Vince Staples is such a real one.

Vince Staples has quietly placed Cry Baby inside the album-of-the-year conversation. It is deep, eclectic, and another strong entry in the winning streak he has maintained for years. The album became more complete when “Tulsa, OK,” previously available only on vinyl, reached streaming services.

“Tulsa, OK” features production that feels both haunting and energetic. The eerie synthesizers, crazy bass, and guitars create an ’80s Halloween party where something has gone terribly wrong. Vince uses that backdrop to examine an ugly question: Why does society continue directing so much hatred toward Black people?

His historical reference is the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, when a white mob destroyed a prosperous Black neighborhood. Vince presents the tragedy as evidence that minding your business and building success have never guaranteed safety from white supremacy.

Instead of delivering the message through a grave performance, Vince adopts a squeaky, nearly cartoonish vocal style. He sounds unserious in the most serious way, creating a contrast that makes every line more unsettling. His writing remains sharp and politically charged.

Adding “Tulsa, OK” to streaming was the right move. The record is captivating alone, but its themes and production make it a must-listen.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.