Vince Staples delivers one of his most daring sonic evolutions yet on “Cry Baby.”
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TOP 5 SONGS
5. TV Guide
There are moments when Vince Staples sounds like Kendrick Lamar’s highly capable backup quarterback, and “TV Guide” is one of them. The detached chorus and edgy, upbeat instrumentation instantly reminded me of the atmosphere Kendrick created on untitled unmastered. and To Pimp a Butterfly.
That said, Vince separates himself through his writing. Instead of merely borrowing a vibe, he uses it as a vehicle for his own observations. Throughout the track, he reflects on television’s influence on his worldview, exploring how constant media exposure can distort perception and quietly shape how people think.
As someone who spent far too much time watching Skinemax back in the day, I can’t pretend I don’t understand where he’s coming from.
4. Blackberry Marmalade
“Blackberry Marmalade” finds Vince Staples stepping into alternative rock territory, with a punk-leaning instrumental that packs more punch than an Abdul Carter tweet. The tempo races forward, giving Vince plenty of room to glide across the chaos. Instead of relying strictly on bars, he mixes in a wavy melodic delivery with bursts of rapping, making the song feel both hypnotic and confrontational.
Lyrically, Vince tackles heavy realities. He speaks on systemic oppression, racism, and the constant pressure placed on Black communities to survive inside structures never built for them. For those of y’all hoping to ease into Vince’s world with this album, this intro definitely doesn’t let you do that… Nope.
3. White Flag
“White Flag” thrives on a stylish and highly agile instrumental that never sits still. Vince sounds right at home over it, floating over the beat with his signature relaxed cadence before occasionally accelerating his flow for added impact. The melodic chorus is especially effective, pulling the listener deeper into the song’s atmosphere.
Beneath the captivating production lies a dense collection of themes. Vince touches on failing relationships, exhaustion, betrayal, racism, and the challenges of enduring constant pressure. And while it’s open to interpretation, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was aimed at ChudTheBuilder.
2. Go! Go! Gorilla!
“Go! Go! Gorilla” might be the song that left me feeling the most conflicted on the project. The subject matter is undeniably heavy, as Vince Staples reflects on the experiences of young Black men being stopped by police and the complications, fear, and false narratives that can follow.
Yet musically, the song is an absolute blast. The instrumental bursts with momentum thanks to its vibrant guitar work, upbeat rhythm, and infectious energy. Add in a ridiculously catchy chorus and some of Vince’s most dynamic flows on the album, and you get a track that’s difficult not to enjoy.
This s**t makes me want to play Food & Liquor again (I miss the old Lupe Fiasco… Not this one that looks like he can whoop my ass).
1. Cotton
With its toe-tapping groove and lively momentum, “Cotton” finds Vince at his most engaging. His repetitive yet effective hooks, paired with a charismatic vocal performance, make for an instantly memorable listen.
Beneath the song’s upbeat surface, Vince explores deeper ideas surrounding labor, culture, community, and perseverance. He reflects on both historical and modern challenges facing America, but never allows the track to become weighed down by pessimism. Instead, hope remains at the center of the conversation.
If there’s one song on the project that begs to be replayed and shared with others, it’s this one.
SONG-BY-SONG RATINGS
1. Blackberry Marmalade (4/5)
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RGM RATING
(84%)
Cry Baby marks another bold entry in Vince Staples’ catalog, arriving two years after Dark Times with a noticeably darker and more abrasive sonic identity. This time, Vince leans deeper into a fusion of noise rock, post-punk, distorted Americana, and hip-hop, creating a soundscape that feels tense, fragmented, and alive.
The album’s themes cut into race, policing, media conditioning, betrayal, and the emotional fatigue that comes with navigating modern American life. The production often mirrors that instability, using unusual structures, eerie tonal shifts, and stripped-down moments that heighten the sense of discomfort. Still, Vince’s presence keeps everything centered. His writing is precise, often understated, and filled with sharp observational detail.
What makes the project compelling is how it balances heaviness with replay value. Even when the subject matter turns bleak, Vince finds ways to keep the music engaging through rhythmic flows, memorable hooks, and unpredictable sonic choices.
Cry Baby ultimately reinforces Vince Staples’ reputation as an artist who thrives in discomfort, turning unease into something strangely addictive and deeply considered.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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