Talon – Cremeology

Album info

In 1996, the hip-hop landscape was largely male-dominated, but Talon’s album “Cremeology” shattered stereotypes, contributing to a broader narrative within the genre. Released under the labels 365 Music and S.H.W.C.D. Records, this album is an essential listen for anyone interested in the complexities of gangsta rap from a female perspective. Hailing from Sacramento, California—a city with a rich rap history—Talon, born Talon Miles, serves up an experience that’s as gritty as it is insightful.

The album begins with the short but impactful “One Oz.,” featuring Adris, setting the tone for what follows. Each track is a different chapter in the narrative Talon is crafting, from “U Know The Language,” which delves into the semantics and semiotics of street life, to “Crazy (Endangered Species),” a 4-minute, 18-second roller coaster reflecting the unpredictability and danger of the environments she portrays.

“Means To Make Ends,” featuring Idris and Kufraun, captures the desperation and lengths people go to survive, while “The Ology” serves as a thesis statement, encapsulating the ‘science’ of the streets. The playful “Kahlua’s & Creme” and “The Showroom” provide a break from the harsh realities, offering lighter moments that add texture to the album. But it’s tracks like “Brown Noz’in” and “Enough Skills” that bring us back to the unforgiving streets, addressing themes of loyalty and competence.

What’s striking about “Cremeology” is its authenticity. Talon isn’t just a bystander but an active participant in the stories she tells, offering a nuanced view that only someone from within the environment could provide. The album is co-produced by Talon herself, along with Charles Jenkins Jr. and Sr., underlining the personal investment she has in every verse and hook.

“Cremeology” stands as an unapologetic statement from a woman navigating a man’s world, both in hip-hop and the streets. With a run-time that never overstays its welcome, the album is a well-crafted journey through the life and philosophy of one of Sacramento’s most compelling voices. It’s an unsung classic that offers a gritty, female-fronted perspective to the gangsta rap canon.