Header photo by Noam Galai*
By: Sun Noor
Earlier this week, Vince Staples mentioned that he would treat fans to something special before the release of his fourth coming full length record. In a statement regarding the release, Staples wrote, “I took time off from recording my next album to make a very special project dedicated to my biggest fan and supporter since day one. He said he needed something that represented him and where he comes from so here it is.” Many including myself were anticipating a few new singles or an EP let alone an eleven track project. Either way, FM! is quite the fun and refreshing record.
Staples has been very consistent with his releases over the past couple of years releasing at least once project per year whether it be his mixtapes, EPs or even full length records. He also spoke about having an another record in the works after putting out his single “Get the Fuck off My Dick” earlier this year. However, the track is not featured on FM! In fact, this twenty-two minute record does raise a few questions with regards to whether it could be considered as a full length album as it contains the same amount of songs as the average record but is also similar in length to an EP. Either way, FM! is perfectly encapsulates Staples’ idea of his hometown of Long Beach. Interestingly, he collaborated with the Los Angeles based FM radio broadcast Big Boy’s Neighbourhood, setting up this record is the form of a radio show with several skits alongside the interludes. My favourite aspect of this record mostly focusses on the production, especially the smooth transitions between tracks. The first five seconds of the opening track “Feels Like Summer” consists of snippets from each track as well as a speed through conversation from Big Boy’s neighbourhood before Staples’ first verse. The record is quite heavy with several other collaborations including Earl Sweatshirt, Kehlani, Jay Rock, E-40, Kamaiyah and Tyga. As well, producers alongside Kenny Beats such as Hagler for “Relay, ” Cubeatz for “Don’t Get Chipped” and KillaGraham for the closing track “Relay” are featured on FM! Despite Earl Sweatshirt and Tyga’s interludes being the shortest tracks aside from the skits, the eleven track album wraps up quite quickly, which allows for it to be replayed endlessly without ever getting tiring.
Stream FM! Below:
https://open.spotify.com/album/1XGGeqLZxjOMdCJhmamIn8?nd=1
Vince Staples is due to support Childish Gambino for the final dates for his “This is America” tour a few weeks from now. Click here to view all tour dates.
Keep up with all things Vince Staples here.
Watch the video for “FUN!” below:
For the Record 
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