Threats, Man Of The Year to name the main ones). and that very much brought down the enjoyment of the album a little, like they were still decent, but it was lacking. The reasons why i ended up giving this album an 8 is because 2 reasons...1. The whole Bank Robbing, Gangster, Hustling Theme really had me sold....and 2. Q's delivery was so agressive and that made everything so well. Favourite Tracks: What They Want, Hoover Street, Prescription/Oxymoron.… Expand
  2. JesusMartinez
    Feb 12, 2020
    9
    ScHoolboys magnum opus. Q at his most emotional, most vulnerable, adds an element to the album in which I can get a deeper understanding of him. It’s like hearing a ballad of his lifestyle and his environment, and how this resonates with anyone that had to grind to be where they’re at. Gritty sounds work great with Tyler, Kurupt features. Just an overall great album, one of the best rapScHoolboys magnum opus. Q at his most emotional, most vulnerable, adds an element to the album in which I can get a deeper understanding of him. It’s like hearing a ballad of his lifestyle and his environment, and how this resonates with anyone that had to grind to be where they’re at. Gritty sounds work great with Tyler, Kurupt features. Just an overall great album, one of the best rap albums of the 2010s.… Expand
  3. Awsomeman889
    Dec 7, 2019
    10
    Oxymoron by ScHoolboy Q is an awesome album that I can listen to it over and over again
  4. Connorcox1997
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    ScHoolboy Q's third studio album Oxymoron, is taking his career to the very next level. I love the production that he was going for, the themes in this album are surprisingly haunting but in a good way, and his lyrics are a big step up in his career. I like all twelve songs in the album, especially seven more songs from the deluxe version of the album, I love the features on the album.ScHoolboy Q's third studio album Oxymoron, is taking his career to the very next level. I love the production that he was going for, the themes in this album are surprisingly haunting but in a good way, and his lyrics are a big step up in his career. I like all twelve songs in the album, especially seven more songs from the deluxe version of the album, I love the features on the album. Oxymoron is worth your time. I highly recommended it.… Expand
  5. KripBop
    Aug 7, 2017
    10
    this album is a classic on such your hearin the perspective of a gang banger drug dealer experincing the hardships although gkmc is the true definitive this doesn short down it holds there q really hit it through songs like hell of a night the purge gangsta break the bank what they wants man of the year are definitives tht take you into tht livin hell he was in a gd one only flaw the hitsthis album is a classic on such your hearin the perspective of a gang banger drug dealer experincing the hardships although gkmc is the true definitive this doesn short down it holds there q really hit it through songs like hell of a night the purge gangsta break the bank what they wants man of the year are definitives tht take you into tht livin hell he was in a gd one only flaw the hits they are gd but he tried being poppy but there oxy my favs what they want break the bank coolard greens the purge **** las his and her friends hell of a night… Expand
  6. Brian8781
    Aug 1, 2015
    8
    Very solid commercial project from Q even if it's a little bit of a step down from Setbacks and HnC. I enjoyed the production and aggressive rapping all throughout the album.
  7. keve16
    Mar 26, 2015
    7
    7.4/10................................................................................................................................................
  8. Bretro96
    Dec 17, 2014
    9
    Schoolboy Q has made the best west coast hip-hop album of the year. This album is helping revive Gangsta Rap and it is one of the best hip-hop albums of the year.
  9. comebackkid12
    Dec 8, 2014
    7
    Make no mistake; Schoolboy has an unbelievable talent, and for the future, this could foreshadow for very good things in hip-hop. On "Oxymoron," Q holds nothing back...or at least that's what he wants you to think. For a good part of the album, you almost get the impression that he could do so much more, and for the other part, you are satisfied beyond belief. This record has goodMake no mistake; Schoolboy has an unbelievable talent, and for the future, this could foreshadow for very good things in hip-hop. On "Oxymoron," Q holds nothing back...or at least that's what he wants you to think. For a good part of the album, you almost get the impression that he could do so much more, and for the other part, you are satisfied beyond belief. This record has good production here and there, but with consistent production, Q could really make a deep crack in the genre of West Coast gangster rap. For now though, the catchy hooks and dangerous choruses will have to do, which is great in itself, as this album is a very solid addition to his arsenal. Standout tracks for me would be the proud-gangster bump with TDE's Jay Rock of "Los Awesome," the trippy "Collard Greens" collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, and (though I've gotten criticism for this) the simply-produced, dangerous track with Tyler, The Creator, "The Purge."… Expand
  10. PedroOliveira
    Jun 30, 2014
    8
    Bumping, loud, raw and dope. Q gets his things straight and drops a dime with this project, although it may look like obnoxious and basic at times, he gets things done and puts his own stamp on it. At first it's easy to get lost and frustrated, very fast. But with some time on it, you get caught by Q's powerful and banging voice, along with the deluxe production featured. At times Q mayBumping, loud, raw and dope. Q gets his things straight and drops a dime with this project, although it may look like obnoxious and basic at times, he gets things done and puts his own stamp on it. At first it's easy to get lost and frustrated, very fast. But with some time on it, you get caught by Q's powerful and banging voice, along with the deluxe production featured. At times Q may sound weak in lyrics, or substance, but for real you can count those with one hand. Q shows how he can be an overall threat for any rapper out there, getting his oxy music as realer as it gets.… Expand
  11. AquaCulina
    May 5, 2014
    5
    I had very high hopes for this album. Probably too high, as my hype-meter was off the charts before the release.

    The album sadly did not deliver. But first the positive parts: Q does good party tracks. Songs like "Hell Of A Night" and "Man Of The Year" are gonna be playing at every party this summer. Q just has that hype in him and the beats definitely got the mainstream appeal.    I had very high hopes for this album. Probably too high, as my hype-meter was off the charts before the release.

    The album sadly did not deliver.

    But first the positive parts:
    Q does good party tracks. Songs like "Hell Of A Night" and "Man Of The Year" are gonna be playing at every party this summer. Q just has that hype in him and the beats definitely got the mainstream appeal.

    And Q also has a very good introspective track. The double-track Prescription/Oxymoron. Very sad but interesting storyline.

    The problem with this album is that there are a handful forgettable tracks, a handful good - but not great - tracks, and a bunch of pretty bad ones.

    We all know that Q is a funny dude and everyone loves his ad-libs. But do we love them enough that we're gonna listen to songs that are basically just hook + ad-libs? I don't think so.

    And in the Gangsta-Rap aspect, that many people like to praise Q he falls short compared to Freddie Gibbs on Piñata and probably also to YG on My Krazy Life.

    I had really high hopes for this album and was sadly let down. I still think Q has the potential to do something really good for his next album. Let's wait and see.    … Expand
  12. Scooter4849
    Apr 23, 2014
    7
    The lyrics on this album aren't amazing, but this album has some great hooks and a great variety of beats. The precision here is also impressive. A very gritty and vulgar album that in many ways is a bit of a throwback to the 90's era gangster rap scene, but with a more modern and progressive tone.
  13. VanCooper
    Apr 6, 2014
    8
    School Boy Q continues where Kendrick Lamar left off, putting west coast rap back on the map. Without trying too hard to take it back to the 90's Q manages to push west coast Hip Hop forward. Oxymoron contains more than average production accompanied with School Boy's original flow. With tracks like "Gangsta" "Man of The Year, and "Hell of a Night" Q's talent is undeniable. Oxymoron lacksSchool Boy Q continues where Kendrick Lamar left off, putting west coast rap back on the map. Without trying too hard to take it back to the 90's Q manages to push west coast Hip Hop forward. Oxymoron contains more than average production accompanied with School Boy's original flow. With tracks like "Gangsta" "Man of The Year, and "Hell of a Night" Q's talent is undeniable. Oxymoron lacks the cohesiveness of Lamar's debut album, but overall is a solid effort with excellent "g-funk" themed production.… Expand
  14. BubblyBear
    Mar 19, 2014
    2
    REally didnt enjoy anything this album gave me except for the Man of the Year hook, and even on that neither of the verses were good, only the hook. Everything he does is very uninteresting aside from the DJ Dahi beat. Everything is just so lackluster and boring
  15. wondugebeyehu
    Mar 12, 2014
    7
    Oxymoron is missing the initial consciousness we saw on Habits & Contradictions, but is still a good album, with well produced, well written, listener-friendly tracks like Man of the Year and Collard Greens. Step in the right direction.
  16. Bleat0124
    Mar 12, 2014
    7
    The content of the writing should not blow anyone way. Schoolboy Q is not a poet. However, Oxymoron unleashed to power of music. The power of rap. The performances on this album will take you to a whole another place philosophically, psychological. Oxymoron may not be good for your mind, but like a drug, you will not be able to say no. "Man of the year" is the best rap song of 2014 so far,The content of the writing should not blow anyone way. Schoolboy Q is not a poet. However, Oxymoron unleashed to power of music. The power of rap. The performances on this album will take you to a whole another place philosophically, psychological. Oxymoron may not be good for your mind, but like a drug, you will not be able to say no. "Man of the year" is the best rap song of 2014 so far, I cannot see anyone topping it (Unless Kendrick or Soul drop). “Break the bank” and “Gangster” along with “Man of the year” should all be nominated for best rap performance at 2015 Grammies. Oxymoron=the power of music. Grooveline Part 2 should be nominated for best rap/sung collaboration. With that being said, without lyrical depth 8/10 is the highest I can go.… Expand
  17. HipHopHead25
    Mar 6, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Oxymoron had to be one of the most anticipated rap albums of 2014, releasing singles like Man of tHe Year, Break tHe Bank and Collard Greens. It had high expectations, both musically and commercially. In my opinion, it met the musical expectation fairly well. Though ScHoolboy is not the most lyrical rapper out there, his storytelling ability and his ability to capture you into songs stands out, making you unable to ignore some of these songs. Production-wise, this album is pretty good, with some great production on tracks like Man of tHe Year and Collard Greens (wise decision to make them singles), Los Awesome and the Tyler, the Creator-produced track The Purge. Its concept is nothing REALLY new to rap, but the way ScHoolboy tells it, offering different perspectives, enlightens it more, adding to its originality.

    Overall: 7.5/10, but Metacritic doesn't accept decimals, so I gave it a 7/10.    … Expand
  18. ILLmatic94
    Mar 5, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Every song on this album is unique and offers something fresh and different and the most obvious point that I got from listening to the album the first time is that ScHoolboy has greatly improved his song writing. Oxymoron is ScHoolboy Q's best project and it's one of the best in it's genre of gangsta rap. Right from the start the album kicks off with 'Gangsta' which immediately sets the tone for the album, the production is on point and Q sounds great on it which goes for every track that comes after. The stand-out tracks on the album are Hoover Street, Prescription-Oxymoron, Break The Bank, Blind Threats and **** LA. ScHoolboy Q has managed to resurrect a genre that has been stale for long a time, not only by choosing fresh and experimental beats but by changing the his voice so that he sounds very different on every verse. His great flow and line delivery makes up for his average lyricism, Q isn't trying to be Kendrick, Ab-Soul or Jay Rock he is on a different lane and a lane that is needed in the Black Hippy crew. Q has put out a great body of work that lived up to it's hype and it contains two tracks that aren't singles but have the potential to be, Studio and Hell of a Night. The features on Oxymoron are stellar, especially Raekwon and Kurupt, who both body their verses. Oxymoron is a Great project, I have listened to this album many times since it's release and I have the feeling I will do for a long time.… Expand
  19. warrenswag
    Mar 4, 2014
    8
    imo this is easily Q's best work so far. This album is great from start to finish (except los awesome). I feel like when people say that Q isnt as lyrical as other artists they're not being fair because he's coming up under kendrick. This dude can spit with the best of them while also putting some serious bangers together. The album is definitely not perfect by any means but it sure metimo this is easily Q's best work so far. This album is great from start to finish (except los awesome). I feel like when people say that Q isnt as lyrical as other artists they're not being fair because he's coming up under kendrick. This dude can spit with the best of them while also putting some serious bangers together. The album is definitely not perfect by any means but it sure met its expectations. I would definitely recommend this album to anyone who's a hip hop head like me.… Expand
  20. anorton23
    Feb 27, 2014
    8
    Do not compare this to maad city. DO NOT. you cant. totally different. anyway this album is fairly consistent as his its hits. Not big hits but shine when you bring up the album. He is dark with great lyrics but some beats are meh.
  21. KanyeToThe88
    Feb 27, 2014
    1
    The worst album i have ever heard bar none. Not only is it boring. its not even good. lyrics are boring. beats are flat, bad order of songs. just a poor effort from Quincy.
  22. TheTransmuted
    Feb 27, 2014
    9
    Let's go ahead and clear the air: Schoolboy Q is not Kendrick Lamar, and Oxymoron is not good kid, m.A.A.d. city. Neither are supposed to be. Oxymoron is a dark, raucous, weirdly sequenced and oddly brilliant rap album that stands entirely on its own merit. It's flawed, no doubt. But the consistent skill and verbal dexterity displayed here outweighs any qualms I may have with the albumLet's go ahead and clear the air: Schoolboy Q is not Kendrick Lamar, and Oxymoron is not good kid, m.A.A.d. city. Neither are supposed to be. Oxymoron is a dark, raucous, weirdly sequenced and oddly brilliant rap album that stands entirely on its own merit. It's flawed, no doubt. But the consistent skill and verbal dexterity displayed here outweighs any qualms I may have with the album overall. Worth the wait, and a rock solid outing by Q.… Expand
  23. NazAw
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    The expectations for Q's upcoming album were high no doubts about that, Oxymoron might be the most anticipated hip hop debut release we have during 2014 and the comparisons to Lamar's stellar conceptual major label drop "good kid, m.A.A.d. city", is, mainly the main reason to why people can not enjoy this for what it is. It is not a continuation of it. And to continue on there, it's prettyThe expectations for Q's upcoming album were high no doubts about that, Oxymoron might be the most anticipated hip hop debut release we have during 2014 and the comparisons to Lamar's stellar conceptual major label drop "good kid, m.A.A.d. city", is, mainly the main reason to why people can not enjoy this for what it is. It is not a continuation of it. And to continue on there, it's pretty much why this album is getting the floods with hate, cause that's what many mentally is setting it for, ignored as it's own piece of work by the average/hip hop listener.
    They are label mates, but the lanes between these two are like fire and water, completely different. Oxymoron must be listened as.. Oxymoron and none other.
    Oxymoron is a grower, not a one ticket go. Give it a week with you, let it sit at least.

    This is not driven with minimalistic production or flowed as focused, or having the cinematic delivery about a quiet kids journey through a rough city.
    No, this is the gangsta, the wildly "ni**a" with the burnt blunt and trigger, telling his side of view, if it's slanging or a first strap given by his grandmother. It's always kept interesting with a brilliant, slightly over-the-top vocal delivery and flows with banger productions from the elites like Pharrell and Alchemist.

    Oxymoron is less of a schizo "Habits & Contradictions" was and more of a triumph, banger or at times grimey, sonically and vocally. Though, this dark and introspect has Q never been, as on tracks as a "Hoover Street" and "Prescriptions/Oxymoron". Two absolutely fantastic tracks with Q painting his dusts vivid, a wide picture of a turned Crip member. The switch up they both got middle through in, is just amazing.

    ScHoolboy Q's major label debut is one hell of a killer, with a big fist aimed at your lips, ready to bust it bloody for no reason. But what a gangster does, ain't always a play on the grams or gangbanging, is, getting women too, to love.
    This groovey Q and long-time TDE contributant, BJ The Chicago Kid sets a perfect mood on "Studio", a vibe which much draws feelings back to a track of Snoop and the late Nate Dogg, with that being said, our generations "Ain't No Fun (If The Homies Can't Have None)".

    Yeah we got a 2 Chainz feature on here, so what, it bangs. And what not to love more, then hearing the legend, one and only Kurupt on a track, on the run of a police sire called production signed and sealed with the name of Tyler The Creator. Who also, handles the hook.

    There are many highlights on Q's Oxymoron, too many to drop. We got the beautifully produced Chromatics-sampled track "Man of tHe Year" ready to bounce an audience and ready for spins on to the radio-familia, then a Clipse inspired "Los Awesome" with a tasty, heavy, on the fense of over-production, with raw verses from Q and labelmate Jay Rock who ended it with a filthy murder.

    With 2013, the year of big album disappointments, from Jay Z to Drake to Ye, Q does the opposite, he delivers, if it's not the most lyrically, it'll be the most outlandish flow to do you a victim. The first great major release Oxymoron to enter with a big bang for the year to follow. One of the most creative, fun, hard gripping and original albums to hit the mainstream the last decade.

    It feels new, it feels rich, it feels adventurous, experimental. Q's Oxymoron has a lot of feelings around it, a more varied experience than his previous work.
    ScHoolboy Q's most polished and cohesive, in my opinion, best album yet. The crazy odd boy breaking it in with gangster rap in to the mainstream scene à la 2014.

    Six stand-out tracks out of the twelve: Gangsta, Los Awesome, Studio, Prescription/Oxymoron, Blind Threats and Break tHe Bank.

    If didn't get, I absolutely love this. Going to let it sit, but can say, that this project, can end up being a favorite of the year, and many years already passed.    … Expand
  24. N10
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    The expectations for Q's upcoming album were high no doubts about that, Oxymoron might be the most anticipated hip hop debut release we have during 2014 and the comparisons to Lamar's stellar conceptual major label drop "good kid, m.A.A.d. city", is, mainly the main reason to why people can not enjoy this for what it is. It is not a continuation of it. And to continue on there, it's prettyThe expectations for Q's upcoming album were high no doubts about that, Oxymoron might be the most anticipated hip hop debut release we have during 2014 and the comparisons to Lamar's stellar conceptual major label drop "good kid, m.A.A.d. city", is, mainly the main reason to why people can not enjoy this for what it is. It is not a continuation of it. And to continue on there, it's pretty much why this album is getting the floods with hate, cause that's what many mentally is setting it for, ignored as it's own piece of work by the average/hip hop listener.
    They are label mates, but the lanes between these two are like fire and water, completely different. Oxymoron must be listened as.. Oxymoron and none other.
    Oxymoron is a grower, not a one ticket go. Give it a week with you, let it sit at least.

    This is not driven with minimalistic production or flowed as focused, or having the cinematic delivery about a quiet kids journey through a rough city.
    No, this is the gangsta, the wildly "ni**a" with the burnt blunt and trigger, telling his side of view, if it's slanging or a first strap given by his grandmother. It's always kept interesting with a brilliant, slightly over-the-top vocal delivery and flows with banger productions from the elites like Pharrell and Alchemist.

    Oxymoron is less of a schizo "Habits & Contradictions" was and more of a triumph, banger or at times grimey, sonically and vocally. Though, this dark and introspect has Q never been, as on tracks as a "Hoover Street" and "Prescriptions/Oxymoron". Two absolutely fantastic tracks with Q painting his dusts vivid, a wide picture of a turned Crip member. The switch up they both got middle through in, is just amazing.

    ScHoolboy Q's major label debut is one hell of a killer, with a big fist aimed at your lips, ready to bust it bloody for no reason. But what a gangster does, ain't always a play on the grams or gangbanging, is, getting women too, to love.
    This groovey Q and long-time TDE contributant, BJ The Chicago Kid sets a perfect mood on "Studio", a vibe which much draws feelings back to a track of Snoop and the late Nate Dogg, with that being said, our generations "Ain't No Fun (If The Homies Can't Have None)".

    Yeah we got a 2 Chainz feature on here, so what, it bangs. And what not to love more, then hearing the legend, one and only Kurupt on a track, on the run of a police sire called production signed and sealed with the name of Tyler The Creator. Who also, handles the hook.

    There are many highlights on Q's Oxymoron, too many to drop. We got the beautifully produced Chromatics-sampled track "Man of tHe Year" ready to bounce an audience and ready for spins on to the radio-familia, then a Clipse inspired "Los Awesome" with a tasty, heavy, on the fense of over-production, with raw verses from Q and labelmate Jay Rock who ended it with a filthy murder.

    With 2013, the year of big album disappointments, from Jay Z to Drake to Ye, Q does the opposite, he delivers, if it's not the most lyrically, it'll be the most outlandish flow to do you a victim. The first great major release Oxymoron to enter with a big bang for the year to follow. One of the most creative, fun, hard gripping and original albums to hit the mainstream the last decade.

    It feels new, it feels rich, it feels adventurous, experimental. Q's Oxymoron has a lot of feelings around it, a more varied experience than his previous work.
    ScHoolboy Q's most polished and cohesive, in my opinion, best album yet. The crazy odd boy breaking it in with gangster rap in to the mainstream scene à la 2014.

    Six stand-out tracks out of the twelve: Gangsta, Los Awesome, Studio, Prescription/Oxymoron, Blind Threats and Break tHe Bank.

    If didn't get, I absolutely love this. Going to let it sit, but can say, that this project, can end up being a favorite of the year, and many years already passed.    … Expand
  25. tejmuk
    Feb 26, 2014
    10
    This is the album which portrays the "m.A.A.d city" to Kendrick Lamar's "good kid", with Schoolboy Q adopting a variety of flows, instrumentals and musical personas.
  26. Spangle
    Feb 26, 2014
    8
    Honestly, I am very content with this one. I had high expectations, yes, but honestly, I feel like Schoolboy Q lived up to them pretty well. He was never going to create a classic or the Album of the Year like He (jokingly) claimed He would. This is not better than good kid, m.A.A.d city, but it is a damn good album. The majority of the beats were hard hitting as expected and Q was alsoHonestly, I am very content with this one. I had high expectations, yes, but honestly, I feel like Schoolboy Q lived up to them pretty well. He was never going to create a classic or the Album of the Year like He (jokingly) claimed He would. This is not better than good kid, m.A.A.d city, but it is a damn good album. The majority of the beats were hard hitting as expected and Q was also pretty impressive lyrically. Aside from Suga Free, the features were all on point, but since Suga Free is not there without reason, I cannot knock that choice too hard. The bad tracks are, well, bad. There are a few I can already see myself skipping on my iTunes when they come up, but other than those few, I heavily rock with the rest of the album. Glad I pre-ordered.… Expand
  27. brettrosey
    Feb 26, 2014
    2
    This album isn't very good. It's just not. "Hell of a Night" is a decent track, but it's too bad its surrounded by some really awful songs -- like tracks you have to put effort into to make that awful (Los Awesome in particular). Whoever produced this should be ashamed. Schoolboy should go to Danny Brown's producer for help next time, or maybe he should try a new occupation if he wants toThis album isn't very good. It's just not. "Hell of a Night" is a decent track, but it's too bad its surrounded by some really awful songs -- like tracks you have to put effort into to make that awful (Los Awesome in particular). Whoever produced this should be ashamed. Schoolboy should go to Danny Brown's producer for help next time, or maybe he should try a new occupation if he wants to continue down this route. Problem is all these Schoolboy Q fanboys out there blindly love whatever crap he puts out. Same people that are probably going to find this review not helpful because it isn't exactly what they want to hear about their favorite rapper.… Expand
  28. geedup
    Feb 26, 2014
    7
    alot of guest appearances for, what seems to be, a long wait for this album (raekwon, Kurupt, 2 chains, etc). Q's album definetly has a west coast feel to it when it comes to content. But jumps out of that box with some tracks as well. The best track is with K.Dot of course, but there are other singles waiting to happen-as the label demanded from what I read. as with most must these days,alot of guest appearances for, what seems to be, a long wait for this album (raekwon, Kurupt, 2 chains, etc). Q's album definetly has a west coast feel to it when it comes to content. But jumps out of that box with some tracks as well. The best track is with K.Dot of course, but there are other singles waiting to happen-as the label demanded from what I read. as with most must these days, not all the songs are very lyrical or worth 2 listens.… Expand
  29. adhamhany
    Feb 26, 2014
    6
    It's not as bad as some are claiming it to be. Sure the guy can't sing. And his rapping isn't always good. The best rapping in the whole album is by Kendrick Lamar, and this isn't a Kendrick album.

    On the other hand, i enjoyed the beats and overall production of the album. I believe it compensates for the problems. My favorite tracks: Collard Greens, Studio, Hell of a Night, and Man    It's not as bad as some are claiming it to be. Sure the guy can't sing. And his rapping isn't always good. The best rapping in the whole album is by Kendrick Lamar, and this isn't a Kendrick album.

    On the other hand, i enjoyed the beats and overall production of the album. I believe it compensates for the problems.

    My favorite tracks: Collard Greens, Studio, Hell of a Night, and Man of the Year.    … Expand
  30. ben_zo77
    Feb 25, 2014
    8
    First off: no, Oxymoron is not as good as Kendrick's good kid, m.A.A.d city. Kendrick's album, however, was a classic, so that's not a knock on Q. This album is a little different, so I had to listen to it several times to really understand what Q was tryna do. It's dark, fun, introspective, and the heavy beats are exceptional. Also, the features were great: Kendrick, Kurupt, Tyler, TheFirst off: no, Oxymoron is not as good as Kendrick's good kid, m.A.A.d city. Kendrick's album, however, was a classic, so that's not a knock on Q. This album is a little different, so I had to listen to it several times to really understand what Q was tryna do. It's dark, fun, introspective, and the heavy beats are exceptional. Also, the features were great: Kendrick, Kurupt, Tyler, The Creator, Raekwon, and to lesser degrees Jay Rock and 2 Chainz with Q's alternating chill-intense persona came off perfectly. My biggest praise to ScHoolboy Q is that every second of the album sounded planned, for better or worse. He was intensely confident in everything he said, and that's not as prevalent as it should be in hip-hop. The album told the story of his upbringing, his experiences dealing Oxycontin, his struggles as a father, and his good and bad times in the rap game. The most enduring aspect of Oxymoron is the hooks. There was some dependence on hooks, some being showed up by features, and no song stood out as a good demonstration of Q's talent; most good albums have a track or two that make the album great. Despite everything, I'm already anxious to listen to ScHoolboy Q's next album. ~ 8.1/10

    1. "Gangsta": Q's intro perfectly introduces the chill, while intense, feel of the album. The lyrics are kinda ehhh, but his flow and intensity more than makes up for it. (4/5)

    2. "Los Awesome" (ft. Jay Rock): This Pharrell-produced banger makes violent lyrics catchy and fun. Q introduces his life living in LA. (4/5)

    3. "Collard Greens" (ft. Kendrick Lamar): Q is confident and masterful on this track, yet Kendrick still destroys him. Again, Kendrick destroys most rappers, so it's not much of an insult. Kendrick raps a verse in Spanish, and it works perfectly. Both rappers alternate fast, chill verses that come together as a love song to weed. (4/5)

    4. "WHat THey Want" (ft. 2 Chainz): I wasn't expecting much from a collab with Chainz, but it came together pretty well. Mike WiLL Made It provided the dark, low-key production. Q addresses drugs, fame, and the fans. (3/5)

    5. "Hoover Street": The subject matter and lyrics make this song. Q takes us back to his childhood and comments on his upbringing, him joining a gang, and addiction. (4/5)

    6. "Studio" (ft. BJ the Chicago Kid): There's little here lyrically, but Q shows his soft side with a love song to a girl this time, instead of to weed. The song has a lot of good vibes, and BJ the Chicago Kid provides a chill hook. (3/5)

    7. "Prescription/Oxymoron": The first half of this song is a big bright spot of the album. Q raps from the perspective of himself high on prescription drugs, while his daughter tries to talk to him. He refers to the drug as "she" and describes how he's in love with "her", and the effect is powerful. The second half of the song is about drugs, in general, and his experiences dealing Oxycontin. He raps powerfully, but it doesn't live up to the "Prescription" half of this track. (4/5)

    8. "The Purge" (ft. Tyler, The Creator & Kurupt): Tyler provides some of the best production of the album on this track, along with a solid hook. Q has two long verses about dealing drugs and gang life. Kurupt has a masterful verse at the end that's probably the best of the album. This is an anthem for west coast hip-hop and west coast life, in general. It's a little rough, but it's supposed to be. (5/5)

    9. "Blind THreats" (ft. Raekwon): This track is the beginning of the lighter portion of the album. The production is outstanding, Q provides some of his best rapping on the album, and Raekwon is predictably great. The track is about the dangerous s**t he does to make money and provide safety and a future for his daughter. (5/5)

    10. "Hell Of A Night": This is another catchy banger featuring intense rapping from Q, with a heavy beat. He raps about his partying lifestyle. The lyrics are pretty shallow, but the production and Q's intensity make it a great song. (5/5)

    11. "Break THe Bank": This track has Q rapping about how he got rich and how rich he is now. He also addresses his place in the rap game and his goal of passing Kendrick for "the throne." The hook on this track is masterful. (4/5)

    12. "Man Of The Year": This is the best track of Oxymoron. I'm serious when I say that "Man Of The Year" is one of the best, catchiest bangers I've heard in a long time, maybe ever. Q showcases remarkable lyricism throughout the song, especially in the hook. He boasts about his life and declares himself the "man of the year" in the rap game. (5/5)

    13. "His & Her Friend" (ft. SZA): This track is slow and smooth and has Q rapping as an Oxycontin pill. (4/5)

    14. "Grooveline Pt. 2" (ft. Suga Free): This is the only track I didn't really like. Suga Free's verse was below average, and the hook was lazy. (2/5)

    15. **** LA": This is the 2nd best track and the perfect outro to Oxymoron. Q shows off his lyricism throughout. (5/5)    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Most Discussed Album of 2014
16
#16 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. The Source
    Apr 18, 2014
    70
    For those unfamiliar with Q's pre-Interscope material, his official debut provides insight, and an appetizer of what his more than respectable discography can do to not only entertain fans of 2010s rap, but inspire them. [Apr/May 2014, p.81]
  2. Clash Music
    Mar 20, 2014
    80
    Oxymoron is all killer, no filler--and despite some tracks here not quite translating to radio, in the album context nothing feels out of place.
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  3. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Mar 13, 2014
    70
    While Oxymoron is never dull, thanks to Q’s indisputable skills as a rapper and beat selector, by its conclusion you’ll wish he’d given less of its runtime over to his gangsta persona and more to exploring his own identity.
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