Sleeping on Cal Scruby? Not Anymore

Last year, my friend Cassius Cam sent me a Cal Scruby project, but life got in the way and I never got around to checking it out. So when he sent me Cal’s 2026 project, The Devil You Know, I made sure to press play immediately. Once again, he didn’t steer me wrong — as he never has. 🫡

Cal Scruby delivers with incredibly fluid flows, sharp lyricism, and a passionate, commanding presence that elevates every track he touches. His delivery packs a serious punch, breathing life and personality into whatever style he approaches. Whether he’s on high-energy bangers like “NIKE TECH” or diving into calmer, more introspective records like “STUCK” and “ROCK BOTTOM,” Cal adapts seamlessly. This versatility allows him to make a major impact in a relatively short amount of time.

What truly sets Cal apart, though, is his lyricism. His technical rap ability is already impressive, but it’s the way he weaves it with meaningful, well-crafted content that takes things to another level. On this project, the story always comes first. In the opening track “THE STORY,” Cal boldly calls out the fake narratives so many artists push, reminding listeners that a lot of the “real” stories being told in rap these days are fabrications. That theme echoes throughout the album, most notably on “DON KING,” where the hook cleverly hits with: “Don King couldn’t even make a dollar off you.”

One of the album’s greatest strengths is its perfect balance between serious and lighthearted content. Cal doesn’t stay heavy the entire time, nor does he sacrifice substance for jokes. This balance is perfectly captured on “STUCK,” where he raps, “Crumble up the paper going Kobe, my recycle bin is overflowing.” That line feels like a perfect metaphor for Cal’s entire artistic process — it’s not first-thought-best-thought. Instead, it’s music written with clear intent and then carefully rewritten with purpose. The result is layered, replayable, and authentic.

My expectations for The Devil You Know were not only met — they were exceeded almost immediately. I should have known better, considering it came recommended by a friend with excellent taste, but you never really know until you press play. Cal’s skills clicked with me right away, and now I’m kicking myself for sleeping on him this long. I’ve already queued up While You Were Sleeping, the original project Cassius first sent me. Better late than never.

Standout Tracks: THE STORY, NIKE TECH, SALT, DON KING & ROCK BOTTOM

Album Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑(8/10)