Background
Vince Staples hails from Ramona Park California, which is mentioned in about every other song. But unlike other guys who peaked in their hometown, Vince has good reason to rap about Ramona Park - his entire life is connected there. Let’s learn why by reviewing some of his best work.
Outstanding Track #1: Étouffée (Dark Times, 2024)
I remember reading the first comment on this track when Dark Times dropped: this is song of the decade. And it is true - the chorus on this song is something else, and it makes for a truly enlightening listen.
Outstanding Track #2: 745 (Big Fish Theory, 2017)
Off of Vince Staples’ Big Fish Theory (which many argue is his best), 745 is a completely different vibe than the rest of the album. It makes you feel, for lack of a better word, underwater, exploring a world different from your own. Only Vince can make you feel like this.
Outstanding Track #3: TAKING TRIPS (VINCE STAPLES, 2021)
Released in the middle of lockdown, this album inspires infinite nostalgia among any current 17/18 year old. This album is truly a transformative experienced if listened to correctly, and TAKING TRIPS is just the feather in its cap.
Album Review: Summertime 06’ (2015)
If To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar was not released in 2015, this would have been album of the year. As it is, it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. From the opening track, Ramona Park Legend Pt. 1, to the closing, Summertime 06’ is a journey into the heart, mind and soul of Vince Staples. To begin, you have a very powerful track titled “Lift Me Up”, followed by Vince’s most streamed song, “Norf Norf”. The rapping on this song is some of the best in his entire catalog - 3 minutes of virtually uninterrupted bars. Then, at the end of Disc 1, songs like Jump Off The Roof and Summertime close it out nicely, before Disc 2 begins. Vince doesn’t spend any time warming up, though - after Ramona Park Legend Pt 2, we immediately get 3230, arguably the best song on the album and one of his best songs overall. From there, the album finishes as it started: loud and strong. For a debut album, this is arguably one of the best, right up there with classics like The College Dropout and Operation: Doomsday (it’s not quite the level of illmatic, but then, is anything?). Overall, this album is absolutely a joy to listen to.
Standout Tracks: 3230, Jump Off The Roof, Norf Norf
Album Score: 9.8/10
Conclusion
Summertime 06’ represents the start of one of, if not the most underrated rapping careers of our generation. Vince Staples doesn’t get nearly as much recognition as he deserves - hopefully, this article changes that. Thank you for reading another edition of Weekly Review!