Review: ScHoolboy Q — CrasH Talk
After nearly 3 years ScHoolboy Q is finally back witH His 5th studio album, CrasH Talk. THis follows up from His 2016 project, Blank Face and after 3 long years, tHe world Had been eagerly awaiting to Hear wHat Q Had been working on the entire time. Q Has been in tHe Headlines in tHe past for His ongoing battle witH depression amongst otHer tHings. THis left a lot of guessing as to wHat direction tHe album would take and witH tHe release of tHe singles Numb Numb Juice, CrasH and CHopstix featuring Travis $cott some Hints in direction tHat tHe album could take were given yet just like ScHoolboy’s wHereabouts, tHe rest is a mystery.
In an interview with Ebro on Beats 1 radio, ScHoolboy talked about his non-commitment to time schedules and doing the art timely prepared and to his complete satisfaction. Elements of this is riddled throughout the project, yet there’s also a subtle tone of being underwhelmed. CrasH Talk is Q’s shortest project. Q is usually one to supply meatier and lengthy projects however the new directions that he has been taking in his personal life seem to interlink with his music.
This is one of the more open albums from the TDE rapper; they are more lyrics about Q’s philosophies and thoughts. They are lyrics about his personal life struggles, inner feelings and other elements that give a glimpse into the kind of space ScHoolboy Q was in versus the one he is in now. Listeners still get the classic Hoover Crip gangsta rap that Q is accustomed to but there is also a feel of Q diving deeper into his artistic expression.
There are rapid cuts throughout the album which in a sense provide elements of a crasH; rapid, quick, unexpected and sometimes personal. Whether this was intended or not is another conversation but it does certainly live up to the album title and theme. There is sizzling production all over the album especially in songs like; Tales, Gang Gang, Black Folk, and Floating. Each instrumental plays its part to whatever rapid theme switch occurs; from DJ Dahi to Johnny Juliano and Cardo Got Wings, hats off to the production team on this one.
The short and compact nature of the album however also leaves a lot to be desired. A lot of the songs are really enjoyable and could have been longer. Songs like the hard-hitting banger Gang Gang, the single CrasH as well as Black Folk are songs where Q could have added more. Never one for the safety nets they are tracks on this album where Q dives in more to the experimental side of his music. Tracks like Lies with YG and Ty Dolla $ign, the single CHopstix, Water with Lil Baby and the Kid Cudi collaboration, Dangerous
While some of these cuts are enjoyable it’s easy to hear that Q is rough around the edges with these particular sounds. Water and CHopstix are an example of this where it seems that Q is trying to appeal to a more commercial audience which only comes off as average and unmemorable. Travis and Lil Baby’s features weren’t enjoyable and the performances made it easy not to come back to. The song with Kid Cudi was too short to enjoy although he did lay down some impressive vocals and Q’s verse really fit the theme of the song, it would have been nice for a longer collaboration from the two.
Another cut where the vibe is well met is the 21 Savage collaboration, Floating. This is easily one of the best songs on the album. 21 delivers the best feature performance (hands down) and it also captures that Atlanta savage music which Q literally destroys. Another great collaboration was the 6LACK feature for Drunk. Another great feature selection on this one. 6LACK delivers a solid performance and both artists complement one another well. Q has always been one to turn on the charm (Studio, Grooveline Pt1, Fantasy) and this collaboration is definitely one to listen to if that’s the kind of Q you’re into.
Q also demonstrates a lot of maturity as a seasoned artist with this project; it’s easy to tell this man has been through transitions. Losing his close friend Mac Miller last year and recently Nipsey Hussle, they are elements of a darker nature on this album. Even though in the interview with Ebro Q said that this is the happiest his been making music, songs like Tales, Black Folk and Dangerous give listeners a look into that side Q keeps mostly private. This all adds a feel of originality which is where Q is really at his best on this album.
Generating more or less mixed reactions from different people to get a true sense of the album a couple listens are needed. Although some of the more experimental cuts on the album are a miss, there is plenty to enjoy on this album. For more regular and hard-core ScHoolboy Q fans it may be below par however one can only look on with excitement to this refreshed way that Q is going to address his music
Rating: 3.5/5
Best Tracks: Floating, Drunk, Numb Numb Juice, Black Folk, Tales, Gang Gang, CrasH
Worst Tracks: Water, CHopstix.
