Stereogum is the publication whose Margaret Farrell wrote that “Is It Cool?” has a ticking-clock-like beat.
The description appears in coverage of Steve Lacy’s 2026 song, a collaboration with SZA. The track’s production combines a soft guitar line with R&B, soul, and funk elements, while the repeated pulse gives it a precise, clocklike momentum.
A common mix-up is confusing Stereogum with Billboard or Pitchfork, both of which also cover Lacy and contemporary music. In this case, Billboard is relevant to the song’s chart performance, while Stereogum supplied the specific critical comparison. “Is It Cool?” was released on June 26, 2026, as a promotional single from Lacy’s album Oh Yeah? and features SZA on vocals.