Turning inward on his most introspective outing to date, rapper
Vince Staples
delivers another potent burst of lyrical storytelling on his self-titled fourth effort. Like 2018's quick shot
FM!
,
only needs 22 minutes to get the job done, packing a short autobiography's worth of tales into ten tracks that revisit his younger, lawless days in North Long Beach. Produced entirely by
Kenny Beats
, this trip down memory lane is deceptively catchy, revealing layer after layer as the beats hit deeper and simple melodies combine to create a laid-back vibe that entrances like a sunset over languid waves. Falling somewhere between
Frank Ocean
's relaxed but soothing early work and
Kendrick Lamar
's technically proficient street tales,
navigates the paranoia and anxiety, sex and violence, and the struggle of street survival, all set to
' languid and oddly soothing backing. Highlight "ARE YOU WITH THAT?" encapsulates the project's entire thesis, providing insight into
Staples
' past atop distorted carnival-like atmospherics. Other standouts include the midtempo "SUNDOWN TOWN," the cracking "TAKING TRIPS," and the hypnotic, guitar-strumming "TAKE ME HOME" with R&B singer
Foushee
lending vocals on the chorus. Though the set feels somewhat sleepy upon first listen, repeat visits reward listeners with
' depth and wit, cementing
as a simple yet focused statement from one of the West Coast's most relevant voices. ~ Neil Z. Yeung