Oxymoron is rapidly approaching. In light of that, I'm skipping the typical foreplay in favor of a more direct approach. It's only fitting; given the amount of time we've already had to wait for the oft delayed major label debut from the Top Dawg MC it seems frivolous to go off on tangents about the build up that led to the point, the strength of the previous singles, etc. etc. You know all that. What's important to note is that the album is officially available for pre-order on iTunes — solidifying the security of the release date — and with it comes a new record to whet our appetites.
This new track is entitled "Break the Bank," and it comes nearly 8 months after the unveiling of the album's first single "Yay Yay," but that's water under the bridge now. "Break The Bank" is produced by The Alchemist, and it is both ominous and vintage gangsta. Over a more traditional beat break and some rather sinister keys, ScHoolboy exhibits the signature charm that earned him his stripes (and his deal with Interscope). He utilizes a sing-songy flow to discuss his life before rap. Even then, he was beyond confident in his abilities. "Good grades and skipped school / This life gon' catch up soon / Show 'nuff that shit did / 20 year old kid / Got off my behind / Write me some sweet lines / 'Cause one day, my story gon' pay," he raps. The sound is consistent with what we've heard from the album thus far, and if this reflects the quality of the entire project then Q may just have a banger on his hands. Only time will tell, though. Thankfully, we'll know sooner rather than later.
Stream ScHoolboy Q's "Break The Bank" below, and pre-order Oxymoron over at iTunes. The album will be in stores (finally) on February 25th.
ScHoolboy Q
"Break The Bank" (Prod. The Alchemist)
- Top Dawg/Interscope
- January 21, 2014
