When ScHoolboy Q dropped “Collard Greens” featuring Kendrick Lamar on June 11, 2013, hip-hop enthusiasts knew they were in for something special.
This track, which would later feature on Q’s major-label debut album “Oxymoron,” quickly became a standout hit, showcasing the unique talents of two of West Coast rap’s rising stars.
The Making of a Banger
“Collard Greens” was crafted by a team of talented individuals. Produced by THC and co-produced by Gwen Bunn, the track’s writing credits include Axl Folie, Gwen Bunn, Ricci Riera, Kendrick Lamar, and ScHoolboy Q himself.
This collaborative effort resulted in a song that perfectly balances catchy hooks with clever wordplay and intricate production.
The beat is a vibrant blend of traditional West Coast hip-hop elements and modern production techniques.
It features a pulsating rhythm with a distinct bounce, incorporating synths, basslines, and percussive elements that create an energetic and danceable vibe.
This instrumental backdrop sets the perfect stage for Q and Kendrick to showcase their lyrical prowess.
Lyrical Breakdown: Money, Weed, and Multilingual Flows
At its core, “Collard Greens” is a celebration of success and indulgence.
The title itself is a clever play on words – while collard greens are typically associated with soul food, Q revealed in an interview that in this context, “collard greens” actually refers to money.
The chorus, delivered by ScHoolboy Q, sets the tone:
“Oh, oh, luxury
Chidi-ching-ching, could buy anything, cop that
Oh, oh, collard greens
Three degrees low, make it hot for me, drop that”
Here, Q revels in his newfound wealth and the ability to purchase anything he desires.
The “chidi-ching-ching” onomatopoeia mimics the sound of coins, further emphasising the focus on money.
In his verses, ScHoolboy Q explores themes of drug use, partying, and his rise to fame.
His delivery is characterised by a staccato flow—short, sharp, and rhythmic—which complements the beat’s lively nature.
Lines like “Smoke this, drink this, straight to my liver” and “Gang rap, X-mas, smoke, shots I deliver” paint a vivid picture of Q’s lifestyle and artistic identity.
Kendrick Lamar’s Multilingual Verse
One of the most memorable aspects of “Collard Greens” is Kendrick Lamar’s guest verse, which features lines in both Spanish and French.
Interestingly, Kendrick doesn’t actually speak either language fluently.
In an interview, Q admitted, “I have no idea what he said. And I had no idea he was gonna do that. I remember seeing him talking to a Spanish dude while he was writing it.”
Kendrick’s verse begins with:
“Hold up, biatch! This yo’ favorite song
Translation: Ven aquí, mami, ese culo
Tú quieres coger mis huevos, y papi me desespero
Chuparse puto pendejo, el pinche cabrón”
This multilingual approach adds an extra layer of intrigue and internationality to the track.
While Kendrick’s verse focuses more on sexual themes rather than drug use (as he doesn’t smoke), it still maintains the overall celebratory tone of the song.
Impact and Legacy
“Collard Greens” served as the lead single for ScHoolboy Q’s “Oxymoron” album and played a crucial role in building anticipation for the project.
Q himself stated, “This is like the introduction to the album. This is just getting people excited and getting people ready for what’s about to happen.”
The song’s popularity has endured well beyond its initial release. In 2021, “Collard Greens” experienced a resurgence when it became the soundtrack for a viral TikTok dance challenge.
This second wind introduced the track to a new generation of listeners, cementing its status as a modern hip-hop classic.
On January 3, 2024, “Collard Greens” achieved a significant milestone by being certified 4x platinum by the RIAA.
This achievement speaks to the song’s lasting appeal and its ability to resonate with audiences over a decade after its initial release.
If you haven’t experienced the infectious energy of “Collard Greens” yet, now is the perfect time to give it a listen.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of ScHoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar or new to their music, this track offers something for everyone.
From its clever wordplay to its multilingual verses and irresistible beat, “Collard Greens” stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation that define modern West Coast hip-hop.
So go ahead – stream “Collard Greens,” turn up the volume, and immerse yourself in this hip-hop masterpiece.
You might just find yourself hitting replay and discovering new layers to appreciate with each listen.
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ScHoolboy Q Collard Greens Lyrics
Intro: ScHoolboy Q
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Uh, uh
Yo, yo
Chorus: ScHoolboy Q
Oh, oh, luxury
Chidi-ching-ching, could buy anything, cop that
Oh, oh, collard greens
Three degrees low, make it hot for me, drop that
Oh, oh, down with the shit
Drink this, smoke this, get down with the shit
Hey, oh, oh, down with the shit
Cop this, pop this, down with the shit
Verse 1: ScHoolboy Q
Smoke this, drink this, straight to my liver
Watch this, no tick, yeah I’m the nigga
Gang rap, X-mas, smoke, shots I deliver
Faded, Vegas, might sponsor the killer
Shake it, break it, hot-hot for the winter
Drop it, cop it, eyes locked on your inner object
Rock it, blast-blast, new beginnings
Lovely, pinky how not I remember, fiendin’
Give me, give me, give me some
Freak the freckles off your face
Frenchy, freakin’, swappin’ tongue
Click my link and spread your buns
Lose your denim, make it numb
Blow it, baby, no Saddam(Icky-icky, icky-icky)
Fuckin’ in the car service, thank me for the car pool
Chromosome, part full, probly off a Norco
And gas, not the Arco, poppin’ since the intro
You shoppin’ from the window, play my favorite tempo
Chorus: ScHoolboy Q
Oh, oh, luxury
Chidi-ching-ching, could buy anything, cop that
Oh, oh, collard greens
Three degrees low, make it hot for me, drop that
Oh, oh, down with that shit
Drink this, smoke this, get down with the shit
Hey, oh, oh, down with the shit
Cop this, pop this, down with the shit
Verse 2: Kendrick Lamar
Hold up, biatch! This yo’ favorite song
Translation: Ven aquí, mami, ese culo
Tú quieres coger mis huevos, y papi me desespero
Chuparse puto pendejo, el pinche cabrón
Let’s get it – nights like this, I’m a knight like this
Sword in my hand, I fight like this
And I’m more than a man, I’m a god
Bitch, touché, en garde
Toupée drop and her two tits pop
Out of that tank top and bra
And when I say “Doo-doo-doo-doo,”bitch, that be K. Dot
She want some more of this
I give her more of this, I owe her this
In fact, I know she miss the way I floored this, on forgis
I know my Houston partners, drop a four on this
And focus, and slow it down
Alright, let me blow this bitch
I’m famous, I blame this on you, cash in the mirror
Hang in my penthouse roof, skyline the clearest
Watch it, your optics poppin’ out, you look the weirdest
Pop my top on the 105, head with no power steerin’, ah!
Chorus: ScHoolboy Q
Oh, oh, luxury
Chidi-ching-ching, could buy anything, cop that
Oh, oh, collard greens
Three degrees low, make it hot for me, drop that
Oh, oh, down with that shit
Drink this, smoke this, get down with the shit
Hey, oh, oh, down with the shit
Cop this, pop this, down with the shit
Verse 3: ScHoolboy Q
Bummy nigga famous, straight from the bottom
Broke niggas hate it, still never robbed him
Guns in the basement, out they have a problem
Kush be my fragrance, we love marijuana
Function on fire, burn the roof off this mothafucka
Psych ward is ballin’, go craze like no other
Weed steady blowin’, pass the blunt to my momma
Runs in the family, puff-puff keep a nigga fiendin’
Faded, faded, faded, right?
Shot glass super size, she gon’ get some dick tonight
Meet me at the W, and no, it’s not the Westside
Stick it up your SoutHside(Icky-icky, icky-icky)
Baller futuristic, groovy gangsta with an attitude
What these niggas make a year
I spend that on my daughter shoes
Smokin’ weed and drinkin’, all the college students lovin’ Q
We gon’ turn it out until the neighbors wanna party too
Chorus: ScHoolboy Q
Oh, oh, luxury
Chidi-ching-ching, could buy anything, cop that
Oh, oh, collard greens
Three degrees low, make it hot for me, drop that
Oh, oh, down with that shit
Drink this, smoke this, get down with the shit
Hey, oh, oh, down with the shit
Cop this, pop this, down with the shit
