That Part
"THat Part" (stylized as "THat Part") is a hip hop song by American rapper ScHoolboy Q, featuring fellow rapper Kanye West, serving as the lead single from Q's fourth studio album, Blank Face LP.[1] Released on May 13, 2016, through Top Dawg Entertainment and Interscope Records, the track was produced primarily by Cardo Got Wings, with additional production from Cubeatz, Sounwave, and others.[1] The song features boastful lyrics centered on themes of authenticity, independence, and material success, with the recurring phrase "that part" used as an emphatic affirmation of Q's declarations, such as avoiding inauthentic people and prioritizing financial gain.[2] West's verse adds a contrasting, introspective edge, reflecting on personal struggles and industry pressures.[2] Musically, it blends heavy bass, trap-influenced beats, and West Coast hip hop elements, contributing to its gritty, energetic sound. "THat Part" achieved commercial success, debuting at number 92 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and eventually peaking at number 40, while spending 12 weeks on the chart.[3] It also reached number 13 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 29 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.[3] It was later certified double platinum by the RIAA. Critically, the track earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in 2017, highlighting its impact within the genre.[4] A music video directed by Colin Tilley was released on June 2, 2016, featuring surreal imagery like a yellow school bus ride through urban landscapes, and a Black Hippy remix with Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul followed in July 2016.[5][6]Background and development
Recording process
The recording of "That Part" took place primarily during 2015 and 2016 at studios in Los Angeles affiliated with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), including Paramount Recording Studios and Art Dealer Chic Studios.[7] ScHoolboy Q recorded his verses amid the broader album sessions for Blank Face LP, completing his vocals in a single take.[8] Kanye West contributed his featured verse remotely, sending it to Q via TDE connections; he added the signature ad-libs ("Okay, okay, okay") in a subsequent session. Q has described the overall recording process as energetic, with the intent to create a high-energy lead track for the album.[9][8]Production details
"That Part" was produced by Cardo, Yung Exclusive (also known as Yex), Cubeatz, and Sounwave, who provided additional production.[10] Mixing duties were managed by Derek "MixedByAli" Ali, a longtime collaborator with Top Dawg Entertainment, ensuring a polished sound suitable for the single's radio and streaming release.[10]Composition and lyrics
Musical structure
"THat Part" is composed in the key of F♯ minor at a tempo of 113 beats per minute (BPM).[11] The original version runs for 5 minutes and 13 seconds.[11] The song follows a standard verse-chorus structure with an instrumental intro that builds tension through atmospheric production. Verse 1 is delivered by ScHoolboy Q over a minimalistic arrangement, followed by a chorus shared between Q and Kanye West. Verse 2 features Kanye West, leading into a repeated chorus, a bridge with ad-libs from Q, and an outro that fades out the elements.[2] Key musical elements include a trap beat anchored by a booming bass line, which provides a cinematic depth to the track. The verses maintain a sparse setup with restrained instrumentation to heighten menace, while the chorus introduces layered synth melodies for a fuller, anthemic sound, creating an explosive hook. This production shift from minimalistic verses to a richer chorus arrangement underscores the song's dynamic contrast. The track samples Kendrick Lamar's "Untitled 02 06.23.2014.".[12]Lyrical content
The lyrics of "THat Part" center on themes of success and a luxurious lifestyle, intertwined with assertions of street credibility and defiance toward critics, as ScHoolboy Q raps about high-end cars like the McLaren, relationships with independent women, and the trappings of fame.[2] The song's narrative draws from Q's personal history, reflecting his transition from drug dealing and gang affiliations to rap stardom, with boasts that affirm his authenticity in the face of doubters.[13] This bravado is evident in the hook, where Q repeatedly chants "That part, that part, that part" as a boastful refrain, emphasizing unapologetic self-assurance and rejection of inauthenticity, such as "Me no conversate with the fake, that part."[2] Songwriting credits for the track are attributed to ScHoolboy Q (Quincy Hanley), Kanye West, and producers including Cardo, Sounwave, and CuBeatz, with Q penning his verses based on personal experiences.[14] These lyrics incorporate references to Q's affiliation with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) through nods to his Hoover Street Crips background and the broader Black Hippy collective, blending overt bravado with subtle vulnerability about his past struggles.[2] Kanye's guest verse reinforces the song's themes by touting his legendary status in hip-hop and pop culture—comparing himself to Kobe Bryant and Ice Cube—while touching on personal struggles, including marital tensions alluded to in lines like "Wifey gonna kill me, she the female OJ," which references O.J. Simpson and hints at domestic conflicts involving his Yeezy brand and family life.[15] The interplay of these elements creates a narrative of triumph laced with introspection, enhanced by the track's minimalistic production that underscores the vocal delivery.[2]Release and promotion
Single release
"That Part" was released digitally on May 13, 2016, through Interscope Records and Top Dawg Entertainment as the lead single from ScHoolboy Q's fourth studio album, Blank Face LP, which followed on July 8, 2016.[16][17] The song was made available initially in digital download and streaming formats, with no commercial physical single issued at launch.[17][18] ScHoolboy Q announced the track via social media, along with its rollout to radio stations for airplay promotion.[17]Promotional activities
To build anticipation for "THat Part" as the lead single from ScHoolboy Q's album Blank Face LP, promotional efforts included social media teasers and announcements in the weeks leading up to its digital release. Kanye West, the featured artist, contributed to the hype by tweeting "GET TOP DAWG ON THE PHONE!" on May 12, 2016, signaling the impending drop of the collaboration.[17] Upon its release on May 13, 2016, the track received radio promotion, with premieres on urban contemporary stations such as 97.9 The Box in Houston, where it was played as new music during evening shows.[19] ScHoolboy Q supported the push through promotional interviews, including a June 29, 2016, appearance on Hot 97 with host Nessa Vert, where he discussed the creative synergy with Kanye West and the track's role in previewing the album's sound.[20] The single's rollout was closely tied to Blank Face LP's marketing campaign, with pre-orders for the full album made available on platforms like iTunes on June 24, 2016, allowing fans to access the single as part of digital bundles while securing early access to the July 8 project.[21] This integration helped amplify the track's visibility amid broader album teasers, such as short films and tracklist reveals shared via ScHoolboy Q's social channels. A key post-release event was the album's listening session held on June 29, 2016, in New York City, hosted by Hot 97 personality Peter Rosenberg, where "THat Part" was spotlighted for an invited audience of fans, media, and industry figures, fostering buzz through live reactions and Q&A discussions.[22]Critical reception
Professional reviews
Upon its release as the lead single from ScHoolboy Q's 2016 album Blank Face LP, "THat Part" featuring Kanye West garnered acclaim from critics for its energetic production and the dynamic interplay between the artists' styles. Reviewers highlighted the track's boastful lyrics and eerie, groovy beat as key strengths, positioning it as a high point in Q's discography that blended West Coast gangsta rap with experimental flair. Pitchfork ranked "THat Part" at number 73 on their list of the 100 Best Songs of 2016, praising the collision of aesthetics in the collaboration, where Q's raw, hotheaded energy meets Kanye's improvisational zingers and flair, turning an initial transactional feel into a memorable standout.[23] HipHopDX placed it ninth on their 50 Best Songs of 2016, calling it a banger driven by lively braggadocio, live-performance energy, and boastful vibes over an infectiously eerie production, with Kanye's quotable verse serving as the cherry on top.[24] In the broader context of Blank Face LP, which earned an aggregated Metacritic score of 81/100 based on 18 reviews,[25] the album received universal acclaim.Accolades and rankings
"That Part" received a nomination for Best Rap Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in 2017, though it did not win; the category was awarded to Chance the Rapper's "No Problem."[26][27] The nomination highlighted the track's critical and cultural impact within the hip-hop community. The song was featured in Billboard's list of ScHoolboy Q's 10 essential songs in 2019, underscoring its enduring significance in his discography.[4] It also appeared on various year-end rankings for 2016, including HotNewHipHop's Hottest 50 Songs of the Year, where the Black Hippy remix was recognized for its buzz and reception leading into the Blank Face LP album release.[28]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"That Part" debuted at number 92 on the US Billboard Hot 100 dated June 4, 2016, before steadily climbing to reach its peak position of number 40 in its tenth charting week, with a total chart run of 12 weeks.[29][3] The song's performance was bolstered by strong streaming activity, accumulating over 1 million streams in the United States during its debut week, which contributed to its overall longevity on the ranking. On genre-specific charts, the track achieved greater success within hip-hop and R&B audiences. It peaked at number 13 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 8 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.[30] Internationally, "That Part" entered the Canadian Hot 100 and reached a high of number 51.| Chart (2016) | Peak Position | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 40 | Billboard |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 13 | Billboard |
| US Hot Rap Songs | 8 | Billboard |
| Canadian Hot 100 | 51 | Billboard |
Certifications and sales
"That Part" was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on June 8, 2018, signifying 2,000,000 units consumed in the United States, including sales and streaming equivalents.[2] In New Zealand, Recorded Music NZ (RMNZ) awarded the single platinum certification in 2017, equivalent to 30,000 units. The track has not received certifications from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the United Kingdom or the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in Australia, despite moderate airplay in those markets. Globally, streaming on platforms like Spotify has propelled the song, with over 238 million plays as of 2020.[31]Music video
Production
The music video for "That Part" was directed by Colin Tilley and The Little Homies (Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free), known for their work on high-profile hip-hop visuals including Kendrick Lamar's "Alright."[32][33] Filming took place in Los Angeles during mid-to-late May 2016, shortly after the single's release on May 13, providing timely visual support for ScHoolboy Q's upcoming album Blank Face LP.[34] The production adopted a high-energy urban aesthetic, incorporating dynamic party scenes and luxury elements to visually amplify the song's boastful themes.[33][35] Post-production was expedited to achieve a rapid release, culminating in the video's premiere on Vevo and YouTube on June 2, 2016, just weeks after shooting wrapped.[36] This quick turnaround aligned with promotional momentum for the track, which featured Kanye West's verse and production contributions.[34]Visual content
The music video for "THat Part," directed by Colin Tilley and The Little Homies, opens with ScHoolboy Q rapping in an empty room surrounded by faceless figures whose features appear erased, creating a surreal and ominous atmosphere. Q then boards a yellow school bus for a joyride with a group of women, intercut with scenes of him performing amid masked men exhaling plumes of smoke in blue-tinted interiors. The bus arrives at a house where Kanye West, dressed in a white suit, answers the door; the two artists then party separately but in intercut sequences within the home, joined by a crew of masked dancers in vibrant, chaotic rooms that shift color palettes from cool blues to warm tones.[37][5][38] Key visuals emphasize the track's energetic bass through rapid cuts and trippy effects, such as the school bus cruising through urban streets and the abandoned-house setting evoking a trap house vibe. Party sequences on the bus and inside the mansion-like home symbolize the euphoric "that part" of achieving success in hip-hop, blending celebration with isolation via the masked ensembles and empty spaces. These elements highlight excess and camaraderie without a linear storyline, instead using abstract imagery to mirror the song's themes of bravado and introspection.[39][40][41] The video lacks a plot-driven narrative, functioning more as a visual mood piece that symbolically represents the West Coast trap lifestyle. As of November 2025, the official upload on YouTube has amassed over 214 million views, underscoring its enduring popularity.[32][36]Live performances
Television appearances
ScHoolboy Q's first major television exposure for "THat Part" came on June 29, 2016, when he performed the track in a medley with "Groovy Tony" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, notably without Kanye West joining for his verse.[42][43] The rendition featured Q delivering an energetic set backed by a live band, emphasizing the song's West Coast trap influences in a late-night broadcast format.[42] Later that year, on September 29, 2016, Q gave a solo performance of "THat Part" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, accompanied by a full band setup on the show's outdoor stage.[44] The high-energy delivery highlighted the track's post-album momentum from Blank Face LP, with Q commanding the audience through the song's introspective lyrics and booming production.[45]Concert performances
"That Part" debuted live at the MURAL Festival in Montreal on June 14, 2016, marking ScHoolboy Q's first performance of the track during a sold-out show at the event's opening block party.[46] The rapper introduced the song as brand new, noting he had yet to memorize all the lyrics, which added to the raw, improvisational energy of the set.[47] Following its debut, "That Part" became a staple in ScHoolboy Q's live repertoire at major festivals and venues. It was performed at the Woo Hah Festival in Tilburg, Netherlands, on July 2, 2016, where Q delivered the track amid a high-energy outdoor crowd.[48] Later that year, the song featured in sets at Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles on November 13, 2016, and at Le Zénith in Paris on November 29, 2016, showcasing its growing prominence in Q's international touring schedule.[49] As part of the Blank Face LP Tour from 2016 to 2017, "That Part" was regularly included in setlists across North America and Europe, often positioned as a high-impact closer or mid-set highlight to energize audiences.[49] The track continued to appear in later concerts, including a rendition at Kendrick Lamar's The Pop Out: Ken & Friends event at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, on June 19, 2024, where Q joined fellow Black Hippy members for a collaborative performance.[50] It was also performed at the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival on November 16, 2024, and during the Live in Europe Tour, including at Élysée Montmartre in Paris on July 9, 2025.[51][52] Live renditions of "That Part" emphasize high-energy crowd interaction, with Q frequently hyping the hook to rally fans, and festival adaptations often featuring extended intros to build anticipation.[53]Black Hippy remix
Release and features
The Black Hippy remix of "THat Part" was released on July 8, 2016, as a surprise digital single dropped approximately one hour prior to the launch of ScHoolboy Q's album Blank Face LP on Interscope Records and Top Dawg Entertainment.[28][6] Unlike the original version featuring Kanye West, the remix incorporates verses from Black Hippy members Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, and Ab-Soul in place of West's contribution, while ScHoolboy Q retains his original chorus and opening verse.[54][55] The track maintains the core structure of the base song but extends its runtime to 4:48 from the original single's 4:17, primarily through added group ad-libs and layered vocal interplay among the TDE artists.[56][57] Production credits for the remix align closely with the original, handled by Cardo Got Wings, YeX (Yung Exclusive), CuBeatz, and Sounwave, preserving the dark, trap-influenced beat while adapting it for the ensemble delivery.[58][57] This release marked the last official collaborative track featuring all four Black Hippy members—ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, and Ab-Soul—prior to the group's informal disbandment in 2022 amid diverging solo careers.[59] Although no official music video was produced, fan-made visuals incorporating live footage and animations circulated online following the audio drop.[60]Reception and impact
The Black Hippy remix of "THat Part" received praise for reuniting the TDE collective, with critics highlighting its role as a strong showcase of group synergy. Vulture described it as a track where "Black Hippy are at their best when supporting each other," ranking it #97 in a 2025 list of Kendrick Lamar's best songs.[61] It also earned recognition in HotNewHipHop's Hottest 50 Songs of 2016, underscoring its popularity among hip-hop listeners that year.[28] Fan reception emphasized the remix's surprise release, which dropped just an hour before ScHoolboy Q's album Blank Face LP and caught audiences off guard, amplifying excitement for the project.[28] Many appreciated how it highlighted TDE unity, with the full Black Hippy lineup—ScHoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul—delivering verses that reinforced their collective chemistry over the original's Kanye West feature. While the remix did not chart independently, it contributed to Blank Face LP's strong commercial performance, helping the album debut at #2 on the Billboard 200 with 74,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.[62] In terms of broader impact, the remix served as one of Black Hippy's final major collaborative efforts before the group's extended inactivity, which began around 2022 without an official disbandment announcement.[63] Its release captured a "farewell vibe" for fans, preserving the collective's legacy amid shifting solo priorities, particularly as Kendrick Lamar later reflected on his role in the group's creative evolution.[64]Release history
Formats and dates
The original version of "That Part", featuring Kanye West, was released as a digital download in the United States on May 13, 2016, through Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and Interscope Records.[16] Streaming availability was made worldwide on the same date via major platforms including iTunes and Spotify.[65] The track was issued exclusively as an audio single in digital formats such as MP3 and AAC at 256 kbps, with no standalone physical release or vinyl single produced.[66] The Black Hippy remix, featuring additional verses from Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul, followed as a global digital download on July 8, 2016, also via TDE and Interscope Records.[6] This version was distributed internationally through iTunes and Spotify on the release date and bundled as a promotional variant with pre-orders of the parent album Blank Face LP.[67] Like the original, it was limited to digital audio single formats (MP3/AAC/WAV) without a dedicated physical edition.[68] Both versions appear on Blank Face LP, which was released worldwide on July 8, 2016, in CD and vinyl formats by TDE and Interscope Records; the original "That Part" is track three on the standard edition, while the remix serves as a digital bonus.[69]| Version | Format | Date | Region | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original (feat. Kanye West) | Digital download (MP3/AAC) | May 13, 2016 | United States | TDE / Interscope |
| Original (feat. Kanye West) | Streaming (various) | May 13, 2016 | Worldwide | TDE / Interscope |
| Black Hippy Remix | Digital download (MP3/AAC/WAV) | July 8, 2016 | Worldwide | TDE / Interscope |
| Original (feat. Kanye West) | CD / Vinyl (album inclusion) | July 8, 2016 | Worldwide | TDE / Interscope |