ScHoolboy Q, CrasH Talk | Album Review

ScHoolboy Q has his fair share of moments on his fifth studio album, ‘CrasH Talk,’ but the album comes off a bit disjointed compared to past efforts.

ScHoolboy Q is known for making dark, grimy, and sometimes difficult albums to listen to.  His 2016 Grammy-nominated album, Blank Face LP, took a couple of listens to fully digest.  That’s part of the charm of the West Coast rapper, who’s also released some more commercial hits along the way. After a three-year hiatus, he’s back with his fifth studio album, CrasH Talk.  CrasH Talk has its fair share of moments, even beyond the short, but sweet “Numb Numb Juice”, but lacks the intriguing complexity and challenge of Blank Face LP.

“Gang Gang”

“Long cash, dope sales / AK’s, head wraps / Beat case, did that / Third Benz, still black.” As expected, ScHoolboy Q launches CrasH Talk with some toughness with opener, “Gang Gang.” “Gang Gang,” like many songs on the album, keeps things short and to the point.  Following the intro, Q drops a hard-nosed chorus that is drenched in “gang shit,” followed by one equally hard-nosed verse.  There’s nothing new or surprising here, just Q keeping it “gangsta, gangsta, gangsta”.

“And the bitch I call my girl, she done found my dope / I sent her in a deep depression ‘til her post went ghost / And I just sit and watch from Hell as the pyro grow / So long stuck behind the fire, tryna clown my flow…” Follow up ✓ “Tales” benefits from superb production work, blending contemporary soul and the soulful vibes that characterize West Coast rap.  Like many Q songs, there’s not much to latch on in regard to ‘catchiness,’ and no hook, yet the rhymes are potent – in the grimiest, depressed way possible – and the vibe on-point.

If “Tales” lacked commercial sensibility, “CHopstix” more than makes up for it, if that’s what you’re looking for.  In fact, “CHopstix” is much more commercial than what we typically expect from ScHoolboy Q.  He can thank the very characteristic Travis Scott hook for lifting his potential Top-40 aspirations.  What’s the premise of “Chopsticks?” Sex with a “bad bitch, bad bitch, five-star” – what did you expect? It’s not transcendent and certainly not the top of the Q catalogue.

“Numb Numb Juice”

“I mean that’s bitch shit / Faking like you got it in your pockets, yeah, that’s bitch shit / Talking to them hoes, you steady gossip, yeah, that’s bitch shit.” Even with just two minutes to work with, ScHoolboy Q manages to do work on ✓ “Numb Numb Juice”. Here, he’s backed by a minimalist, malicious-sounding backdrop – perfect fuel for the grimy fire of the rapper, who’s profane and unapologetic. Q mostly raps about violence, specifically shooting, fakes – more “gangsta shit” you might say.  Sure, “Numb Numb Juice” is ‘been there and done that,’ but Q remains potent as ever.

Talk about a vibe, the lethargic, drunk-sounding ✓ “Drunk” finds ScHoolboy Q asserting, “I ain’t really drunk, I ain’t really drunk / Just a lil’ buzz, just a lil buzz.” In addition to drinking, Q reminisces about deceased family on the first verse, while the third verse finds him focusing on sex (“I done mastered the climax, you feel the pressure”).  He’s assisted by 6LACK who lends his pipes to a short, sexy verse between the chorus and the third verse, performed by Q (“Don’t worry baby, this is what I does / Backstroke, looking for a quick flood”).

“Lies”

Keeping the collaborations coming, “Lies” brings in the ubiquitous Ty Dolla $ign, as well as YG for the assist.  As always, Dolla $ign is a perfect fit with his distinct vocal tone, coupled with his own toughness.  The chorus is arguably the crowning achievement where Ty speaks for all three urging to “Stop tellin’ lies on me, that shit ain’t okay.” While the record is set in a major key, ScHoolboy Q and YG manage to maintain an edge on the two verses respectively, aided by liberal profanity and showcasing ‘that attitude.’

ScHoolboy Q goes solo once more on the following two records. “5200” is a dripped-out banger, chocked-full of shallowness.  Besides bragging about material things bought by money, as well as sex, he’s also “Been counting dead men, puttin’ bodies in the safe.” “Black Folk” is the more thoughtful song of the two, finding Q reflecting on adversity (“Who knew failure make you better? / My adversities done turned me to a killer”), the black experience (“The black mind is where it started ‘cause we was chosen”), and fake black folk (“You know a fake nigga, his favorite words is, ‘He fake’”).

“Floating” 

With ScHoolboy Q trying to balance a lot of different things on CrasH Talk, one of the better bangers is ✓ “Floating” featuring 21 Savage. Q is tough as ever, killing it on the repetitive hook over enigmatic-sounding, malicious, minor-key production.  His energy kicks up a notch on the first verse, while 21 Savage contrasts on the second verse with his signature, deadpan approach.

The moody ✓ “Dangerous” provides quite a stark contrast, featuring left-field rapper Kid Cudi performing the chorus and outro.  The production sounds ‘faded,’ with its detuned guitar sounds.  With only one verse to work with, Q lets us into his high, which is really a low as he reflects on his career and depression.  “Took this pill and it swallowed me whole,” he raps at one point, later following up, “If I don’t come back, had a hell of a run… / Can’t get high enough to get over the hump.”

“Die Wit Em”

“Got that .40 on my lap, I’m God, nigga / Hit that bitch from yesterday, she mine, nigga.”  Yeah, ScHoolboy Q doesn’t stay ‘down’ for long. He’s turned-up to the nth degree on the slaughterous “Die Wit Em” which is filled with violence and gun references.  Then, the “CrasH” finally occurs, fueled by a brilliant Royce da 5’9” sample. While the “CrasH” is short like many of the songs on CrasH Talk, Q notably shows off a more melodic side on the chorus, while he’s agile and un-pitched over the course of both verses.  

A surprising collaboration occurs on the penultimate number, “Water.” Lil Baby provides the assist on the second verse, rapping in his ever-distinct style. He is well suited for “Water,” which is a heavy ‘dripper,’ with some ‘gangsta shit’ thrown in by ScHoolboy Q.  The watery chorus arrives courtesy of Cardo Got Wings, who co-produces alongside Johnny Juliano.  One of the best songs from CrasH Talk concludes the album, ✓ “Attention.” “Attention” definitely deserves attention with its robust bass line, trunk-rattling kick, and Q rapping about working with various rappers and producers, as well as the hardships of his life.  One of the most memorable lyrics: “Got the devil on my side while the Lord been pushin’ me over / I can finally understand why my uncles was never sober.”

Final Thoughts 

ScHoolboy Q albums always tend to be quite complex and difficult to listen to. CrasH Talk still has some difficult moments.  That said, it’s not as complex or accomplished as some of the rapper’s best albums. Lyrically, Q doesn’t always deliver that knockout punch. Some of the bangers are enjoyable and worthwhile, while others are a bit more cliché – we’ve already heard this before. Also, most of the songs are quite short – shorter than usual. The reflective moments stand out the most, but because CrasH Talk is disjointed – a bit bipolar – we don’t always get the full effect of Q’s depression. Respectable effort with some easily repeatable spins.

✓ Gems: “Tales,” “Numb Numb Juice,” “Drunk,” “Floating,” “Dangerous,” “CrasH” & “Attention” 

ScHoolboy Q • CrasH Talk • Interscope • Release: 4.26.19

Photo Credit: Interscope