While most double disc albums tend to have separate characteristics, Vince Staples continues his right vs. wrong, life vs. death path on the second half of the collection. Whether Staples is rapping about the drug game or a lady interest, explicit details are never lacking and the Long Beach native always has an authentic story to tell. Staples has a natural ability to identify what’s real and what’s fake on records such as the head-nod inducing “Street Punks”, but he is able to make an even more substantial statement on “Might Be Wrong”, which features relevant commentary on the racial violence that has recently plagued our country rather than any rapping. The sinister tone that is prevalent across the LP is only appropriate for the unfortunate realities that have run rampant in Staples life, and therefore live in his artistic DNA. As Summertime 06’ nears its end, the closing tracks of “C.N.B.” and “Like It Is” accurately represent the album’s central juxtaposition as the former takes on a haunting, rather cold-hearted vibe while the latter features Staples in a reflective, solution-orientated, more hopeful state of mind.
There is no denying that Summertime ‘06 is a somewhat challenging listen. An untrained ear may be intimidated by the overarching sonic style of the short form 20-track collection, and Vince Staples is not your typical West Coast gangster rapper who glorifies the slinging in the ghetto lifestyle. The Long Beach artist admirably tackles beats that would scare most emcees, especially those who are delivering a debut studio album. To fully understand the concept of Summertime ’06, it is essential to read this note written by Staples himself: “Its crazy how little you notice and how greatly those things impact. Summer of 2006, the beginning of the end of everything I thought I knew. Youth was stolen from my city that Summer and I’m left alone to tell the story. This might not make sense but that’s because none of it does, we’re stuck. Love tore us all apart. Summertime ’06, June 30th.” This is an album that strives to make sense of a tormented past and Staples lays out his individual worldview with a harsh, yet effective level of honesty. Thanks to a talented supporting cast of producers/rappers/singers behind him, the legend of Ramona Park is able to bring his complex story to life on this album and not only advance as a well-respected artist, but also grow as a black man who is no stranger to the struggle.
Repeatable: “Senorita”, “C.N.B.”, “Like It Is”
Skippable: “Loca”, “Surf”
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