“5200” by ScHoolboy Q (Ft. Kendrick Lamar)
The two verses on “5200” are to an extent dedicated to two different topics, although these subjects are brought up interchangeably throughout. The first is Schoolboy’s street life. ScHoolboy is already known as a real-life gang affiliate, and this verse more or less alludes to where he is coming from in that regard, including being involved in the drug game. And the second verse is centered more on his wealth. In fact in it, he claims to be so wealthy that he can pay “three mil” in taxes, no problemo. And he also dedicates a few bars to throwing shade at opps who can’t match up to his cashflow.
The intro of the song seems to paint a picture of a drive by shooting. The main purpose of this section is obviously to get the crowd amp. The chorus also follows along a similar vein, which Q “counting dead men” and “putting bodies in the safe”.
As for the title of this track, it is unclear from the lyrics what exactly Schoolboy means when he refers to “52 hundred”. But within the context it is used, it sounds like some sort of allusion to his wealth.
Ultimately despite the noted appearance of Kendrick Lamar (who serves as a hype man in the intro), in terms of content, this song is pretty much standard Schoolboy Q FARE. In other words, after listening to the lyrics you will be convinced that he is no one to be trifled to, on the street level nor on the money tip.
Facts about “5200”
- Schoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar wrote “5200” along with the two producers of the track, Sounwave and !llmind.
- This track was released by Top Dawg Entertainment, in conjunction with Universal Music Group and Interscope Records, on 26 April 2019.
- It is part of Schoolboy Q’s fifth studio album Crash Talk, which also dropped on 26 April.
- Schoolboy first teased “5200” in a preview of Crash Talk he posted to YouTube on 15 April 2019.
Is this Schoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar’s first collabo?
No. Both rappers are labelmates (at least as of this track’s release date) under Top Dawg Entertainment. Owing to this, they have collaborated, in different capacities, before. For instance K-Dot is a co-wrote multiple songs on ScHoolboy’s Crash Talk.
5200 is a reference to the 52 Hoover Gangsta Crips and he gives listens a taste of what he experienced. The chorus can refer to manufacturing drugs, a gang initiation or other “work” put in once joining. He talks of the rewards and also talks about it (this life, the things you may do. Regret) as something that will be with you always. The stain could be the blue nation you are forever a part of now, it could be making and selling drugs or other violent/criminal activity and what that experience of experiences leave behind and shape you as a person.