Vince Staples has returned with his highly anticipated new LP, a self-titled affair that is said to be his most personal to date. The Long Beach Born rapper has been teasing new music for some time, but the new album has finally seen the light of day via Blacksmith Recordings / Motown Records.
With only one guest throughout the entire LP―Fousheé on “TAKE ME HOME”―Vince centers the story on his come up from Odd Future affiliate to new voice of the West Coast. The entire album is produced by Kenny Beats, giving the project a cohesive, reliable sound that Staples has ample room to explore over.
Staples confirmed when he released the first single, “LAW OF AVERAGES,” that the 10-track LP would delve into both Staples’ upbringing in Long Beach and his psyche as he learns to cope with his yesterdays and strides toward new tomorrows, picking others up along the way.
In conjunction with that initial announcement, Staples released the official music video for the track, directed by Kid. Studio. Set against a montage of voyeuristic moments in Long Beach, CA, the cinematic visual features imagery that embodies black joy and highlights the beauty within the fringes.
Of the new LP, Staples says, “It really gives much more information about me that wasn’t out there before. That’s why I went with that title. I feel like I’ve been trying to tell the same story. As you go on in life, your point of view changes. This is another take on myself that I might not have had before.”
“I’m a mind more than I am an entertainer to a lot of people,” Staples says, adding “I appreciate that my fanbase is willing to go on this ride with me. I’m ready to diversify what we’re doing and see how we affect the world.” That trip has begun with the recent announcement of his new graphic novel, Limbo Beach.
Vince Staples Tracklist:
ARE YOU WITH THAT?
LAW OF AVERAGES
SUNDOWN TOWN
THE SHINING
TAKING TRIPS
THE APPLE & THE TREE
TAKE ME HOME (Feat. Fousheé)
LIL FADE
LAKEWOOD MALL
MHM