Vince Staples effectively guides us through “Dark Times” in this fantastic 13-track project.
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TOP 5
5. Nothing Matters
“Nothing Matters” is one of the strongest things you can tell someone.
There are some really good quotes in “Nothing Matters.” My favorite is when Vince Staples says, “Cause every moment we share feels like a Polaroid. Sometimes you gotta shake it up to see what’s really there.” Also, the track has a peacefulness to it that I really appreciate. But when it’s all said and done, Vince’s hook is my favorite thing about this track. It’s comforting, intoxicating, nostalgic, and just plain old good.
4. Little Homies
Throw “Little Homies” on during your cookout tomorrow.
There aren’t many tracks that will make you dance on this album, but “Little Homies” is one of them. The track boasts upbeat, quirky Kaytranada-like production, an inspirational hook that is also incredibly catchy, and an overall energy that will make anyone feel alive. As for lyrically, Vince Staples straddles the line between someone who misses the hood and wants to leave that s**t behind.
3. Étouffée
Étouffée is Nigerian rice and stew with black American seasoning.
The pep to his step that Vince Staples raps with in “Étouffée” makes the track worth a listen. While he sounds pretty upbeat in his verses as he reflects on the tears he’s shed, his come-up, the people from his hood he’s inspired, and the naysayers he’s shut down, it’s his hook where he sounds his most energetic. Overall, “Étouffée” might be the most savory hit on this project.
2. Shame On The Devil
Shame on Diddy?
In “Shame On The Devil,” Vince Staples reveals a vulnerable side of himself. The track delves into his longing for love, his difficulty in forgiving friends who have betrayed him, and his focus on financial success. He concludes the song by seeking forgiveness from the Lord.
I love how this track flows. While it has a bit of a somber tone that is complemented perfectly by the hypnotic back-and-forth between Vince Staples and Baby Rose, you still get two fantastic rap verses from Vince that boast a dynamic flow and some sneaky-good punchlines. All in all, this track definitely gives me Ramona Park Broke My Heart vibes.
1. Black&Blue
“Black&Blue” is a lane that works very well for Vince Staples.
I actually think “Black&Blue” is clearly the best track on this album. The soulful, hard-hitting production is outstanding, the simple but hypnotic chorus is life-changing, the sporadic flow that Vince raps with is excellent, and his lyrics about feeling incomplete despite having money and fame is deep as hell. Overall, I just think this track is perfect and has serious replayability.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Close Your Eyes & Swing (N/A)
2. Black&Blue (5/5)
3. Government Cheese (4/5)
4. Children’s Song (4/5)
5. Shame On The Devil (5/5)
6. Etouffee (4.5/5)
7. Liars (N/A)
8. Justin (4.5/5)
9. “Radio” (4/5)
10. Nothing Matters (4.5/5)
11. Little Homies (4.5/5)
12. Freeman (4.5/5)
13. Why Won’t The Sun Come Out (N/A)
RGM RATING
(B+) (89%)
It’s official: This album deserves number 1 on Apple Music’s top 100 albums list.
Yes, I’m being sarcastic in that first paragraph, but at the same time, I do think this album is very good. In it, we get a deeply introspective and honest version of Vince Staples, who understands his strengths and weaknesses as a black man from the hood who now has a bit of clout. He also talks his s**t often, reminding us that he still has a bit of a killer inside him. Though I think Vince is usually funny as hell, ain’t s**t funny in this project, and that’s word to Cam Thomas.
As impressive as Vince Staples’s lyrics are on this project, the sonic experience is equally remarkable. Though Dark Times does have its somber vibes, they are presented in very exciting ways. Mainly using a laid-back tone, Vince delivers some very fulfilling choruses, exciting flows, and powerful words. Also, many beats are multi-layered and punchy enough to keep your attention. All in all, with this project, Vince proves he’s the best on this planet at meshing a laid-back style with exciting background elements.
Vince Staples should be protected at all costs.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
