Vince Staples, 'Summertime '06'

Vince Staples, 'Summertime '06'

Vince Staples released one of the most impressive debut albums since Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city. This 20-track album is a dark, addictive one-hour look at the world through the eyes of a 22-year-old who’s fed up with the bullshit in life. The Long Beach, Calif. native is a commanding communicator and is objectively honest. Staples doesn’t gloss over or glorify; whatever he’s documenting, he discusses the good and the bad in intricate detail. With each bar, he paints a picture of the subject he’s tackling, such as love (“Summertime”), solitude (“Lift Me Up”) and fakers (“Street Punks”). Even though it’s a double disc LP, the album doesn’t feel too long and boasts amazing production by DJ Dahi, Clams Casino and Def Jam’s secret weapon, No I.D. Summertime '06 is a frank look at life by a smart dude from the hood who’s had the bliss of childhood end too soon.