Vince Staples focuses on his experiences for a short while on his low-key self-titled record.
Just like his last record, Vince Staples jogs yet again with his self-titled release, fronting 22 minutes of material with production helmed by Kenny Beats as the tracklist shows not many features and 2 interludes.
As a result, it comes off as a pretty straightforward, introspective record that shows how much Vince Staples has changed and matured for the past decade. It shows Vince rapping and musing about the violence and gang lifestyle that has outgrown and feared him, where he doesn’t want others to go in that dangerous direction as they may only cost their life from their rivals and the police, but also shows fear with something simple as a meet and greet due to those experiences. That dim lyricism is presented with the Kenny Beat’s production, where the bouncy trap knocks and low-key synths and samples come off simple and sweet as the somber hooks and melodies from Vince Staple’s weary delivery is effective with what he’s trying to pull off. It would’ve been nice if there are more features to accent and complement some of Vince Staple’s message and probably lengthen some of the tracks to make them stand out a bit more.
Not much to add more besides that, as Vince Staples continue to sweep the rug under the floor with his most low-key project to date. This might mark something bigger for Vince Staples, but as for now, a simple introspection is enough.
Favorite Tracks: ARE YOU WITH THAT?, LAW OF AVERAGES, SUNDOWN TOWN, TAKE ME HOME, LIL FADE, MHM Least Favorite Track: THE SHINING