The reason why ScHoolboy Q almost quit rap: “Not what I signed up for”
ScHoolboy Q is the prime example of a rapper turning their life around through the power of music. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, Q was gangbanging in his local area before signing a deal with Top Dawg Entertainment and releasing his debut album Setbacks in 2011. His life changed from that moment, becoming part of one of the West Coast’s most successful record labels alongside Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul.
In recent years, he’s stepped back from the limelight and enjoyed the fruits of his labour, but don’t get it twisted; he’s releasing some of the best music of his career (see Blue Lips). However, in 2016, when he dropped Black Face LP, he was still heavily grinding on the album and touring cycle. For someone with a young daughter, it was difficult for him to return home and see so much change in her.
“I toured a whole year. When I came back, my daughter was doing different things, talking different,” he told MTV. “I’m at the crucial years of her life, she’s only 7 years old. Every time I go and come back, she’s doing something new. I got tired of missing that, I almost quit rap. Almost… almost happened. It comes to a point where you’re starting to put music before your kids, your family. That’s not what I signed up for.”
He continued, “But at the same time, it’s what pays the bills and what I love to do. My daughter loves to see me do it, too. Can’t hang it up yet, but it’s getting close though to that point. I’m trying to be more of a father than a rapper that just runs around doing shows, interviews, pleasing everybody.”
Q’s love for his daughter is no secret to his fans. Whether talking on social media or in interviews, Joy means the world to him. Now a teenager, Q has been there every step of her journey, notably embracing the role of taking her to football practice. Instead of being in the streets, Q’s life looks different today, spending much of his time on the golf course.
During an interview with SSENSE, Q expanded on that sentiment, explaining how he wants to be there whenever she steps on the pitch or potentially attends college. He knows how important it is for her to see him supporting her every move.
“I’m not trying to miss nothing,” he said. “Like, I want to see my grandkids. I want to see her go to college, if she decides to go to college. I want to see her finish school, play soccer. When she scores a goal and she looks over, I’m the first person she looks for.
“She’s not looking at the coach, she not looking to high-five the other players. She scores a goal and her first thing is to look at where her daddy is in the stands. I don’t want to let her down, go back to the hood and do stupid shit, all because of my pride. I ain’t trying to miss out on that.”