Schoolboy Q, a name that’s largely known throughout the hip-hop world is now emerging into the spotlight, especially with the dawn of his newest album Oxymoron, releasing Feb. 25.

Q, a known T.D.E. affiliate and collaborator with Kendrick Lamar has been releasing content for awhile now (since 2008) and is just starting to really hit the spotlight. Q first came on the spot with his first studio album “Setbacks,” which featured  a great balance between the typical ignorant rap style and some deep moments. “Setbacks” featured a few classic bangers like “To THa Beat” and “Cycle,” that latter of which depicts the cycle of gang violence in Q’s life. “Setbacks” put Q on the map, but no where near the spotlight, but Q brought the heat a year later.

With the release of his 2012 album, Habits and Contradictions, he saw some critical appraise and some controversy due to one of its more popular songs’, “Hands on the Wheel,” subject matter of driving while under the influence. Regardless of the controversy, the album is still stacked, from features ranging from Jhene Aiko to A$AP Rocky. The production on the album is stellar, each track seems to fit Q’s style, whether it be slow/laid back like “My Hatin’ Joint” or hyped up like “Druggys Wit Hoes Again.” The album is what sent him into the air and got him some radio play, now Oxymoron will hopefully establish his placement at the top.

Despite being pushed back almost one million times, Oxymoron has a set release date and now has a few singles accompanying it. The singles released, “Break the Bank” and “Man of the Year” are stellar. Both feature a varied production style, but they both fit Q. Q is also going on a world tour to accompany Oxymoron. Unfortunately, the closest stop to St. Louis is Chicago, so if you’re willing to take the drive out there, it would definitely be worth it. Overall, Q is definitely an artist that I recommend checking out.