Vince Staples
Vince Staples · 2021
22 min · 10 tracks · hip-hop
A concise blend of introspective lyricism and minimalist production that captures the essence of modern West Coast hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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LAW OF AVERAGES — This track effectively encapsulates the album's exploration of fate and personal responsibility, showcasing Staples' ability to weave complex narratives into his verses.
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SUNDOWN TOWN — With its haunting production, this track delves into themes of identity and survival, illustrating Staples' introspective approach to storytelling.
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TAKE ME HOME — This song stands out for its emotional resonance, where Staples reflects on nostalgia and belonging, blending vulnerability with incisive social commentary.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's minimalist production and introspective lyrics create a focused listening experience that stands out in modern hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of sparse instrumentation, often relying on minimal beats and ambient sounds that allow the lyrics to take center stage.
- Each track maintains a relatively short length, averaging around two to three minutes, which contributes to a brisk overall pace.
- Lyrically, the album employs a stream-of-consciousness style, with Staples often reflecting on personal experiences and societal issues without traditional verse-chorus structures.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short bursts of introspective energy
- vivid storytelling with sharp focus
- engaging in-order listening experience
- quick reflections on identity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, expansive albums
- seek slower, more mellow vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Vince Staples' self-titled album marks a significant point in his career as his fourth studio release, following the critically acclaimed 'FM!' in 2018. By 2021, Staples had firmly established himself as a unique voice in hip-hop, known for his sharp commentary and innovative soundscapes. This album showcases his artistic evolution while reflecting on personal themes and societal issues.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Isaiah Rashad· Saba· Mick Jenkins
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 ARE YOU WITH THAT? 2:18
- 2 LAW OF AVERAGES 2:19
- 3 SUNDOWN TOWN 2:30
- 4 THE SHINING 2:40
- 5 TAKING TRIPS 2:37
- 6 THE APPLE & THE TREE 1:08
- 7 TAKE ME HOME 2:46
- 8 LIL FADE 2:12
- 9 LAKEWOOD MALL 1:17
- 10 MHM 2:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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